Free Software Firewalls for Windows 7

[tw33k]

Free Firewalls for Windows 7

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Comodo Firewall Pro 3 v4.0 (32 and 64 Bit)
Features:
Host Intrusion Prevention System to protect system files
Blocks viruses and malware
Friendly GUI
Highly granular configuration options
Understandable and informative alerts
Wizard-based detection of trusted zones
Great level of protection
Easy of options for beginners



PC Tools Firewall Plus v6.0 (32 Bit)
Features:
Application monitoring
Detects Trojans, backdoors, keyloggers and other malware
Powerful default settings
Advanced packet filtering rules, including IPv6 support
Easy installation and immediate and automatic ongoing protection



[FONT=&quot]Outpost Firewall v2009 [/FONT](32 bit)
Features:
Standard packet and application filtering
Advanced protection against illegal program activity



[FONT=&quot]Zone Alarm Firewall v9.1 [/FONT](32 bit)
Features:
Basic network and program firewall
Simple interface and very easy to learn
Gaming mode



Private Firewall v7.0.20.37 (32 and 64 bit)
Features:
Advanced packet filtering
Process Detection
System Anomaly Detection
Intelligent Tray Alerts
Stealth Mode
Port Tracking and Reporting
Email Anomaly Detection



Windows Firewall (32 and 64 bit)
Windows Firewall helps you protect your computer against many types of malicious software.

Properly configured, it can stop many kinds of malware before they can infect your computer or other computers on your network. Windows Firewall, which comes with Windows Vista, is turned on by default and begins protecting your computer as soon as Windows starts. The Windows Firewall Control Panel is designed to be easy to use, with several configuration options and a simple interface.
Windows Firewall helps protect you by restricting other operating system resources if they behave in unexpected ways-a common indicator of the presence of malware. For example, if a component of Windows that is designed to send network messages over a given port on your PC tries to send messages by way of a different port due to an attack, Windows Firewall can prevent that message from leaving your computer, thereby preventing the malware from spreading to other users.
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This is for information only not for having debates about which is best.
It is not an exhaustive list. If the program you are looking for is not listed, click here for information.
Thank you

 

[Barman58]

Please keep this thread as a resource for other members & guests.

This is not directed at any member but a general statement

If you are having issues with a particular product please either start another thread or ask your question in one of the many threads on this subject that are already open.

   Warning

Unsuitable posts in this thread will be removed

 

[Creer]

Just a note: Please do NOT rely on Matousec test when you search for the firewall. The reason is simple Matousec tests all suites and firewalls which have HIPS implemented module.
The most of his tests - testing security software against leaks, and HIPS abilities.

This is why in his previous tests Look 'n' Stop - very powerful and strong PURE firewall (without HIPS module) took almost the latest position (~2% if my memory serves me well).
Pure firewall do what every firewall should do - filters packets, that's all.

So, if you are looking for Firewall, pure Firewall without addons like HIPS, anti-, etc - do NOT rely on Matousec tests.

 

[manhunter2826]

Nice list and thank you. Usual caveats about Comodo - see below. Make up your own mind
http://www.sevenforums.com/system-security/26477-dark-side-comodo-2.html

 

[Corrine]

Be aware that even some security products have taken to including pre-checked toolbars and other add-ons. For example:

-- Zone Alarm includes a pre-checked option to install ZoneAlarm Spy Blocker, which is a renamed version of the Ask Toolbar.

-- PC Tools Firewall Plus includes the Google Toolbar and Threatfire

-- Comodo includes the HopSurf Toolbar (another IAC product which replaced the Ask Toolbar)

(See Calendar of Updates, Installers Hall of Shame (Unwanted Add-on)).

 

[tw33k]

Good point Corrine. Many free programs are doing this now so yes, users need to ensure they pay attention to what they are agreeing to when clicking "Accept"

 

[manhunter2826]

Be aware that even some security products have taken to including pre-checked toolbars and other add-ons. For example:

-- Zone Alarm includes a pre-checked option to install ZoneAlarm Spy Blocker, which is a renamed version of the Ask Toolbar.

