Software Firewall

[Craig321]

Hi,

I've been using Comodo for years as it lets me know when anything is going in/out and asks me what I'd like to do regardless of what it is.

Is this still the best firewall around for that functionality? Is there anything better these days?

Yes I know the built in firewall is good enough etc etc.

Running Windows 7 x64

Thanks.

 

[Craig321]

With regard to the general question of "is there anything better these days?" then I share the following opinion:

I had to borrow this from the technet forum as I don't think I could be quite as concise at almost three a.m.

I agree with ncjok.

Router + Patched Windows + Patched software + MSSE + Windows Firewall + common sense = pwnsauce.

It's not the security I'm wanting, I just want to control what goes out, and would like to know what actually does go out.

Security isn't an issue at all, I'm well aware of all that and have adequate defences in place, but I still want to control what goes out of my computer.

Zone alarm seems to be very popular although I must agree with the points made in the post above.

I've not heard much good at all from Zone Alarm users - apparently it interferes. A lot.

Craig

 

[Craig321]

Are you running Windows 7? If so, you'll have awesome control over outbound traffic.

Yup, and I know. Still doesn't do what I want it to though

For inbound use your router. For outbound Vista/Windows 7 + Windows 7 Firewall Control will give you pop-up notifications to block outbound connections. It uses the built-in firewall (Windows Filtering Platform) from Vista/W7 so uses a tiny amount of memory (~3MB).

Their site looks rubbish, but it works quite well.

I'll check it out, thanks.

Out of curiosity could you elaborate on why you require this functionality?


Do you have a couple of examples of things you've blocked that were surreptitiously attempting to make outgoing connections? Things which you considered a security breach, perhaps, as opposed to a simple nuisance.

I have my reasons for wanting to know if a program is connecting to the internet or not. Obviously I don't need to worry about the usuals (Outlook, Firefox, etc etc.), but I use a lot more than that.

Craig.