Firewalls

[Hilly]

For the past 2 years, I have been using a paid subscription to AVG Internet security package, and it's worked great for me. I only ever had 1 trojan slip past it, compared to dozens with Symantec or McAfee. My subscription is about to expire, and I really can't afford to renew it right now. I intend on downloading the AVG free version of antivirus to use for now. I'm wondering if anyone can recommend a good FREE firewall, or is the firewall that comes with Windows XP good enough?

I will continue to periodically use the Malwarebytes anti-malware software to scan my computer, as it has found stuff that other malware software hasn't found.

Thanks for your input on this.

[Billsotx]

For the past 2 years, I have been using a paid subscription to AVG Internet security package, and it's worked great for me. I only ever had 1 trojan slip past it, compared to dozens with Symantec or McAfee. My subscription is about to expire, and I really can't afford to renew it right now. I intend on downloading the AVG free version of antivirus to use for now. I'm wondering if anyone can recommend a good FREE firewall, or is the firewall that comes with Windows XP good enough?

I will continue to periodically use the Malwarebytes anti-malware software to scan my computer, as it has found stuff that other malware software hasn't found.

Thanks for your input on this.

I've been using the free version for years and like it - have not had problems. The Windows Firewall and the one from my ISP are all I use. Like you I was not satisfied with McAfee.

[dirtclod]

I use the free one just like you. One program not to buy is Defender Pro !!!! I had to buy another program to get it off of my computer.

[rdb]

There is no need to buy any programs....ask the great oracle google..."open source". Also google ."replace windows programs open source"

This is a pretty good list, strangely missing antivirii programs, but good for the others:

http://itmanagement.earthweb.com/osrc/article.php/3877196/75-Open-Source-Tools-to-Replace-Apps-You-Use-Every-Day.htm

AVG works well both free and paid

Comodo for the firewall

Add Spybot alongside Malwarebytes...they both find things the other doesn't

[hivemind]

In all honesty, if you're behind your own router, you don't need a software firewall. If your PC is plugged directly in to your cable modem or your DSL modem, then yeah, you should probably have a firewall. Check out Zone Alarm.

But I'd really recommend you get a cheap router, if only to do NAT and get your PC off of a public IP address. You can grab one on NewEgg for $25-$30 now. Look for one with a good review rating and free shipping.

[TwinOaks]

I'm having good results with Avast!, and Comodo. It's worth the free price of admission to surf over to Geekstogo.com and look at their suggestions. Our own Johanna does (or did) a bit over there too.

[Jovial]

Hivemind pointed out a very solid piece of software in Zone Alarm. If you do go the software route you really should disable the built in firewall of windows. This would help prevent any possible problems from redundancy. Although as hivemind did point out a router is one of the best options because of the hardware firewall and the obfuscation of your computer's identity via the personal network.

[Ellen]

Free Comodo Internet Security Premium, both in one: firewall and antivirus. Feels bulletproof. A little bit heavy on Netbooks, but reliable.

[Hilly]

I went to AVG website, and they had a free 30 day trial of their AVG Internet Security program which I downloaded. They also had a large discount for renewing subscriptions. I just needed some time to recover from all the Christmas bills, so this worked out great for me. I'm covered for another 2 years. Too bad my computer wont make it for another 2 years...

My computer is having trouble booting up. I keep getting the message "primary hard disk not found", so I press the button to turn it off, and press and hold the button again, and although it seems to struggle a bit, it boots. My next computer is gonna be a HP. Dells are just to much of a PITA to reformat.

[320]

i tend to be a bit paranoid.

so even with a good antivirus and the hardware protection you get from a router your machine can still get an infection.

many programs wander off to the net without your knowledge or permission.

you really need a firewall that looks in and out, windows firewall doesn't.

most of the security suites are so bloated with features that unless you have a very powerful machine it will be slowed appreciably. too much real time analysis.

my favorite firewall is the orphaned sygate personal firewall. you can find it for download many places and it is free.

just set everything to ask for permission to access the network initially. as time goes by you will allow some permanent access, others none. the remainder will continue to ask.

i've used it conjunction with avg, avast and microsoft security elements with no apparent conflicts.

i never thought that i'd recommend a ms product but i've installed mse on my wife's laptop and my netbook.

works great. barely know it's there. plays nice with sygate as well.

my other machines run avast av.

hope that helps.