Kerio version query

Discussion in 'other firewalls' started by abanerji, Aug 2, 2006.

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  1. abanerji

    abanerji Registered Member

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    I am thinking of installing Kerio firewall on my Home PC. However, I am a bit confused as to which version. I have both versions 4 and the older 2.1.5. Which would be better?

    Thanks,

    My System details are :-

    PC : Compaq Presario P4, 256 MB RAM

    Windows version : XP-SP2

    AV : AVG Free 7

    Other protection software installed : DiamondCS ProcessGuard Free 3.405. About to install Ewido Anti-spyware 4.0 background scanner too.

    Current firewall software : Apart from firewall in broadband modem provided by ISP, using windows firewall

    Internet connection : Broadband. Also, falling back on dial-up when broadband is down.

    Spam filter software installed : No
     
  2. poirot

    poirot Registered Member

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    If i were you i'd keep the old 2.1.5 version, much much less resources-hungry ,easier to configure (there are many manuals around) and very effective.
    I tried one of the latest Kerio version, the one commercialised by Sunbelt, and i was not very happy,although i liked the firewall in theory,too many BSODS and malfunctions.
    I definetely think 2.1.5 would work better in a 256MB machine and do perfectly well what a firewall is supposed to do.
    Best wishes,poirot
     
  3. abanerji

    abanerji Registered Member

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    Thanks for your quick reply. Big help.
     
  4. farmerlee

    farmerlee Registered Member

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    I have just been using the latest version of Kerio and it seems to be a pretty good program imo. Doesn't use too much resources imo, about 20-30 mb on my computer which is acceptable. It has some very nice features and has run very nicely so far. I've never used version 2 but i personally don't feel very comfortable using old versions of software.
     
  5. abanerji

    abanerji Registered Member

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    Hello Poirot :

    I have just installed 2.1.5 ... no hitch. I managed to get the 2.1 User's Guide too. But, would've been happy if there was a "Kerio 2.1 for Dummies" :)

    A few queries from a firewall beginner.

    The Status Window shows lot of activity between KPF Engine (TCP) and KPF Console, even when I am not connected to internet. Pardon my ignorance, I hope this is normal conversation within KPF?

    I have kept Kerio at the default "Ask Me First" level. As a result, it keeps on asking me so many questions (Permit/Deny), which a guy like me doesn't know how to handle! Should I always select "Create appropriate filter rule and don't ask me again"?

    Shall be grateful for your answer to such basic questions from a novice.

    Thank you,
     
  6. Jarmo P

    Jarmo P Registered Member

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    kerio 2.1.5 definately over bloat & features not working ok 4.

    Abanerji, there are easier application based firewalls than kpf 2.1.5 that is rule based. I saw your post in dslreports kerio forum. There is a Blitzen Zeus's template to download and work from that. You can also find my post there as an example of a ruleset worked on that, from over a week ago.

    Wanted to post this though I don't post so often as there is still my question about IP/mask handling open and not answered.

    Jarmo

    EDIT
    Thinking about the memory you have, tiny 256 MB, stay with kerio 2.1.5, especially when you have that HW firewall as protection.
    When you have your application rules configured, you will not get many popups. I know it might be tough at first, so many things you don't know to answer and all that ;)
    Kerio 2.1.5 is a rather simple straighforward packet filter firewall though.
    And save your ruleset from time to time. I use to give date to every ruleset I save as a name, like 11082006.
     
    Last edited: Aug 11, 2006
  7. poirot

    poirot Registered Member

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    abanerji,just a quick reply:
    yes,could be normal conversation btw Kpf modules
    and no,i dont think you should grant permission to anything,try to understand what is ok and discard the rest by opening a new window and asking Google about the .exe involved.
    Once you establish a consistent set of rules the firewall will not ask in such an exagerated manner. I'll copy here for you a set of parameters for Kerio 2.1.5 which are very basic but i think are still effective and constitute a
    basis to proceed for you -if you want to go on with Kpf. They were written by a well known french security expert for kerio 2.1.5, name JacK:



    Warning- depending on your ISP, rule 22 and/or 23 will halt connection,
    you can then untick the impeding rule or delete it.
    I hope it helps , and a salute to Jarmo!
     
  8. abanerji

    abanerji Registered Member

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    Dear Poirot and Jarmo :

    I thank both of you. I have got plenty to digest now :)

    Regards,
     
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