I normally prefer IS applications to stand alone. Since there is no Avast IS, which firewalls work well? I have used Kerio 2.1.5 and LooknStop, but am not up on the current crop. How about free firewalls?
Thanks,
Regards,
Jerry
Many forum users are using these:
- PC Tools Firewall seems to have the least user headaches as it doesn’t seem to be constantly asking the user questions about this and that.
- Online Armor for the most parts fine but it has caused some users grief after avast program updates and that is something you have to watch out for.
- Comodo is now a suite and you have to do a custom install so as not to install the antivirus element (or use the add remove programs to remove the AV element if already installed), of all the firewalls listed this seems to be the noisiest in asking questions, depending on settings and elements used, so it could be daunting for those not to familiar with firewalls or their systems.
- Outpost Firewall 2009 free, a cut down version of the Outpost Firewall Pro version, which should still provide good protection, http://free.agnitum.com/. Download, http://www.filehippo.com/download_outpost_firewall/
just a restriction with PCtools firewall: I tried it and I was wondering why all my connections showed 127.0.0.1…anyway PCtools firewall is officially not compatible with USB (to router) connections, no big deal so far, and is not compatible with “mobile broadband”…which excludes wi-fi, so a no go for me and many others I suppose.
"Currently PC Tools Firewall Plus does not support Mobile Broadband or USB network connections, an ethernet connection will be required for your connection to be correctly detected."http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-firewall.htm
Thanks to you both for the advice.
I might stick with LnS as it seems to be a good "pure"firewall.
I have not noticed whether or not Avast 5 will include an IS version.
Logos, I am not sure if you meant that the PC Tools firewall would not work with WiFi. I would probably use a stand alone firewall on my laptop.
I found the answer that there will be a suite in the Avast 5 line-up. Great!
Thanks again, and have a good evening,
Jerry
You can try ComodoFirewall(you have to do a custom install).
Have a nice day. 
Thanks, and I note that you are using it. I am not sure what or how to do a custom installation in order to use it as you suggest. I have gone back to F-Secure IS, but would like to know how to do a custom installation of Comodo for future use. Thanks.
Regards,
Jerry
I have gone back to F-Secure IS,If you are using F-Secure Internett Security, then you already have a firewall, and Antivirus.......... ???
In my mind, I wonder if asking firewalls questions is within the scope of any anti virus forum.
And if we think in terms of an overall computer security system, we have to think in terms of separate functions aka layers, with an anti virus and a firewall being two totally different layers with totally different functions. And also realize that an AV and a firewall are only two layers in a security system that should be at least five layers deep.
Somewhat the point being, there is nothing new under the sun regarding the principles of computer security systems, what is largely different now is the increasing practice of one layer of a security system also assuming the roles of other layers. With two inherent dangers therein. (1) We have to worry about one layer now conflicting with another, because we can’t have two active anti viruses or two active firewalls running at the same time on one computer. (2) And as a more personal opinion of mine, there is a huge danger of becoming too predictable or using the most popular security system. Because we know the malware writers will load their test bed computers with very popular security suites, and keep refining their wares until they get through. And only then will they release their creation into the wild.
But in terms of firewalls, there are lots of opinions and they are somewhat OS dependent. Some say the built in one way XP SP2 firewall is more than enough, others say a router alone is enough, and the better Vista and WIN7 firewalls are two way. Other advocate older lean two way firewalls like kerio and sygate. As for me, I use comodo, but its important to say that comodo and the very similar ON line armor are not only firewalls, but have taken on the roles of adding HIPs and HOST files while also assuming the roles of process control programs. But I balk at comodo trying to do anti virus also, their AV, from what I have read is not even close to as good as Avast and
other highly rated AV programs. And if one does not want the antivirus parts of comodo, its still possible to get the comodo firewall without the AV by using older versions.
As for me, I use comodo,
Comodo Sells Out To HopSurf, Loses Sight Of Priorities http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=46737.0
Yes. My question as to firewall was related to an AV + Firewall. I sometimes use Avast, and lately Avira Premium with LooknStop firewall.
