Looking for a new firewall (yes I read the security thread)

kwo

Golden Member
Mar 18, 2002
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Had ZoneAlarm - made my i8600 running Windows XP s.l.o.w. but stuck with it for several years.

Tried new Comodo - liked it...until I saw the huge memory footprint. Also, it caused weird missing font/black box problems under Maxthon, IE, and eventually rest of system if I didn't reboot. Removed Comodo...and problem gone.

Tried to install newest ZoneAlarm v7 - keep having this stupid, "don't have administrative rights" bug and aborted install after each of three attempts (yes, I cleaned out all ZA files and registry entry).

So, now trying to decide on what to install - the old free version of Kerio (as per the Anandtech security thread) or Ashampoo?

Thoughts? Suggestions?
 

Ultralight

Senior member
Jul 11, 2004
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Well I have Sunbelt's Kerio and it causes the occasional BSOD and this is after I upgraded to a newer version. I was getting a lot more BSODs with an earlier version. I'll be in the market for a new one around May but I must admit that combined with my router, NOD32 anti-vi, and Webroot's Spysweeper I haven't gotten a virus, spyware, or malware since.

Wilders Security Boards has a tremendous forum on Firewalls. I suggest checking it out. Make sure you scoll down far enough.
 

wirednuts

Diamond Member
Jan 26, 2007
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if you have an old pc lying aroung that you dont use, like an old pentium I or II pc, i would throw two nic cards in there and setup a smoothwall. by far the best firewall ive ever used, you cant beat the speed, security and ease of use...
 

Malak

Lifer
Dec 4, 2004
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Originally posted by: wirednuts
if you have an old pc lying aroung that you dont use, like an old pentium I or II pc, i would throw two nic cards in there and setup a smoothwall. by far the best firewall ive ever used, you cant beat the speed, security and ease of use...

Wouldn't a router work exactly the same way?
 

corkyg

Elite Member | Peripherals
Super Moderator
Mar 4, 2000
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I had ZoneAlarm Pro for years - then it got too bloated. Switched to free Z/A - then tried Comodo. No animation. (But - the latest version does have it.) I went with Kerio and it has been perfect in every way. It is so very controllable and does not slow the system down like Z/A Pro did.
 

Ultralight

Senior member
Jul 11, 2004
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Originally posted by: corkyg
I had ZoneAlarm Pro for years - then it got too bloated. Switched to free Z/A - then tried Comodo. No animation. (But - the latest version does have it.) I went with Kerio and it has been perfect in every way. It is so very controllable and does not slow the system down like Z/A Pro did.

corkyg, what version do you have of Kerio? Is it Sunbelt's latest?
 

Czar

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
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windows xp sp2 firewall, dont see why people really need anything more unless in some extreme situations
 

kwo

Golden Member
Mar 18, 2002
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thanks for the replies everyone.

- my laptop goes to many places with questionable security/router setup.

Hence my desire for a software firewall.

Yes, I do like monitoring outbound traffic - hence Windows Firewall doesn't really cut it.

I think I'm going to try Kerio. V215 is listed under the security thread as the latest free version, but I found reference to a later one with improved GUI that was also free. Anyone know where to find that?

Alternatively, I just found wind of another firewall - Jetico. Anyone use that?
 

Lemon law

Lifer
Nov 6, 2005
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From what I have heard jetico is excellent---but very hard to configure and keep configured. As for me, I still use sygate 5.5---certainly old, very small footprint, plays nice with my network, but probably not the best firewall around----but I am resisting having to go through the pain of switching firewalls on two networked computers.
 

corkyg

Elite Member | Peripherals
Super Moderator
Mar 4, 2000
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Originally posted by: Ultralight
corkyg, what version do you have of Kerio? Is it Sunbelt's latest?

4.3.268

 

corkyg

Elite Member | Peripherals
Super Moderator
Mar 4, 2000
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Originally posted by: Ultralight
Is that a Beta version or is it a full working version?

Full working, final, latest version.