Any good free firewalls (other than Zone Alarm)?

[JayC]

I was wondering if anyone knew of any good free, downloadable firewalls. I really liked Zone Alarm, but the latest version (6.0) is really starting to annoy me. I have Windows XP Pro with SP2. There are two accounts set up. If I log off and either log on again or log on to the other account, Zone Alarm pops up and says System Error: Please Reboot. So, I shutdown Zone Alarm and start it again. I did some checking on the ZA forums, and I guess I'm not alone. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif I'd just like something better if it exists.

 

[Boomerang1]

My XP Pro came with a firewall but I use Zone Alarm without any problems. If you had an older version of Zone Alarm (version 2.x - version 5.x) and upgraded to version 6, you must completely remove all of the old versions and then reinstall v.6.x Hope this helps.

 

[JayC]

This was a clean install to version 6. I had to reinstall Windows a few weeks back (that was a BIG pain /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif ). A short while later I installed Zone Alarm.

 

[Jimbrown]

Zone Alarm caused me lots of problems I like this one better

http://www.kerio.com/kpf_download.html

There are several verisons so you might want to look for the one you think is best. Many people prefer the older versions.

 

[JayC]

Thanks. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I'll check it out.

 

[froggy]

Take a look at Sygate:

fire wall

 

[jim_wilson]

Neither one of these are free but I have been running both for about 5-6 years now with pretty good success:

I use Winproxy as a firewall/proxy server-
Winproxy firewall

and BlackIce for intrusion protection:
BlackIce firewall

I actually went for a few years without even updating my virus protection and did not have any problems running this combination of software. Depending on what version of Windows software you are running another way you can make your system more secure is to shutoff access to TCP/IP ports that you don't need. This is available by selecting the ethernet port that connects to the internet (the one hooked to your cable or DSL modem) and going to the Advanced -> Options tab -> TCP/IP filtering -> Properties

 

[Alan L.]

The only problem with shutting off ports, is that I wouldn't know which ones I need and which ones I don't need. And the firewalls don't really tell you much.

I have the regular XP firewall on my laptop (both directions on SP2). I put Sygate on Mrs. Alan L's computer which as Windows 2000 and it seems to work fine. I also put it on my Mother's computer and it works but seems to decide to block things like McAfee from updating from time to time even though I have told it to allow it.

 

[Alan L.]

I had so much trouble with ZA on my wife's Windows 2000 laptop I had to take it off. And that was no small feat in itself. After struggling with it for a day I started getting on various forums and the advice I got was to reformat to get ZA off the machine. Luckily I didn't have to do it, but it really caused trouble.

I suspect that part of it was my ignorance, but I don't have much patience with something that is not user friendly. Sygate makes me cuss too, but its working so far.

 

[Jim57]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I was wondering if anyone knew of any good free, downloadable firewalls. I really liked Zone Alarm, but the latest version (6.0) is really starting to annoy me. I have Windows XP Pro with SP2. There are two accounts set up. If I log off and either log on again or log on to the other account, Zone Alarm pops up and says System Error: Please Reboot. So, I shutdown Zone Alarm and start it again. I did some checking on the ZA forums, and I guess I'm not alone. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif I'd just like something better if it exists. )</font>


First of all the SP2 is part of your problem. It messes with all computer systems. I would reload and NOT install SP2 all upgrades except SP2.

Then PCcillin is the one I have had the best luck with. Priced reasonable and you can download free 30 day trial first.

Here is the link. Trend Micro™ PC-cillin™ Internet Security 2005 Give this a try... I think you will like it very much. It automatically updates as well for one year. I highly recommend it and I think you will as well after you try it.

Jim

 

[JayC]

Thanks guys. I will check these out.

<font color="red"> First of all the SP2 is part of your problem. It messes with all computer systems. I would reload and NOT install SP2 all upgrades except SP2. </font>

If I could get rid of SP2, believe me I would. I hate it. It has made programs that used to work on WinXP prior to SP2, not work anymore. My version of Windows came with SP2 right on the disc. I had no choice but to install it. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

 

[getut]

SP2 is not the issue. SP2 is simply more secure and there is nothing out there that will not run on SP2 that would not also run on SP1 or XP with no service pack at all.

Granted, you may have to make tweaks, open ports and change the default configuration to make something run under SP2 but it will run.. trust me. Even the apps listed on MS's site as not being compatible with SP2 are actually compatible. That list that MS maintains simply means that the software listed there are not compatible straight out of the box... you must make tweaks to make it run.

SP2 is also a must (a pre-requisite) for certain other security fixes.

