Free Firewall, Should I go "Zone Alarm" or "Komodo?"

[uberman]

I'm tired of bothersome programs calling in and out on me, so I thought I'd get a firewall. I just can't decide whether to go with "Zone Alarm" or "Komodo?"

http://www.zonealarm.com/security/en-us/zonealarm-pc-security-free-firewall.htm


http://www.comodo.com/home/internet-security/firewall.php

Looking for advice on which one to go with. thanks in advance for any and all suggestions.

PS: The new AVAST Free Anti-Virus updates automatically even with automatic updates are turned off. It also phones home many times a day and the adjustment only allows you to have it phone home less often. It will phone home.
After you dodge the Free Toolbars that Avira wants to install during installation you can turn off automatic updates, but it will update anyway.
The updates etc knock my computer out of action by stealing all of my bandwidth of 1.1 mbps.
BTW, I always update my Superantispyware and Anti-Virus whenever I go online.

 

[Chiefcrowe]

I'd lean towards Comodo although I haven't used it in a while so maybe others will reply with more recent feedback.

 

[MontyAC]

I'm using Comodo and it does the job for my systems.

 

[manko]

If you use Windows 7 or 8, you can use the built-in firewall with a utility like Windows 8 Firewall Control. That gives you an easy interface to allow or block programs making unwanted connections.

http://www.sphinx-soft.com/Vista/index.html

 

[Ketchup]

Every time I tried Zone Alarm it significantly slowed down my Internet. I use the Windows Firewall, and tweak as needed.

 

[taq8ojh]

If you use Windows 7 or 8, you can use the built-in firewall with a utility like Windows 8 Firewall Control. That gives you an easy interface to allow or block programs making unwanted connections.

http://www.sphinx-soft.com/Vista/index.html

This, million times (minus the third party addition, but that's just my taste). Just in case some people don't know (I didn't for a LONG time), Windows 7's builtin firewall finally does NOT profanity removed. It's actually pretty damn good.



This is a tech forum. You've been warned already.



esquared
Anandtech Forum Director

 

[Berryracer]

Every time I tried Zone Alarm it significantly slowed down my Internet. I use the Windows Firewall, and tweak as needed.

ditto! Windows Firewall is best for me, now slow downs in internet browsing or downloads

 

[Auric]

Comodo Firewall 5 is good and free however it is actually a comprehensive internets security proggy, and while components can be enabled selectively the complete installation and GUI remains. According to numerous posts on their forum, version 6 GUI has been rendered difficult to use in an attempt to make it simpler.

Another "Windows Firewall Control" which is likewise not free for full functionality:
http://www.binisoft.org/wfc.php

A free independent firewall:
http://www.privacyware.com/PF_support.html

More recommendations here:
http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-firewall-protection.htm

 

[nemesismk2]

I have always used Windows firewall

 

[Kaido]

I typically use Windows Firewall, but Comodo is great for more (easier) control. I used to be a huge ZoneAlarm fan, but it really slows down your computer these days.

 

[balloonshark]

I've been using Online Armor firewall since its release. Its current version is a little noisy with Windows 8 but a new version is should be out soon.

 

[gevorg]

A free independent firewall:
http://www.privacyware.com/PF_support.html

Best one, IMHO, especially against the built-in Windows one.

 

[manko]

Another "Windows Firewall Control" which is likewise not free for full functionality:
http://www.binisoft.org/wfc.php

Bookmarked, thanks. I've been using the other one I linked since Vista without issues, but it's always good to have alternatives.

 

[John Connor]

I'm using an older version of Comodo. The new one just sucks and adds a widget to your desktop and install Dragon and other crap like Geek Buddy. But the older version is all you need. Just install it and update. When updated the interface will remain the same. I'm using 5.519*********.

