Posted on 03/18/2010 9:12:40 PM PDT by doc1019
Just bought a new computer and I'm looking for the best firewall that will protect me. I used Armor with my old XP system and it seemed to work well, yet all the store gurus seem to think that the built in Windows firewall is just the "best". Any ideas?
ping
I think the one that comes with Windows 7 is just fine..its basically the same that comes with Vista, just remade it for windows 7..I wouldnt spend any extra money on a firewall but thats just me
Comodo is free or for a small fee you can get their whole “protection plan”.
Learn’s quick, and is easy and fast to configure.
I use Comodo.
Its free and its very good.
Comodo is free or for a small fee you can get their whole “protection plan”.
Learn’s quick, and is easy and fast to configure.
I’ve been using Zone-Alarm for years so I didn’t think twice about installing on the machine I upgraded to Win7. The OS doesn’t like it very much and they’re constantly fighting.
I keep having to send them to separate corners...
Yes, the built in firewall is fine, and can be combined with the free Microsoft Security Essentials anti-virus program.
Zone Alarm is GREAT - and FREE ...
One complaint, every time they update it - I like to put in a complete, fresh load instead of just the update.
But, by doing that, I have to re-authorize the programs that have access permission to the Internet. But it is not that much of a hassle. And, fortunately, it doesn’t need to be updated a lot.
FYI: There is a free Firewall Leak Testing Utility called Leak Test from Gibson Research - it will test your firewall for leaks. Aone Alarm is the only one they know of that their utility has not breached. Gibson also has a web page called “Shields Up” that will test ALL of the ports on your computer to see if any can be breached. You should test it after you have installed your firewall of choice.
Thank you all for your input. Decision time. I would just hate to incorporate a firewall when the one that comes with the computer will serve. On the other hand, I just have a hard time trusting anything Microsoft, especially when it comes to security.
Are you looking for a firewall, or just virus/trojan/malware protection?
Avast, Avira, and AVG are 3 free programs that do a fantastic job of keeping your computer clean. I use Avast, and it’s a 1-time install with automatic updates and no interference.
It depends on your situation but as long as 1) you are behind a NAT (like a cable device or DSL modem) and 2) you dont open funny emails or visit Russian or Chinese websites.
a NAT saves you a ton of trouble that makes a software firewall mainly a second line of defense.
between window 3.0 and widows XP I have used them all. What I’m hoping for is a built in firewall (Windows 7) that does it all, and doesn’t require me to add anything. Is the firewall in Windows 7 meet the requirement?
Seems that most here are not understanding my question: Is the firewall that is provided with Windows 7 sufficient to protect my computer or must I look elsewhere?
The answer is both yes and no to what you asked.
The Windows firewall is fine for most situations needing inbound protection. And if you’re behind a NAT router you don’t really even need that. Outbound protection is a completely different thing, and would require some of the software packages recommended upthread.
a $40 router is the best firewall. Keep your ports locked down tight.
You have to turn off the Windows firewall if you use Microsoft’s Security Essentials.
Seems that I still need a good malware, spyware program in addition all that is offered by windows 7?
Please ... why?
I use Windows 7 with firewall off and ZoneAlarm.
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