Windows XP Firewall versus Zonealarm free

decimator · 23 Jun 2009 at 16:10

I've just bought Kasperky Antivirus, but when I tried to install it I got an error message saying that I'd have to remove my firewall (Zonealarm free) if I want to install it :mad:

I'd rather not buy (and then have to get used to using) a new firewall unless I have to, so I thought about just using XP's firewall, but I don't really know much about it, how does it compare to Zonealarm in terms of security etc?

Edward78 · 23 Jun 2009 at 16:56

http://www.majorgeeks.com/Filseclab_Personal_Firewall_Professional_Edition_d5184.html is what I use, if you want another one.

Knubje · 23 Jun 2009 at 17:01

Software firewall...hmmmmmmmm.

Just a Quickie:

Windows firewall - blocks incoming unknowns/not allowed/so basic it's purpose is questionable. But basic protection.
Zonealarm Free - REMOVE IT NOW

( I don't like it one bit)

To be honest, you could always uninstall zonealarm, install Kaspersky and then reinstall your firewall afterwards.

In this case I'd say having Kaspersky is more important than running either of the above firewalls.

Ratbag · 23 Jun 2009 at 17:15

I don't know why kaspersky is refusing to install. I could understand it if you were using the security suite which incorporates it's own firewall.

Possibly the best free firewall is Comodo, you could give that a try. If you don't need outbound filtering then Windows Firewall should suffice.

decimator · 23 Jun 2009 at 19:55

Knubje said:
Software firewall...hmmmmmmmm.

Just a Quickie:

Windows firewall - blocks incoming unknowns/not allowed/so basic it's purpose is questionable. But basic protection.
Zonealarm Free - REMOVE IT NOW ( I don't like it one bit)

I might get a router eventually, but for now it'll have to be a software firewall, I've also just read that the Windows firewall doesn't block any outgoing stuff, so I think I'll avoid that. Zonealarm can be a bit of a PITA, but I'm used to it, and unlike the Windows one, it can block outgoing traffic, so my understanding was that if I did get a virus or whatever that would severely limit the damage it could do (eg, it couldn't transmit keystrokes etc)

To be honest, you could always uninstall zonealarm, install Kaspersky and then reinstall your firewall afterwards.

That's exactly what Kasperky support said I should do, so I'll try that and if they don't get on I'll try the Komodo firewall.

Thanks for the info people.

Alex74 · 23 Jun 2009 at 20:03

Knubje said:
Software firewall...hmmmmmmmm.

Only sidewinders for you huh?

Knubje · 24 Jun 2009 at 08:53

Alex74 said:
Only sidewinders for you huh?

Firebox

Still, I appreciate the need for a reasonable software firewall as they are usually nice and easy to setup and offer good protection as the OP stated!

Mr_Orange · 24 Jun 2009 at 11:31

I use windows firewall + hardware firewall at home. I usually set up comodo (without defense+) for people who want a more visable firewall.