good free firewall

adbp1 · 30 Apr 2008 at 00:09

hi, need a good firewall for gf's pc here in filipines.
used zonealarms and comodo b4 but she didnt get on with them always asking for permission!!!
so need an idiot proof so to speak and good protector
any suggestions
thanks ali

gurusan · 30 Apr 2008 at 00:12

Ashampoo?

Craig321 · 30 Apr 2008 at 00:17

Comodo

stopstartstall · 30 Apr 2008 at 00:28

^ Seconded. Been using it for a while now, just remember to turn Defense+ OFF so you're just left with the firewall. It doesn't add anything if you know what you're doing.

MarcLister · 30 Apr 2008 at 00:57

Craig321 said:
Comodo

+

stopstartstall said:
^ Seconded. Been using it for a while now, just remember to turn Defense+ OFF so you're just left with the firewall. It doesn't add anything if you know what you're doing.

= what I would say.

korbk · 30 Apr 2008 at 08:15

Comdo here too - although contrary to others I have Defense+ ON. Personally, I like to know what all the unknown/freeware/open source apps I regularly install are really doing before I trust them.

Saying that, if you're just a regular PC user who just does email and normal web stuff then I'd recommend you turn Defense+ off (or say goodbye to your sanity)

Either way, Comodo is IMO the best firewall free or otherwise.

adbp1 · 30 Apr 2008 at 09:19

hmmm i guess its comodo then !! even i did ask for other than but oh well !!
will try with defense off see how she gets on

cheers all

korbk · 30 Apr 2008 at 09:40

adbp1 said:
hmmm i guess its comodo then !! even i did ask for other than but oh well !!
will try with defense off see how she gets on

cheers all

If you make sure the Firewall is set to 'Safe Mode' then applications deemed to be safe by Comodo will automatically be authorized. That way your gf will only have to authorize unknown/unsafe applications. It's a pain but once all your regular applications are learnt, the number of alerts she'll have to deal with should reduce dramatically.

Deluxe1 · 30 Apr 2008 at 10:39

Would this be better for me if i`m behind a router and already using the vista built in firewall?

korbk · 30 Apr 2008 at 10:51

Deluxe1 said:
Would this be better for me if i`m behind a router and already using the vista built in firewall?

Vista's firewall is better than nothing, but when there is a free alternative that's better than nearly all the available commercial personal firewalls then why take the chance?

Neither your router or Vista's firewall are not going to alert you to the fact some harmless looking software you just installed is now trying to send your personal details to a server in China (or wherever)!