Need suggestion regarding Free AV+Firewall

instead of running free software why don't you run some of the trials of the better regarded ones?most come with a 30day period after that trial another pair for 30days,if your looking after the PC an uninstall and install once per month for next few months is no big deal!!??

 

For free AV/FW combo, my suggestion is Rising Internet Security free 2009 if you like some easy and friendly, with a a good "trusted applications database" with "all" points covered (e-mail, web and scripts included) plus a router for inbound connections.

 

RIS is not free

 

Sorry but, There is a free version of RIS2009:

RISING Internet Security 2009 (RIS): http://rsdownload.rising.com.cn/for_down/rsfree/risfree09.exe

 

are u using it and does it have an expiry date?

 

I'm using it and not shows an expiry date & nags, updates frequently & normally.
RISING free versions are free, but when a newer version becomes (2008>2009) for maintaining free use with the last you must to uninstall the earlier and install after the newer free version. This can success every 1 year. Updating (without uninstalling before 2008free) the 2008 free to 2009 provides a trial (30 days) 2009 vers.

 

Hello

Sorry, I have been absent for feqw days, but here is the update:

I went for AVAST!+PCTools FW combo. Its a nice little tool, but problems cameout of the blue and XP just will not boot one day.
So had to reformat the PC again, removed PCTolls and tested Comodo Internet Security this time. For last two days, it seems to be running fine and one thing I would like to confirm that the overall memory consumption of CIS is less than the total of AVAST!+PCTools FW and also less than PCTools FW individually.
Lets see how CIS works out

BTW, instaling a important component of my system once a month is not an option

 

So were those the only security applications, or had you also kept Winpatrol and S&D w/TeaTimer when these problems occurred?
If the former, very unusual.

 

Hi Tarq57

As far as I can remember TeaTimer was running alright, but let me tell you that i have been personally this little program which protects my registry keys commendably, and it never created any problem.
Regarding Winpatrol sorry I am not sure, Its such a non interfering and silent program that you just tend to forget that it is still there

 

I'm not suggesting that there is anything wrong with Teatimer, nor Winpatrol. They are both useful programs, and popular for a reason.
What I'm suggesting is that the interaction between all of them may have caused a problem.

 

Hmmmm...may be I am not really sure. in my sister's PC I have been running Comodo FW+Avast Home+TT+WP, and there has never been a problem. So based on that experience I decided the combination of Comodo IS and others. Though honestly I am not sure how useful the AV component of Comodo is. :|

 

I read this thread and it seems that the standard settings are not "good enough" Further I have to turn off ESV because of blue screens and so on ...

So which one is the "easiest" FW with acceptable standard settings? I think this is ZA Free?

 

For newbies, I recommend:
Avira AV + PCTools Firewall

Easy as pie


For more advanced users, I recommend:
COMODO Internet Security


The ONLY all-in-one suite that comes absolutely FREE!!
Powerful firewall w/ powerful HIPS
Looking forward for the BOClean integration and improved engine for their AV.


Or you can use any of the Big Three A's (Avira, avast!, AVG) coupled with Online-Armor Firewall.
A very nice combo

 

I have found the combo
ZA free
Avira free
SAS free
very effective and light.I am impressed with ZA and remember the Avira soon will include antispyware and self protection i guess an unbeatable combo so far.

 

Thank you for your recommendations, I'm considering AVG 8.5 Free (because of full LinkScanner) + ZA Free

But maybe I'll also try Comodo Internet Security!

 

Hi

Just to remind people...

Re : PC Tools Firewall Plus

For anyone with - PC Tools Firewall Plus
I you are experiencing any of the following problems...
Blue Screens, Freezes, CPU Spikes, Manic hard drive activity - Or any other problems while using this Firewall.

Please Turn... Enhance Security Verification - OFF

Open ... PC Tools Firewall Plus
Click On - Settings
Click On - Filtering Tab
Un-Tick - Enable Enhanced Security Verification
Click On - Apply

I've got PC Tools Firewall Plus on both my Laptop and Desktop Computer ... But with.. ESV - OFF

Why?

Coz...
Starting Since Version 4 ... PC Tools Firewall Plus .. Now Comes With - Enhanced Security Verification ( ESV )
ESV .. Is a relatively new feature that PC Tools have added to their Firewall ... But It Has Problems
Can Cause.. High CPU Spikes, Manic Hard Drive, Freezes, Blue Screens
So!
Even though - PC Tools Firewall Plus .. Is a great little Firewall
Enhanced Security Verification .. Is Best Left - OFF .. Till they get it right!

Just remember to turn ESV - OFF .. And you should have No Problems at all

 

Hi ance

ESV is really easy to turn - OFF ( See instructions in my post above )

I've never tried ZA
Coz..
It's always sounded too complicated for me

Apart from the Firewall that you get with NIS 09 , N360 , etc.
I think PC Tools Firewall Plus is about as easy as two way Firewalls come
If I couldn't have PC Tools Firewall Plus...
I'd probably have to just use the Windows Firewall

Coz.. I'm A Firewall Thicko

 

It's just as easy to setup as NIS's Firewall.
But I think overall it's a better firewall than NIS's.