Firewall Question

Jim Smith · #1 01-18-2004, 08:53 PM

What, in the opinion of this community, is the best firewall for using with a non-networked system running XP?

I currently use Norton Personal Firewall, the 2002 edition. Before I re-up, I'd like to be sure it is the one to use.

Thanks,

JES

javert · #2 01-18-2004, 09:34 PM

I use ZoneAlarm's free firewall. It does everything I want and it's free...what could be better? I've never had any problems with it.

s7p9a2m4 · #3 01-18-2004, 09:35 PM

Oh boy! Everyone has their preferences. I like Sygate the best. Very user friendly, simple, configurable, and secure. Sygate you basically install and forget except to allow what you need to. If you want to play around with a firewall Zone Alarm requires a lot of attention but works well if you get it configured right. You do not need to buy a firewall - the free ones are sufficient. You can test your firewall at Shields Up.

timekeeper · #4 01-19-2004, 02:02 AM

I use Kerio Personal Firewall which is a wonderful simple but powerful firewall with built in ad-blocking and other code blocking features.

bboysatch1 · #5 01-19-2004, 02:11 AM

i have a router with a built in firewall. It doesn't use up any resources because its hardware and it provides sufficient protection.

ESALADUANE · #6 01-19-2004, 08:02 AM

It's like a dentist being asked by a parent, "What's the best toothpaste for kids?" The dentist's answer is, "Whichever toothpaste they'll use."

There are several good firewalls (as already mentioned). Pick one that you're comfortable with, that doesn't cause problems with your internet use, that doesn't require alot of attention and one that you will use religiously. I use Norton Internet Security 2004, which comes with a firewall.

njovin · #7 01-19-2004, 03:33 PM

I'll stray a bit from the rest of these answers and say that I've never had a good experience with software firewalls. They get in the way of many things and if one of them breaks your whole machine is subject to getting buggered. We've used several different ones at my work, and removed them all for lack of stability and security.

My suggestion would be to look for sales and pick up a linksys or netgear router, they do the job as well as any software firewall.

P.S. Software firewalls tend to return a lot of "false positives" Your bound to get warning several times a day warning of this stopped attack or that, but most of it is benign, standard internet traffic.