Welcome
The Windows firewall, Microsoft Security Essentials and Malwarebytes for a once a week scan, plus common sense is all that you will need for safe surfing.
You already have one it's built into Windows 7 and should be on as default if you haven't installed another 3rd party firewall. To check to see for sure just type in firewall off the start orb and go from their.
My Computer
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Home made Desktop
OS
Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
CPU
Intel i7-6800K @ 4.3
Motherboard
ASUS X-99 Deluxe II
Memory
Corsair Platinum 16 gig @2400
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA GTX 1070 OC
Monitor(s) Displays
Asus 27" LED LCD/VE278Q
Screen Resolution
1920-1080 or 1280-720 HDMI
Hard Drives
INTEL SSD 730-240 Gb Sata 3.0/
PSU
EVGA Platium 1200W
Case
Phanteks Luxe Tempered Glass 8 fans/ one radiator
Cooling
XSPC/ Water Cooled CPU
Keyboard
Das 4 Professional
Mouse
Logitech M705/MX Anywhere 2-S
Internet Speed
100 mbits
Antivirus
Microsoft Security Essentials/ Malwarebytes Premium 3.0/ SAS
Browser
I.E. 11 default/Firefox/ ISP Time Warner Cable/Spectrum
Other Info
LG BluRay Burner/
Sound system-KLipsch-THX/
Icy Dock ssd Hot Swap bays.
Win7's built-in firewall is more than adequate for the job. If you simply MUST have a 3rd party one....... Zone Alarm is the one I used for years. Having said that I must add that its been YEARS since I've used it.
I use Comodo's free firewall. If you don't mind setting it up and configuring it properly, then I would highly recommend it. Otherwise, just stick to the Windows 7 firewall.
Yes, you definately need a firewall. Windows comes with one that is very good. Just make sure it is activated and you are OK. Go into your Control Panel and you will see at the bottom "Windows Firewall". Just make sure it is activated and you are in good shape.
My Computer
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Custom Build
OS
Windows 7 Home Premium 32-Bit - Build 7600 SP1
CPU
Intel Core i3-2120 3.30Ghz
Motherboard
Asus P8Z68-V LX Intel Z68 Socket H2 ATX
Memory
Kingston 4 GB DDR3 1333 mhz
Graphics Card(s)
AMD Radeon HD6670
Sound Card
Sound Blaster Audigy SE 24-Bit
Monitor(s) Displays
Asus VE228
Screen Resolution
1440 X 900
Hard Drives
OCZ Vertex 3 120 GB Sata 3 SSD ==
Kingston SH103/S3 120 G Hyper X 120 GB SSD ==
Western Digital 500 GB Caviar Green 7200 RPM ==
PSU
Corsair CX600M == 600 Watt
Case
NZXT Apollo - Silver with Clear Side Panel
Cooling
Three 120 mm Fans
Keyboard
Microsoft Natural 4000
Mouse
Microsoft Custom Optical 3000
Internet Speed
AT&T Fiber Optic Wireless Network
Antivirus
Microsoft Security Essentials
Browser
Chrome
Other Info
120 mm Blue LED Fan -- Three Blue LED Lazer Light Sticks
I use Comodo's free firewall. If you don't mind setting it up and configuring it properly, then I would highly recommend it. Otherwise, just stick to the Windows 7 firewall.
The firewall built into Windows 7 is good protection. There are several tutorials on this site about Windows Firewall. You will find links to various firewall tutorials at the bottom of this one or you can search the tutorials section:
ZoneAlarm has been known to conflict with Windows 7 in the past and cause problems.
If you get an AV that also has it's own firewall, this will take the place of Windows 7 firewall. By default, it should disable Windows Firewall and take it's place.
Yes, a firewall is a must have nowadays. I believe the last time it was OK not to have a firewall was around 1998.