-- PC Tools Firewall Plus includes the Google Toolbar and Threatfire

-- Comodo includes the HopSurf Toolbar (another IAC product which replaced the Ask Toolbar)

(See Calendar of Updates, Installers Hall of Shame (Unwanted Add-on)).

Thanks as always Corrine. What I find really worrying is the annotation used during the install procedure. Spy Blocker: I would quite easily mistake that as part and parcel of ZoneAlarm's firewall setup, inherent to the working of the program

 

[antharr]

Windows 7 Firewall Control has worked very well for me. It just adds functionality to the built-in firewall.

Windows 7 Firewall Control : Sphinx Software

 

[Corrine]

Personally, I have found that the Windows 7 Firewall works great "out of the box" with the default settings. The only program it questioned permission to access the Internet was Trillian.

 

[CarlTR6]

Be aware that even some security products have taken to including pre-checked toolbars and other add-ons. For example:

-- Zone Alarm includes a pre-checked option to install ZoneAlarm Spy Blocker, which is a renamed version of the Ask Toolbar.

-- PC Tools Firewall Plus includes the Google Toolbar and Threatfire

-- Comodo includes the HopSurf Toolbar (another IAC product which replaced the Ask Toolbar)

(See Calendar of Updates, Installers Hall of Shame (Unwanted Add-on)).

You are right on target. I always use a custom install and read very carefully before I check or uncheck anything.

 

[D3ftOn3Z]

Here's a few to add on the list.

GhostWall FireWall

Free Firewall Download | Blocks Hackers Attempts, Identity Thefts, Spyware, Adware and Trojans

Ashampoo® FireWall FREE

I personally haven't use one of this. Just a recommendation i've found on another site.

Cheers.

 

[simmo]

If you want to be spammed endlessly then use "Free" ashampoo anything. I have used "Full Version" ashampoo software from discs published with magazines like PC Authority/User etc and found I get emails from ashampoo every second day asking me to buy this buy that.
So much so I have uninstalled the program and was promptly hit with a why did you uninstall the program etc from them.
Your choice.
Cheers

 

[Anderson2]

Windows 7 Firewall Control has worked very well for me. It just adds functionality to the built-in firewall.

Windows 7 Firewall Control : Sphinx Software

I too discovered W7FC and here are my comments:
a) the free version is very easy to use but it really is not adequate because it only allows "accept all" or "refuse all" options or allow in or out. No zones and no logging.

b) I (very briefly) tried the W7FC plus version and found it a little too confusing (even though I had used Zone Alarm for years in XP). Maybe I did not give it an adequate try because it was so brief a try.

c) in doing this I discovered that you must totally uninstall the plus version before re-installing the free version. Otherwise you get problems with blocking of ivP6, etc. I had wrongly assumed that because they were the same program one did not need to do so. Wrong!

I'm no expert in this but wonder
1) With Microsoft being such a target for attack, is it a problem that W7FC uses the same underlying engine as Windows 7's own firewall? Would be better to go with something like Comodo (ZA is getting a little long in the tooth) that is totally independent - always using a custom install and unselecting unwanted toolbars.

2) How important is the presence or absence of a HIPS module?

3) Other than avoiding the unwanted toolbars, is there any problem with Comodo free in W 7 ?

My 2 cents.

 

[CarlTR6]

Windows 7 Firewall Control has worked very well for me. It just adds functionality to the built-in firewall.

Windows 7 Firewall Control : Sphinx Software

I too discovered W7FC and here are my comments:
a) the free version is very easy to use but it really is not adequate because it only allows "accept all" or "refuse all" options or allow in or out. No zones and no logging.

b) I (very briefly) tried the W7FC plus version and found it a little too confusing (even though I had used Zone Alarm for years in XP). Maybe I did not give it an adequate try because it was so brief a try.

c) in doing this I discovered that you must totally uninstall the plus version before re-installing the free version. Otherwise you get problems with blocking of ivP6, etc. I had wrongly assumed that because they were the same program one did not need to do so. Wrong!

