Due to problems with both the Outpost and Avast firewalls, I'm looking for a free firewall that works properly and reliably. I know that everybody has an opinion on this topic, but to be of use to me, I don't only need opinions, but the reasons for them. No, I don't expect an in-depth report, but simply the primary reason why one believes their firewall is better than others.
G'day seekmeister,
Well, I use the default Windows Firewall - the only reason, well, it just works. I don't have any problems or issues with it, and I think thats enough reason to use it.
Regards,
Golden
I use the Comodo firewall with the Defense + on. Once it learns your system, it only asks when something unusual is asking permissions. It is highly rated, and I'm happy with it. A Guy
Actually, the Windows Seven Firewall does do outbound if you create rules for it. Many use the Windows 7 Firewall Control application to make this task easier. A Guy
I see Comodo as a more complete firewall, and it's options are much easier to set up. It's Defense + is also another layer of security. I went to Comodo from Zone Alarm when I was using XP, and I found out how poorly ZA performed. When I got my 7 machine, I just used Comodo on that as well. And because it is still highly rated, found no reason to learn how to manually control the Windows firewall. A Guy
I tried Comodo once, a couple of years ago, and I can't now remember why, but I didn't like it. However, that is not an informed opinion, just a gut reaction on a very short trial. Your comment regarding it ease of use is important, because I don't understand firewall rules well enough to tackle them head on. That was the main reason that I liked Outpost, because you could set it in training, and it would automatically create it's own rules.
Most third-party firewalls are overrated and take nothing but resources from your computer. You want outbound protection? Why? You don't have the sense to control what you install?
A router, which most consumer routers have built in firewalls and by default block all outside access unless established from within the network. This means pretty much all traffic from the outside is blocked. That makes most of the firewalls you install on your computer as resourcing clogging paper weight that do absolutely nothing but prompt for every application that accesses the network. Accessing the network doesn't mean its trying to connect to the internet either.
If you are really wanting to have a full blown firewall, forget running one on your computer, that is the worst way to go. You need to get the firewall as close to the edge of your network as possible, by the time they get to your computer...its a time bomb just waiting. In other words, a hardware firewall. Before the router if possible.
But in my opinion, anything more then the a consumer router firewall for a home user is verging in on paranoia. Your network and computers are insignificant for an attacker (of skill, not some script kiddy child) to focus on you.
While you are entitled to your opinion, it seems unnecessary to attempt to impose it by using denigrating comments. You can call it nonsensical, paranoia or anything else that you like, but it shall not influence me in the least.
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