Firewalls

[pup]

Just out of interest what firewall would peeps think is best, I use sygate personal pro, but its not being updated since symatic  bought sygate.  Ive tried a few others but couldnt get on with them.

[Sebby]

I know there are a few users here that use software firewalls, so they'll be able to advise.

Personally, I don't use a software firewall. I have a router with NAT and Windows' built-in firewall, which I feel is plenty secure enough. The only "vulnerability" is that all outgoing traffic is allowed, but I like to think I'm quite on the ball when it comes to installing things so I don't see much danger.

[Simon]

I use a suite, which incorporates a firewall, but if you want something free, I believe Outpost has a good reputation, and they also offer a Pro version.  You could also try Comodo, but I think some people have had a few issues with it.

[pup]

The thing i like about about sygate, is the ability to block individual services of windoze eg scvhost etc

[Simon]

I also used to like Sygate Pro, until they became embroiled with Symantec.

[colirv]

I've been using Comodo for a while - seems to work fine.

[Noreen]

I also use Comodo although I haven't updated to the latest version.

[Lance]

I only use the Windows firewall, and my router

[psp83]

I dont use one on my PC, router firewall is good enough for me,

My laptop i use ESS http://www.eset.co.uk not had any problems with it. Passed all the tests i've thrown at it aswell.

[Simon]

I'm not quite confident enough to trust my router firewall alone.  I like to see what's going in and out, so I prefer a software firewall as well, even though they can be quite irritating at first.

[Rik]

I'm another one who goes with the router firewall. I used both when I first switched to a router, but the software firewall never found any work to do so I ditched it. That was 18 months ago, I haven't had a problem. Of course, I am careful where I go, I do use NOD32 and I sweep for malware.

[somanyholes]

it was a real shame that sygate stop being developed. It really was a good product, dam symantec. Am using online armour for my software firewall at the moment. Good outbound protection and a nice interface.

[DeViTTo]

Of course I sit behind my Router Firewall  but I also used to use windows firewall then switched to Kapersky Internet Security drove me mad. I have a killer NIC at the minute which has ipchains onboard, Linux distro built in so I switch off software firewalls and use that instead.

Actually I can put my comp fairly safely in the DMZ and get better performance with the card.

Works like a charm :-)

[Niall]

Outpost used to be a fantastic firewall. Possibly the best out there. Sadly the program stopped working properly when they did an update a couple of years ago. It started randomly (and silently) blocking things you needed, the main one being email. You'd send an email and it would block the outgoing message. Handy.

Now I just use windows firewall, AVG anti virus, spyware blaster, spybot and regmechanic with a little help from Windows washer and CCleaner. That combined with common sense and I've been virus and problem free for over 3 years now.

It was even easier to keep your system secure under XP. Now things are a little more complicated getting programs to work correctly under Vista 

[Sebby]

That combined with common sense and I've been virus and problem free for over 3 years now.

I think you've hit the nail on the head there.

[ducky22]

Don't really use a firewall locally - apart from NAT router.

However, I've been watching too much 24 I think because I've become security conscious because of it. I'm going on the enterprise firewall warpath tomorrow. I've got a server running purely for backups and storage so I'm thinking I might as well deploy a nice proper firewall like ISA server or Smoothwall. Packet insepction and such.

[Sebby]

I tried Smoothwall once upon a time (years ago). I didn't realise it required a dedicated server and ended up wiping my hard drive. You live and learn.

[madasahatter]

Now I just use windows firewall, AVG anti virus, spyware blaster, spybot and regmechanic with a little help from Windows washer and CCleaner.

Pretty much the same here to be honest 8)

[Inactive]

I use free Comodo, it works a treat, it can also block svchost.

[Noreen]

I use free Comodo, it works a treat, it can also block svchost.

Do you use the latest version, In?

[Inactive]

Not ever so sure Noreen, it is version; 2.4.18.184.

I tend to leave things alone if they are working OK, so possibly not the latest version?

[Inactive]

Update;

New Version just released.

COMODO Firewall Pro 3.0.16.295 released

[Rik]

Have you tried it, In?

[Noreen]

Not ever so sure Noreen, it is version; 2.4.18.184.

I tend to leave things alone if they are working OK, so possibly not the latest version?

I'm using that version too. I'm going to wait a while and see reactions by others to the latest 3.0.16.295 version. There was another version between this new one and "ours".

[Noreen]

I've just copied this from another forum.

What's New:
NEW! Anti-Leak Configuration:
- A new default configuration is introduced to make D+ show fewer number of popup alerts while still remaning leak proof.
NEW! On-Demand Virus Scanning:
- CFP now provides an option to scan for viruses during the installation and from its graphical user interface
NEW! A-VSMART Warranty Program:
- CFP now provides the users an option to enroll one of the available A-VSMART Warranty programs
IMPROVED! Self-Defense:
- There has been various reports that CFP 3.0 is attacked by some malware to disable its protection.
The self defense has been modified such that an ungraceful termination of CFP will block every unknown action (i.e. it will function as if "Block all unknown actions if the application is closed" option is selected. This option was not enabled by default).
IMPROVED! Default Configuration:
- Default configuration now protects more registry keys and more COM interfaces.
- Default Web Browser and FTP Client policies are modified to support passive FTP requests
IMPROVED! Handling of known code executing applications:
- Defense+ has been modified such that some known code executing programs such as rundll32.exe or windows scripting host are not autimatically trusted anymore.
IMPROVED! Pending Files:
- Defense+ has been modified such that it is not going to report any pending files if it is not in clean PC mode.
FIXED! Bugs in Defense+ Engine:
- Fixed numerous bugs that could stop Defense+ to properly handle the suspicious actions(e.g.bugs in registry and file protection, key logging etc).
- Fixed the bug that could prevent CFP from functioning properly in certain types of hardware configurations(e.g. when a USB harddisk is present etc.).
FIXED! Minor Bugs in the Graphical User Interface

I see that it's now offering optional virus scanning.