I'm no expert in this but wonder
1) With Microsoft being such a target for attack, is it a problem that W7FC uses the same underlying engine as Windows 7's own firewall? Would be better to go with something like Comodo (ZA is getting a little long in the tooth) that is totally independent - always using a custom install and unselecting unwanted toolbars.

2) How important is the presence or absence of a HIPS module?

3) Other than avoiding the unwanted toolbars, is there any problem with Comodo free in W 7 ?

My 2 cents.

1. There is nothing wrong with the engine in Windows firewall. You do not need to be afraid of that. ZA does not yet play nice with Windows 7; I am sure that will be fixed down the road.

2. The firewall expert will have to answer this one.

3. Some have reported problems with Comodo and PCTools running with Win 7. I have run both and had no problems with either one on my system. And I avoided the toolbars. I am currently running Comodo. Like yourself, I simply want it for outbound protection.

 

[Barman58]

I normally operate behind a hardware NAT firewall so need not really run any software firewall but I run Comodo firewall because on my home network other users have access and therefore I like to have the additional protection that this can bring.

Also with Netbooks and laptops that are used on "Other Peoples" networks such as Hotspots you never can be sure that the firewall is running and set correctly.

Comodo did have some issues with win7 during the early Beta stages but I have had no issues since this time.

To use Comodo, or any other professional standard firewall, you have to spend some time to learn it's operation and fine tune the options for the best compromise between protection and system usability.

For the majority of users behind a Hardware NAT firewall Windows Firewall is adequate, (windows firewall control is a good addition for better control).

 

[bobtran]

ZA free now plays nice with Win7 x64. Just make sure to do the custom install and read everything before the install. It wants to install a zone alarm toolbar which you can opt out of in the custom setup, it also wants to change your search engine to Google...so as always....be sure to read the fine print.

 

[kucing13]

for personal use,windows firewall does it job so far for me but to be more secure,i add comodo too. with normal setting

 

[CarlTR6]

I normally operate behind a hardware NAT firewall so need not really run any software firewall but I run Comodo firewall because on my home network other users have access and therefore I like to have the additional protection that this can bring.

Also with Netbooks and laptops that are used on "Other Peoples" networks such as Hotspots you never can be sure that the firewall is running and set correctly.

Comodo did have some issues with win7 during the early Beta stages but I have had no issues since this time.

To use Comodo, or any other professional standard firewall, you have to spend some time to learn it's operation and fine tune the options for the best compromise between protection and system usability.

For the majority of users behind a Hardware NAT firewall Windows Firewall is adequate, (windows firewall control is a good addition for better control).

Well stated, Nigel. I, too, use Comodo. My main reason for using it is the ease of blocking/controlling outgoing internet connections. I have had no problems with Comodo and Win 7. I, too, use Mae Lyne's notebook at WiFi hotspots and I like to know that computer is protected.

ZA free now plays nice with Win7 x64. Just make sure to do the custom install and read everything before the install. It wants to install a zone alarm toolbar which you can opt out of in the custom setup, it also wants to change your search engine to Google...so as always....be sure to read the fine print.

I am glad to hear this. I like ZA's interface and ease of use.

 

[malexous]

for personal use,windows firewall does it job so far for me but to be more secure,i add comodo too. with normal setting

Is Windows Firewall enabled?

It is not recommended to use two software firewalls.

 

[kucing13]

for personal use,windows firewall does it job so far for me but to be more secure,i add comodo too. with normal setting

Is Windows Firewall enabled?

It is not recommended to use two software firewalls.

comodo enabled when the situation demand me too. probably when my friend use my pc fo surf the internet