Is the Windows 7 RC 64 Bit Firewall any good?

[daw123]

Hello guys and girls,

I've recently upgraded my PC and I'm now running Windows 7 RC 64 Bit.

I used to use Zone Alarm when I had Windows XP 32 Bit and I liked it for its simplicity and effectiveness (I had very few viruses / malware get on my system in the five years plus of use).

Unfortunately, Zone Alarm doesn't work with Windows 7; http://forum.zonelabs.org/zone...essage.id=54637#M54637

I'm not sure how good the Windows Firewall is and if it's rubbish I would like recommendations for a suitable software-based alternative. In the latter case I would be willing to spend about £50-60 ($75-$90).

I would prefer to download it from the manufacturer rather than purchase packaged software.

The software can also have anti-virus, although this is not essential.

Thanks for your time and all advice / recommendations are appreciated.

 

[lxskllr]

XP on up I use Windows firewall. I like Antivir for A/V.

 

[tzdk]

Windows Firewall is only rubbish if you want it to do things it was never meant to. Actually from Vista and up firewall has more or less same type of controls as the "better" ones - but not so easy to set up http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=239750 So question is if you need/want more than what you get out of the box, not so much if it is no good. No reason not to expect it to work as advertised.

 

[daw123]

Thanks for the responses.

I'll read the link you posted txdk.

 

[tzdk]

Personally I would much rather get an easier to use 3rd party firewall if I had the need. Not much is ready for outbound control in Windows, have to do it yourself. Just about any alternativ firewall must be better, free or not Besides they often come with more stuff, intrusion protection and other gadgets. Firewall can be many things, can have some AV features even and so there are better arguments than just old "outbound" control, which is more for those with paranoia and lust for control. They will surely say Windows Firewall is inadequate/rubbish. They want more than prevention. But if all you want is inbound control Windows does cover that well, since XP.

 

[daw123]

Originally posted by: tzdk
Personally I would much rather get an easier to use 3rd party firewall if I had the need. Not much is ready for outbound control in Windows, have to do it yourself. Just about any alternativ firewall must be better, free or not Besides they often come with more stuff, intrusion protection and other gadgets. Firewall can be many things, can have some AV features even and so there are better arguments than just old "outbound" control, which is more for those with paranoia and lust for control. They will surely say Windows Firewall is inadequate/rubbish. They want more than prevention. But if all you want is inbound control Windows does cover that well, since XP.

What would you recommend, mate? I'm willling pay for simplicity, but effectiveness.

 

[tzdk]

I really dont know much about those firewalls. Must also work with what else you have so dont know. But can always give link to this test http://www.matousec.com/projec...-challenge/results.php and this forum http://www.wilderssecurity.com/forumdisplay.php?f=31 Yesterday I read a long thread about that test - not so straightforward perhaps http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=241856 boring but important not to trust too much.

Hunting down tools that are 100% effective and dont annoy users is not over - why all the chitchat and testing I guess. If you look at Symantec site they are specific about their firewall being "quiet" - if not it would not be popular. Others will say firewall should scream, notify about every change/action and be set up according to your rules blah blah. Silence = less control. Also goes for HIPS features watching every action. So a mess. Luckily I dont understand need for these tools. Windows Firewall, AV, Defender. Perhaps some internet shield like WOT http://www.mywot.com/ Rest is taken care of by Vista, good browsers and whats between ears Can compute safely without most actually.

On the other hand if I used much illegal software I might be more interested in "application control" - for good reasons if I remember correctly... not the case any more and since I also dont believe in mystery/invisible infections and attacks Im just ??? as to why I should complicate computer life. Ive had a control freak period as well but that also went away.

 

[tzdk]

Found this one you probably will see on any remmended list http://www.tallemu.com/comparisons.html see how much a "firewall" does, many more concerns than just internet connection. Several features might overlap your Antivirus/Antispyware/Suite thing you already have so check compatibility before buying.

Obviously Windows Firewall will always be rubbish in comparison but any other result is not possible. Because marketing says you need "online banking mode" does not mean you will be "hacked" if you go BAH! And if you buy it then not being able to manage it, making the effort to learn features could mean your security is hopeless/false. You just give permission and click away, like some do with UAC - if not disabled! Why you ask for simplicity but tiptop security I guess - can be difficult to find.