If your using x64 OS just choose the first one. http://www.oldapps.com/comodo_firewall.php

 

[Kaido]

Tinywall is also good:

http://tinywall.pados.hu/

 

[John Connor]

I do use Privatewall on the thin client. http://www.privacyware.com/PF_support.html

But I like comodo's ability to block gratuitous ARP frames, fragmented IP datagrams, protocol analysis and protecting the ARP cache. What firewall does that? Great to block man in the middle attacks.

LIke I said, use the older one though. The newer firewall is just blaha I wish they haven't changed the interface and all the options that you had with the older versions. The newer firewall is more than likely updated for its anti-virus and defense mechanisms and not the firewall its self so the old one will suffice. I have a router with SPI and IP tables so I technically don't need a firewall, but for established connections, SPI and IP tables don't stop cache poisoning and weaseling through your open port that you establish when you surf the net or play an online game. Plus, you can block outgoing requests. You can't do that with a router. Well, you could with IP tables, but there is so much memory with routers and that list can be very long. Comodo has a game mode you can select too. I have had no performance issues with it while gaming. However, you have to add the rule to connect to the game servers at first run of a game. ALT + TAB and allow the rule. I would change the default popup time to 240 seconds and select the option learn safe applications.

I haven't used Zonealarm in years, but when I did I was getting craptastic performance while gaming.

 

[Auric]

I'm using an older version of Comodo. The new one just sucks and adds a widget to your desktop and install Dragon and other crap like Geek Buddy. But the older version is all you need. Just install it and update. When updated the interface will remain the same. I'm using 5.519*********.

If your using x64 OS just choose the first one. http://www.oldapps.com/comodo_firewall.php

I have 5.12.256249.2599 and its updater reports "up-to-date". The most recent installed files are from Nov 2012. oldapps has 5.3.181415.1237 from Feb 2012. Please confirm your version and how obtained.

 

[IGemini]

Comodo has always required the site download to do the major updates, as I recall. Once they're on a new version they don't maintain the updates for the old ones (5.12 is the newest for the previous revision). I'm not fond of the v6 GUI but I've gotten used to it, you can avoid installing Dragon and GeekBuddy if you aren't a complete slave to "click next syndrome." The widget can be turned off, I don't use it.

Firewalls are more useful for keeping malicious software out...if your motivation is to prevent software you allowed on your computer from connecting out, maybe you should reconsider keeping those.

 

[John Connor]

I have 5.12.256249.2599 and its updater reports "up-to-date". The most recent installed files are from Nov 2012. oldapps has 5.3.181415.1237 from Feb 2012. Please confirm your version and how obtained.

I'm not sure where I got it from. It was either from oldapps or old version. It's not there any more. I can upload it through my FTP if you want.

Your avatar is funny. Who is that?

 

[SlickR12345]

Comodo actually has a free security suite, so you can use that for full protection, its really great, one of the best.

I've tried Avast 8, AVG free 2014, Bitdefender total security 2014 and Commodo security suite free and I must say Comodo has been the best.

Its also great for capturing unknown viruses and you also have option to instantly upload them to be analyzed.

Zonealarm firewall used to be great, but in the past 2 years its been subpar.

If they don't majorly redesign their firewall and for that matter their offerings they are going to fall behind.

 

[denis280]

I also use Windows Firewall

 

[lxskllr]

..if your motivation is to prevent software you allowed on your computer from connecting out, maybe you should reconsider keeping those.

That's how I see it. If you can't trust your software with net access, you can't trust it at all.

 

[Dr. Canny]

I am extremely satisfied with Windows Firewall. I haven't had a single problem using it, ever!

 

[Revolution 11]

Whatever you pick, I suggest you keep current with your backups and keep multiple copies of the entire system. I used Comodo in the past and the firewall bugged out and locked me out. I could not ever start any new process or alter the firewall itself. Had to use System Restore to reset the Comodo settings so I could remove it.

Never had this problem with ZoneAlarm but its possible.

 

[John Connor]

Been using Comodo for about 5 years on many computers and never once ran into such a problem.