Looking for a good software firewall, preferably freeware

[StevenYoo]

Hi everyone,
I just got Roadrunner, and i must say its great. I don't have a router, so I need a software firewall for my PC.
What does everyone recommend? And is it freeware? What are best software firewalls, freeware or not?

 

[renorocks]

Two words : Black Ice
I like it, but there are a ton of options
Unfortunately for those of us who are not pirates, the software does cost $40 retail

 

[btvillarin]

Two come to mind: Tiny Personal Firewall and ZoneAlarm. TPF is a little more tecnical, while ZA is fairly easy to understand. Although this current version of ZA is working fine, I might go back to TPF. Either way, they're both excellent in stealthing your machine.

 

[btvillarin]

<< Two words : Black Ice >>



The reason why I wouldn't go with BlackICE Defender is because it didn't pass the LeakTest 1.1 offered at Shields Up!. Besides, why buy that when these two are FREE?

That's enough for now...I have some studying to do...

 

[igiveup]

Another commonly recommended packages is Zone Alarm, and it catches stuff on the way out. This can be really annoying though. I have had both and I like Black Ice, but part of me likes to know what programs want to do what on the internet, and Black Ice just won't do this.

Oh, and Zone Alarm is free too, for personal and education use. The standard version at any rate.

EDIT: God I type too slowly. Sorry!!!

 

[renorocks]

I just have to say that there is one big flaw in the concept of the leaktest
program. In order for it to run on a target machine, the user there has to
allow it to run.

Most trojans need to be allowed to run on the target machine before they can
take up residence and open back doors, or they hack in. Programs like
BlackIce, ZoneAlarm, etc. directly address hackers and trojans trying to
break into a system.

It isn't smart to download a program and run it before testing it for
viruses, trojans, etc. A good virus scanner like McAfee or Norton should do
the trick here.

With this combination you should be able to stop almost all trojans from
gaining residence on your machine.

 

[bevancoleman]

<<

<< Two words : Black Ice >>



The reason why I wouldn't go with BlackICE Defender is because it didn't pass the LeakTest 1.1 offered at <a class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://grc.com" target=blank>Shields Up!</A>. Besides, why buy that when these two are FREE?

That's enough for now...I have some studying to do... >>



LeakTest isn't good test for black ice as it isn't designed to stop out going test. Black Ice is exerlent at what is does, it just dosn't do what some people think it does.

Personally I would take anything said on GRC / Shields-up with a large dose of salt, some of what he says is correct, but much is hype and BS.

 

[Sunner]

I haven't used BlackIce, but my understanding is that it's more of an IDS than a firewall?

 

[Workin']

Why would you use Black Ice for $40 when ZoneAlarm is FREE (and better)?

 

[Slogun]

I have 3 words for you and they are these:

ZoneAlarm! ZoneAlarm! ZoneAlarm!

Been using it for years, it's free, it is well reviewed, it works great!

 

[Nothinman]

Nothin beats the configurability and reliability of a seperate box running Linux or a BSD =)

And, GRC is mostly hype and buzz words.

 

[rodney70460]

I suggest tiny personal firewall, its small :1.35mb, cheap :free,and easy to use,

 

[danielshoes]

What do you say about the firewall from Symantec (Norton Internet Security) or the firewall included in the McAfee package (it was called "Conseal Private Desktop", when it was from signal9.com, before acquisition by McAfee)?

 

[Workin']

<< What do you say about the firewall from Symantec (Norton Internet Security) or the firewall included in the McAfee package (it was called "Conseal Private Desktop", when it was from signal9.com, before acquisition by McAfee)? >>

It's "OK". Not as good as ZoneAlarm or TPF.

 

[dogmir]

well what is the opinon on norton personal firewall????? i know it isnt free but is it good bad allright???????

 

[HitmanXP]

Hey. Ive tried All the firewalls basically... BlackICE Defender is good because it can Identify a hacker... its alais's and everything ..something i wish norton could do. Now i personally run Norton Internet Security 2002 and i have to say its Phenominal. Definately go with this...it has the Antivirus and the firewall combined for just 70 bucks i think. Zonealarms...i have found it to be nagging...it cant really remember the programs u allow and block but it does a good job but for a beginner u would definately have a hard time understand it.

my Opinion: go with Norton Firewall 01 or 02.

( at the current time i have BlackICE Defender,Norton Internet Security 2002, and Windows XP Firewall. no im not studdering..thats 3 firewalls all under Windows XP ...lol try to break me j/k