Does Free Avast Antivirus Have A Firewall?

woodbine said:

I'm just about to change from paid Avira Pro to free Avast antivirus. The Avira had a firewall, but does the free Avast have one? If not, what should I do? Am I right in thinking that my Win7 has a firewall, and if yes, is it enough to rely on this?

Thanks for any advice.

No, Avast Free doesn't have a fire wall. I recommend using ZoneAlarm Free Firewall (it's what I've been using since my XP days).

By default Windows 7 activates it's built in firewall when no other firewall is installed.

I use the built in Windows 7 firewall on my system.

Jack

woodbine said:

Thanks for your reply Layback Bear. I have just installed ZoneAlarm f/w. I see that my Windows firewall on the control panel is turned off. Should this be on, or would it conflict with the ZoneAlarm?

Win 7's firewall would conflict with ZoneAlarm so it needs to remain off.

As Jack said, Win 7's firewall will be on by default unless you (or another firewall shuts it off). A firewall helps to prevent unwanted transmissions in and out of the computer. Without one, your computer has an increased risk of getting infected and having data stolen. A firewall won't prevent nasties but it will improve security.

After installing ZoneAlarm, be sure to actually read any popups that pop up (there will be a lot for the first week or few until you get ZoneAlarm trained). You do not want to fall into the habit many do of just quickly clicking what pops up without reading it to see what the correct choice should be.

Firewalls are like anti virus programs. One at a time.
One active firewall and one active anti virus program at a time on one system.
You can add to that list; one active anti malware program.

I use MSE, active
Malwarebytes, active
Windows 7 built in firewall, active.

I also use other security programs (on demand) when I think it should be used.
No matter what one uses they still must have some knowledge of the 'do's and don't' when using any computing device.

One does not have to have a degree in computer science to use proper security methods when using their device/s. One will find many things not to do or things to do, right here on this forum. All one has to do is a little research and reading.

Jack