choosing firewall software

[kenner]

Our home system does have a router but I'd prefer not to depend upon Microsoft's firewall. We run AVG on both pc's. They do have software for purchase which includes a firewall. Is that the best way to go or is there another free or purchasable firewall that we should consider?

[david eaton]

There are several free firewalls available.

Sunbelt kerio (http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/home-home-office/sunbelt-personal-firewall/)( My choice)
Comodo (http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/)
Zone alarm (http://www.zonealarm.com/security/en-gb/home.htm;jsessionid=2EDB07408BB876395EBE1349A9C423 B5.instance01) ( have heard a few problems with it lately)

If you are running Avg free, then don't bother with upgrading, as Grisoft seem to have succumbed to " bloat disease"!

[PrntRhd]

Just a note, the Comodo one may or may not try to give you an AV with the install, just make certain you look at the check boxes while installing.

[CuratoR]

Outpost Firewall Free
http://http://www.agnitum.com/products/outpostfree/index.php

I like Outpost firewall. I'm using the paid version though. Its superb.

[david eaton]

I knew there was another one- brain fart!

[classicsoftware]

If you have XP, Sygate is still the best free firewall....

[kenner]

Thanks for the suggestions. I tried Kerio first and liked the user interface at first. However it insists on blocking sites that I regularly use (newspapers, Amazon, etc). The override doesn't work, everything stays blocked and I have to exit the firewall to continue. So I'll try one of the others.

[Paul Komski]

However it insists on blocking sites that I regularly use (newspapers, Amazon, etc)Are you sure it is sites that it is blocking. It is more usual to block one or another browser in totality?

[kenner]

Example: I was just on a local news web site. When I clicked on one of the stories, it came up with a blank page and the message Blocked by SPF. This has happened on different shopping sites also. I'll be on the site okay but can't proceed after I click on something within the site. It is the lack of over ride that is irritating.

[Paul Komski]

Do you have a link?

Perhaps it is something like a popup blocker which might be configurable within the settings. Many firewalls as they develop take on a whole host of functions other than just doing straightforward firewall actions.

Most also have a global block or not block usually from the system tray.