Firewall Selection Problems...

Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security
1

I posted a couple of days ago regarding which firewall to install with Avast Pro, and the replies I got suggested Zone Alarm, Outpost and Kerio.

Having done an extensive review of the three, I think I have decided on Zone Alarm, which seems to be widely regarded as the best around.

Problem is, Zone Alarm or Zone Alarm Pro?

Most people say the only difference is that Pro offers a pop-up blocker & a few other fancy bits, but all-in-all the firewall is exactly the same - however one chap said that some worms / trojans exploit the free version but not the Pro version.

So - what do you guys recommend? Keep in mind that I am a single home PC user with limited experience & interest in complex internet security. I have a broadband connection, which is on most of the time, and all I want is the best damn firewall around that nothing will get past.

2

If you want the best, get a router with build in firewall.

If you want a software firewall, ZA will do.

3

Now, I don’t recomend to use Kerio Personal Firewall, because KPF end of life December 31st 2005.
Please refer to below (Kerio’s Forum).

http://forums.kerio.com/index.php?t=msg&th=7040&start=0&S=8c555c2e1d58ffc840217f94dbb01502

Sygate was bought out by Simantec, and KPF end of life.
I embarrassed now.

Hi all
How about Jetico for Avast ?

4

Free Zone Alarm is OK !
The Pro version has a compatibility-problem with webshield and doesn’t add anything you need.

Fast

5

Fast,

ZA Pro is working perfectly 100% with webshield on my Father laptop computer when I set it up for him with Avast Home Edition. How did you came with the idea of the Pro version has a compatibility-problem with webshield, and the only problem I can see is PEBKAC.

6

Hello Speedy. I’m so happy for your father that it works well on his laptop :slight_smile:
Could you please tel me what is a pebkac ???
It’s not dangerous is it ?

7

Fast PEBKAC stand for

Problem
Exist
Between
Keyboard
And
Chair

It can be dangerous depending on the person who install the software and setting the software, and this is why most people don’t always recheck and double check their settings mean PEBKAC.

Fast I am not trying to be rude we all make mistake behind the computer and nobody is perfect.

8

Aha !
Well thanks a lot ! ;D
I had a feeling it must be something like this, however I’m not familiar with these english abbreviations that much.
I guess you’re right (in my case you most certainly are :slight_smile: ).

Bye now.

Fast

9

The difference between pro and free is that in the pro version you have an element that monitors programme activity on your HD and alerts you to unusual behaviour

Check this thread out from when I was testing the beta

http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=14041.0

10

Thanks for all your help guys - I have found this forum to be excellent!

11

I’m really proud of the crew 8)

I won’t be so hard but, after all, the free version could fill all common user needs.
The user could donwload other (free) tools to get the same (or even higher) protection level of the ZA Pro.
Need only patience, learn something about security, use Google and avast! forums :slight_smile:
Right now, the best free firewall available 8)