I have just connected a router and it has a sp1 firewall.I want something to control outbound only.What would be the lightest to use
if you are still using windows Xp then Sygate 5.6 is good. No longer being developed so not bloated like many others. An Old version of Kerio would be ok and if you want the latest and greatest Online Armor free - just the firewall. Is there some particular reason why you feel the need for a software firewall ?
I use Comodo 2.4 behind a router without any problems or slow downs. It does use some memory. Some recommend Look'N'Stop with the network monitor turned off, but its not free. Another approach would be to use a HIPS like System Safety Monitor or Dynamic Security Agent, both free. Both of these have been tested by Matousec and are effective under his test conditions, and offer other benefits, which are probably the real reason for using HIPS.
Do i need one.In the set up it just says enable firewall.I pass shields up but with no pop ups it feels like i am not protected.
The router is inbound only, so you'll be ok on Shields Up, but if you want outbound protection/popups/alerts/etc then put one of the many software firewalls on too. Try a few and see which you like... some have been mentioned above already.
Well as long as no malware creeps onto your computer you don't technically "need" one. I think it's a good idea to have some means toward filtering outbound. SSM is a good solution for a light outbound only/HIPS setup. Your router & Windows Firewall with "no exceptions" checked will provide sufficient inbound protection, yes.
thanks,decided to use proxy firewall to just control outbound.On their website it says my firewall is not hiding my ip address,does this matter.If i was using something like look n stop would that have done it.
Hi waters. You might look into a proxy service such as XeroBank or the like. Also, for a good outbound protection firewall you should check out COMODO Firewall Pro 3.0 and when installing it make sure to disable the Defense+ (unless you want a full host intrusion prevention system).
None of the firewalls will hide your IP. I don't think it's important anyway, but that's just my opinion, some others may want this, but unless you have a good reason to hide it, I don't think it matters....
