Firewall Recommendations

[stephenbp66]

I would like to know what software firewall is the best to use. I have used both Windows firewall and camodo; but, I am not satisfied with either one. My questions are:

1. What is considered to be the best free software firewall?
2. What is considered to be the best paid software firewall?

I am not looking for a firewall with integrated antivirus software. I am just looking for a firewall. Also, is Microsoft's firewall any good? Thanks.

Stephen

[xcorvis]

I don't bother with any other firewalls, the default "Windows firewall with advanced security" is actually really good. I'm not sure if it's available in every version of Win7, but it's a fully functional firewall. You can get quite fancy with it, but I've never had to because it's fairly sane. (Sane does not mean paranoid and highly restrictive. It means OK for most users.)

IMO, you're much better off investing your time in browser-level protection. That's where you're getting attacked.

[tokenuser]

Originally Posted by xcorvis

I don't bother with any other firewalls, the default "Windows firewall with advanced security" is actually really good. I'm not sure if it's available in every version of Win7, but it's a fully functional firewall. You can get quite fancy with it, but I've never had to because it's fairly sane. (Sane does not mean paranoid and highly restrictive. It means OK for most users.)

IMO, you're much better off investing your time in browser-level protection. That's where you're getting attacked.

Second the Microsoft Windows firewall comment. The whole MSE package is actually pretty good. It integrates tightly with the OS, and is not a resource hog like most third party programs.

With a good firewall, your browser security can be a little looser - since most payload trojans come in through a browser, but if you are on an open network (school, coffee shop, hotel) you should have something between your data and the network to stop people getting into your machine from external sources. This is not such a problem at home in an environment you control where you can have a semi decent firewall built into a router (removing the need for a local one on your computer - unless you are belt and suspenders type).

[mikec]

Guys, I am glad you think positively of MSE and the MS built in firewall. Based on several other sources recommending it I have also been suggesting it to my Windows based friends. Just nice to see some others approving it.

[rfm33428]

I'm not crazy about the Windows Firewall with Advanced Security. My only beef, as of this moment, is that I can't delete programs from the list that I no longer use. Clicking on 'Change Setting' isn't enough in the 'Allow programs to communicate through Windows Firewall'. Also I've noticed that sometimes it won't let you uncheck items. Since I can't delete... I wanna at least uncheck across the line for that program.

Maybe there's something that I'm not aware of with the Windows firewall UI. Because I'm used to using Comodo or zonealarm, depending on newer versions to try out. OK, so 3rd party firewalls use more resources. I'd rather have full control over the applications in the firewall.

[justpeon]

If you have a decent router, one would think you do not need all the extra software. Some people build a virtual machine with all the locked down stuff just for web browsing. Saves a lot of hassle.

[tokenuser]

Originally Posted by justpeon

If you have a decent router, one would think you do not need all the extra software.

Nice for when you are home, but if you are on a network you don't control, then a personal firewall is good for the paranoid.

You could always sandbox your activities using a VM, but that doesn't stop you from being visible and accessible by others on the LAN.