Hi Osage,
I guess I did not notice a better place to ask the question when it was related to a firewall to use with Avast.
Regards,
Jerry
It seems that you are misinformed here. You don’t have to install/use HopSurf with Comodo !
Greetz, Red.
It seems that you are misinformed here. You don't have to install/use HopSurf with Comodo !i was just forwarding the debate that has been about comodo, to me it doesn't matter since i don't use comodo......... 8)
I don’t use a software firewall but I do believe in Layered Protection
anti virus application: avast!
anti malware application: Malwarebyte’s Anti-Malware (MBAM)
Known malicious site blocking with a HOSTS file comprised of hpHosts and MVPS HOSTS files
System Monitor to watch over them: WinPatrol
See the video interview with Bruce Harrison who is a developer at Malwarebytes – the company who created Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware:
Malwarebytes Developer Interview
http://www.besttechie.net/2008/08/20/malwarebytes-developer-interview <== software firewall discussion starts at about 8 minutes into the video
Both videos are well worth watching.
Hi all.
Nice discussion going on here, as we all await the Avast suite to be made available.
Adding my own user experience on the same. I myself am using Avast as AV, along with Comodo as firewall.
As earlier posters have rightly pointed out, there is no separate “Comodo Firewall” product available at their website. The only product available is “Comodo Internet Security Suite” (CIS). The reason for this was simple, whatever justification they may give on their site. They wanted their new Anti-virus product to ride in on the goodwill and popularity of their existing Firewall product, by offering it compulsarily as a Suite. However, based on user feedback (including my own), they have made one important advancement. While earlier the installer file was a huge 110MB+, now it has got reduced to a more manageble <40MB file. While they still bundle both the Firewall and the AV installer, the size reduction is by removing the virus database. Users who choose the AV product subsequently need to download the virus database.
There are few imp. things to be remembered while installing Comodo Firewall, after downloading the CIS installer file.
-
When you hover mouse over the CIS installer file, the computer may freeze for few seconds (known to happen on some systems, esp. XP SP2) as Avast takes some time to scan the file. This is a issure related not to CIS directly, but the wrapper used to compress the installer package.
-
Be sure to TICK only Firewall when the screen presents the option to choose Firewall and/or Antivirus.
-Be sure to UNTICK the installation of ‘Hopsurf toolbar’ and whatever else is ticked by default on the Hopsurf installation screen
- In case you do not want many pop-ups, do not choose to install DEFENSE+ component. The ‘Defense+’ is the HIPS component of the firewall.
Till now i have not faced any compatibility issues of using Avast and Comodo firewall together.
A correction is due. Almost all the ‘noise’ in Comodo Firewall is generated by the Defense+ component (that is the HIPS component). A user may choose not to install it at the beginning itself, or there is always the option of turning it off anytime after installation. Depends on how much security the user wants to have, or whether HIPS is desired or nor.
@ Cimmind
For the majority of average users they will go with the default install, as they will be totally in the dark, so until they get some knowledge and do that there will be the noise I mentioned. So I have anotaded (Defense+) after the "depending on settings and elements used (Defense+), "
Some say that CIS without the Defense + weakens the protection given.
after recomendations here i have removed comodo firewall and installed pc tools firewall plus and my slowish laptop is a lot quicker on the internet,very happy here.
Noticed today the Online Armor Premium has reduced their price to $19.95 for the rest of the year at least, so for those contemplating trying it or upgrading to it seems like a good deal. Also working on the 64 bit version for early next year, now that 4.0.0.10 had been released for W7x32.
Outpost Firewall Pro had an offer $39.95 (I believe) for a lifetime license, don’t know if it is still running though. I took advantage of that type of deal way back on outpost pro version 3.
I’ve had good luck with the compatibility of Avast and OA Premium (no AV). I used to use Outpost for many years, and OA is easier to use and under Advanced options gives the user a lot of info. (you also have the ability to turn on/off multiple options). In addition, if you need to uninstall, OA does a nice clean uninstall consistently. Just make sure with any AV and firewall that you add them to your trusted exclusions. I just did several stealth and leak tests on my machine yesterday and passed 100%, so I’m happy.