What Firewall Are You Using?

[pop pop]

I've used Sygate for the longest time. It's still functional (basically does what a firewall should), but it is now EOL (end of life), not supported, and more importantly, not updated/patched (thank you Norton/Symantec).

So I've been looking, partly in anticipation of my new build. Pretty much, everything stinks for one reason or another, IMHO. I don't want a do it all software bundle, I want just a firewall. I would like compatibility...XP at a minimum and Vista/Win7 64-bit preferably. I'm not going to make this a poll, I just would like your thoughts.

[crunchie]

Comodo (10char)

[classicsoftware]

I've used Sygate for the longest time. It's still functional (basically does what a firewall should), but it is now EOL (end of life), not supported, and more importantly, not updated/patched (thank you Norton/Symantec).

So I've been looking, partly in anticipation of my new build. Pretty much, everything stinks for one reason or another, IMHO. I don't want a do it all software bundle, I want just a firewall. I would like compatibility...XP at a minimum and Vista/Win7 64-bit preferably. I'm not going to make this a poll, I just would like your thoughts.

Sygate is the most powerful firewall for XP. No go for Vista, but there is nothing better for XP.

[awaj]

I'm a big fan of comodo for Vista. I've not used it in a while though, and things may change. I'm currently in windows 7, and haven't found a good firewall, but i figure windows updates are happening enough for windows firewall to work on the RC.

[Sylvander]

Online Armor FREE (http://www.tallemu.com/free-firewall-protection-software.html).

The first time any process runs, it warns the user and asks permission, and you can tick a box to make that answer a rule.
Hence you teach it which processes are OK to allow.
These are not just permissions to allow contacts in-from/out-to the web, but all internal processes also.

I like it because it lets you know what is going on, that would normally be unseen/unknown.

[risk_reversal]

I like Online Amor [free] also. However, I only run the firewall and have disabled the Program Guard (i think that's what it's called). Nice and light and runs very well with Avast Free.

I also like ZA [not the new versions]. Also very light and seems to get along with Avast, Nod32 and Norton.

I did try Kerio a while back. The last free version [2.1.5] had a very small foot print but it required lots of rules to be created. There were many posts with such rules and info but I just could not fathom it out.

Good Luck

[pop pop]

I'll stay with Sygate on XP Pro 32-bit.

I have to wonder what hooks/curves MS has put into Vista that makes it so hard for third party vendors to create a sound, workable firewall, even for 32-bit.

I'll definitely be going 64-bit with this new build, no matter what the final OS flavor winds up being. It is simply ridiculous that it is taking so long for MS-based systems to totally make the move. How many years has it been now?

As for Online Armor, it looks interesting and is well rated/reviewed. However, this puts the kibosh on it:

Note: Product does not currently support the following operating systems:
Windows XP 64, Windows Vista 64, Windows 98/Me :mad:

[jlreich]

I use Comodo (FW only). It is a suite, but you can choose just the firewall while installing. You have to untick a bunch of stuff that you don't want, so watch what you are doing. Untick everything so you are left with just the FW.

It is kind of annoying, but it is a goof FW they provide totally free, so...

[Sylvander]

By-the-way...

In Puppy Linux...
The firewall downloads and installs in about 2 seconds.
I timed the whole process, and it took 7 SECONDS!

The contrast with Windows is quite stunning!

[pop pop]

In Russia, Puppy Linux downlaod you! :p