Best firewall?

[AMDPwred]

I'm looking for the best free firewall. Any recommendations? Thanks!

 

[Techwhore]

for use as software on the machine or a dedicated firewall? For software to be used on a specific machine, try Zone Alarm

 

[AMDPwred]

I have a home network with 2 PCs and a printer (file sharing and all). I'm currently using a Linksys 4 Port router. I know they have one built in but how can I apply the settings or is it automaticly setup?

 

[Cougar1uhm1]

ZoneAlarm in combination with BlackICE.

You could try another firewall highly configurable, but you have to know everything about TCP/IP.

The first option seems mostly likely.

 

[Garion]

If you have a Linksys router, you've probably got all the firewall you need. The firewall portion is reasonably decent and is enabled by default. You should be plenty secure unless you do something dumb like place a computer in the DMZ.

If you want a second layer of coverage, install ZoneAlarm.

- G

 

[ctowle]

What are the advantages of using a combination of BlackIce and ZoneAlarm? It seems that they would fight each other.

 

[JackMDS]

As far as I could check it the Router?s Hardware Firewall is doing very good job controlling incoming junk.

However, it seems that they do not control the outgoing info (Adwares, and foistwares that call home).

Recently I came across shareware programs that install the ?Spy Components? before the EULA comes on. Even if you decide to abort, and do not install the program, the ?Junk? is already ?Spying? on your Surfing habits.

Take a look at this link:

More Foistware? (msbb.exe)

I would say that the best software Firewall is the one that you control In and Out traffic to the level of each port and application.

 

[Nighthawk69]

I highly recommend Zone Alarm.

 

[Quickfingerz]

Personally, I don't like ZoneAlarm. It has a "anyone can use me" interface.

BlackICE is good if you only need to filter incoming packets and that's what I use.