Just wondering what FREE firewalls people recommend using with Avast Free?
Just installed Comodo and am seeing how it goes, but open to other suggestions.
Thanks.
I’m on Windows 8.1 and on Windows 10 and use the firewall that MS supplies.
No problems and fully protected. 
Bob’s advice is sound. Comodo is problematic, in that it has had a noticeable impact on system responsiveness in the past, and still does, in the latest iteration. Reason for that is due to the advanced HIPS features and use of cloud transmissions. Disabling these features helped some in the past, but did not completely lessen system impact. Likely this is still true.
You’ll need to use their uninstaller to completely remove all traces of it after a normal uninstall: https://forums.comodo.com/install_setup_configuration_help/cleanup_tool_for_comodo_internet_security-t36499.0.html Use this uninstall tool at your own risk, even the Comodo admin says so.
IMO. avast! natively protects you without the extra features provided by Comodo if run with Windows Firewall. If you still wish to run a third-party firewall, then see: http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-firewall.htm but ignore Comodo.
See: http://www.howtogeek.com/165203/why-you-dont-need-to-install-a-third-party-firewall-and-when-you-do/
It is your call here. In a case such as this one, always best to image your system drive first if you do not like the end result.
FWIW, I’ve been running Comodo Firewall for quite some time without any issues.
I wouldn’t run anything from Comodo v6.0 or later due to it being bloatware and
a resource hog.
This might help http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-firewall.htm
Warning: Do not run a third party firewall unless you know what you are doing!
Hi!
I’m running ‘CIS 3.14’ (Comodo) on XP, W7 and W8.1 and haven’t had any problem.
HDW
+1 Zonealarm free firewall. It works just fine for almost 2 years.
I have used Comodo Firewall Free in the past. It’s useless and every time i open up a program i.e. adobe reader or word or etc it shows up a dialog box to gain access i click on gain access (always remember) and everytime i open up programs that same dialog box appears. Just use this “WINDOWS FIREWALL AND AVAST” :). Always have been using Windows Firewall and Avast for many many years and don’t have any regrets and it does an marvelous job
I can’t stand a firewall, which doesn’t show me that it works.
HDW
It’s the HIPS which causes the most noise. I have been running CFW v5.12 w/D+ for quite a while
with no ill affects. By the way, CIS v3.14 won’t work on Win7 or later. If you run CFW on Win7 or
later you can run CFW v5.12 or later.
I’m sorry, but you’re wrong: it does work on W7! You don’t need updating to ‘5.12’, ‘7.0’ or later.
I didn’t try yet, if it’s running on ‘W8.1’.
HDW
You must be running 32 bit machines. I tried more than several times to install
CFW v3.14 on 64 bit laptops and it was no-go. I also know it can’t be done on
a Win 8.1 64 bit machine. Not even in a VM.
You’re completely right. Thought, you took a glance on my forum-signature (only 32 bit machines). So sorry, that you failed.
HDW
@ HDW38,
I see only one mention of a 32-bit machine. Why that is relevant is only due to what os bit version that software supports. Older versions of software may or may not support the newer version, 64-bit. For that, one needs to go to the software specifications page and see what operating systems are supported there.
Not at all clear from your sig that all your machines are 32-bit. That does make a difference, especially with older software.
@ Para-Noid,
Glad you two have worked it out. Anyway, this is OT. OP has yet to return. Let’s wait for his answer.
Why You Don’t Need an Outbound Firewall On Your Laptop or Desktop PC
http://www.howtogeek.com/172349/why-you-dont-need-an-outbound-firewall-on-your-laptop-or-desktop-pc/
HTG Explains: I Have a Router, Do I Need a Firewall?
http://www.howtogeek.com/122065/htg-explains-i-have-a-router-do-i-need-a-firewall/
Many people are not aware that they already may have a hardware firewall which is much better than a software one.
Check your modem/router manual to see if it has a firewall or not.
If it has, login to the modem/router and make adjustments to the settings (if needed/wanted)
If you have a hardware firewall, there is no need to have a software one as well.
As I have said several times before on this webboard:
See the firewall as a doorman.
Put him outside and in front of the door and he will not let unwanted people in. (hardware firewall)
Put him inside and the unwated people are already in before he sees them. (software firewall)
And I am having a déjà vu with this thread…
Ok. In the first 3 lines of my sig you see all my machines. And in the 4th you find
→ ‘Alle’ (german), that means: every machine!!!
(end of ‘ot’)
HDW
Youre signature only has 3 lines 
That’s ‘ot’, too. By the way, who tought you counting? → Screenshot
HDW
Well I guess you can imaging what I think of that article - you only have to browse the viruses and worms forum to see all of the blocked URL:MAL detections have essentially sailed past inbound protection and in this case it is avast blocking.
Sorry Eddy unless your Hardware Firewall has outbound protection (e.g. software) , then there is no outbound protection as outbound connections are allowed out and subsequent inbound traffic from that outbound call will be allowed right in.
A doorman is all well and good, but if the punter gets in, the doorman doesn’t stop punters leaving via the front door.
And I’m having the same daja vu moment when people say outbound protection isn’t necessary.
Rather depends on your screen resolution, font size and how big you have your browser window.