Yet another firewall advice topic!

I know this has been probably discussed many times in the past, and I myself have asked for firewall advise before. I also know most people do not recommend the free firewalls over the pay ones, but IF you had to chose one of the four main freebies(Kerio, Outpost, LNS, ZAF), which would you chose and why?
Also is there a current web site somewhere that reviews all four of the above mentioned's current versions?
I personally would love to try ZAF, but still cannot get it to install due to hanging on the reboot, and my other post on this produced no working results.

 

Mornin', Slovak!

Unfortunately, I don't think that my response will be of much help to you, but ... I use ZoneAlarm, and I use it for the very worst of reasons: it's a 'set it and forget it' program. The fact that it works, and works well, doesn't change another fact, that being that I really should take the time to look into other options.

 

I think dangitall's reasons for using ZAfree are completely valid and wise.

Not everyone cares to learn the ins and outs of firewalls, and ZAfree is generally a secure, safe option - and certainly far better than a more demanding firewall that has been misconfigured by the user.

EDIT: Just realized that ZAfree is not an option for Slovak - too bad. It's been a real long while since I fooled around with Sygate and Kerio, but I think they are both good if you don't mind the learing curve. I don't even remember which one I found to be more difficult (Kerio?). Bottom line: if you can learn to use 'em correctly, you can't go wrong with either. You'll only know by giving them some time on your machine. If you can't deal with either, Outpost free will work. I'm an Outpost user myself, but the free version has not been updated in quite some time, so I would suggest you try this last. I also wonder if the free suites that include a firewall (like Panda - see elsewhere on Wilder's forums) would be something you'd consider.

Regards
Optigrab

 

"personally would love to try ZAF, but still cannot get it to install due to hanging on the reboot, and my other post on this produced "


Its very odd for ZA not to install. There is a conflict that in my guess is the VSMON conflicting with another program in start-up.
Have seen this when people try to un-install ZA but do so inproperly and then try to install another firewall. Or try to install ZA over another firewall.
The question that comes to mind is if a firewall other than ZA will now install properly on your system?? The firewalls gurus here can best answer that for you.

 

How do I stealth all my ports in Kerio? That is the current one I am trying, and a few different firewall testing sites I have visited all recommended to stealth my ports.

 

Anyone?

 

There are some great free firewalls out there. It is usually a matter if you want/need the extra features the pay versions usually offer over the free.

LnS Lite is free, but not LnS.

Regards,

CrazyM

 

Which ports are testing as non-stealth?
Are they showing as Open or Closed?
Have you checked your rules for anything that may be allowing this?

I believe the latest version of the new Kerio is 4.0.13 (2004.02.26), is this what you are using?

Regards,

CrazyM

 

Yes, I am using the latest version of Kerio, and the ports show as closed, but I have no idea how to stealth them, there was quite a few, I don't remember which ones though.

 

Hi Slovak

You are still secure with closed ports.

I have not used the v4.x Kerio, but have you tried a Block All Inbound rule in your Advanced Rules and see if that gets you stealth results?

Regards,

CrazyM

 

Not yet, but I will try it here in a few and post the results.

 

Slovak,

I've been using Kerio 4.0.13 since it came out and all my ports are always stealthed.

See my settings in the picture.

 

Thanks, I will try it set that way.