Security is a GOOD thing. Learn how to make the adjustments necessary to make your software run. Microsoft software NEEDS a good dose of "security by default" even if it breaks applications for users who don't know what they are doing. The current state of the internet proves it. Users who don't know what they are doing get infected with trojans and viruses and their machines start spewing filth out to the rest of the internet, which in turn gets the attention of legislators who start getting the bright idea that they must use laws to mandate how our computers are to be configured (its happening). Users should handle their OWN security and their computers should be in a relatively secure configuration out of the box even if they don't know how to open it up to make their apps work.

As far as firewalls. Also, there is no substitue for a good hardware router/firewall if you have broadband access. Software firewalls in many cases cause as many problems as they solve and some circumstances are themselves the actual target of external attacks.

I use only one firewall (external hardware firewall/router). I would only ever use a software firewall if it was a secondary level of protection to a hardware firewall. I configure my hardware firewalls for stateful packet inspection both incoming (default) and outgoing.

 

[Jim57]

SP1 covers all you need in computer security. SP2 allows several ports to be open for Microsoft and in my opinion is NOT a Security Fix... it is a "Security Risk" in which I would not recommend to any of my customers or friends. The hackers know these flaws and utilize them. Many programs will NOT operate properly with SP2 installed.

As far as the software package... I recommend custom installation if it allows it (Mine Does) or go get a copy of Windows XP Professional with or without SP1.

The problems that mant people have with SP2 is with older programs that we use. The SP2 was designed to make us use the Newest Programs Only. Another one of Bill's way to control us.

I repeat SP1 is the only one that allows older programs to work properly and even then some of them do not work properly. But most of them will.

 

[Hypernix]

JayC,

I second getut with the hardware firewall (aka, NAT firewall). They are inexpensive and easy to configure.

I have been using a Linksys router for as long as I had my high speed internet connection and never had any problems. The router is being bombarded by drones/bots/whatever at an incredible rate every day! Software firewalls have also there own flaws.

The other option I went with is I DON'T use Windows. If you can get by without using Windows, 99% of your problems are going to... well just go away!/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

Hypernix /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Jim57]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( JayC,

I second getut with the hardware firewall (aka, NAT firewall). They are inexpensive and easy to configure.

I have been using a Linksys router for as long as I had my high speed internet connection and never had any problems. The router is being bombarded by drones/bots/whatever at an incredible rate every day! Software firewalls have also there own flaws.

The other option I went with is I DON'T use Windows. If you can get by without using Windows, 99% of your problems are going to... well just go away!/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

Hypernix /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif )</font>


I agree with not using Windows. LOL /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif But Guys don't forget not all of us have the true experience of DSL or Broadband. Please don't assume all have DSL/Broadband a lot of us still have the "Dreadful Dial-Up" /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif Just like myself. There is a connection for DSL approximately 800 feet from my home and all it needs to have DSL to us is one piece of equipment for us to have DSL. I have even tried to offer to pay for that equipment and the installation of it and they still will not do it. I will reserve my thoughts of their service here. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

You would think that if they could explore space regularly... they could have DSL available for all by now.

Jim

 

[getut]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( The hackers know these flaws and utilize them. Many programs will NOT operate properly with SP2 installed.
The problems that mant people have with SP2 is with older programs that we use. The SP2 was designed to make us use the Newest Programs Only. )</font>

Respectfully Jim, this is fear mongering. I have big problem with MS myself.. search for the thread on moving to linux because of the blatently illegal way retail software companies are starting to treat their customers when it comes to intellectual property.

That is another issue though.

FACT: SP2 can be made to work with any software that works with SP1 or earlier if you know what to do to (which ports to open and possibly tweak Data Access components which are slightly different in SP2. Rather than recommend that everyone doesn't use SP2 because in its default state it won't work with some software, recommend that people learn how to make the necessary tweaks. Security is a good thing... even if it temporarily breaks applications. Wide open security (LACK of security) out of the box has been a long standing achilles heel of MS. They are finally starting to do the RIGHT thing even if it ticks off less knowledgeable users.

FACT: SP2 is a massive security fix rollup. It also is a pre-requisite for many security fixes from this point forward.

Opinion: Many programs that SP2 breaks are attempting to take liberties with your data that SP2 won't allow. It FORCES the user to take action to allow the risky behaviour to take place. This again, is a VERY good thing.

Sorry to be so very blunt with this next statement. But if a user doesn't fundamentally understand the risks associated with opening ports and the steps to keep them secure, then very frankly its better if they can't do it anyway. They can ALWAYS ask for assitance when necessary, but the utter lack of security on most home users systems is what is slowly ruining the internet for everyone. It is also what will eventually cause the government to step in and try to dicatate things that they shouldn't. That is unless software start doing the RIGHT thing.. make the software a little less user friendly and finally erring on the side of security instead of user friendliness.

 

[Hypernix]

Isn't MS going or is all ready forcing SP2 on XP users? If so, MS dosen't give you the choice to start with! "Resistance is futile, You will be assimilated!" as the Borg would say! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

Hypernix /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif