system
1
I’ve seen the topic about Avast! Free with certain Software Firewalls, I did understand about WebShield while being turned on, ZoneAlarm kept the Avast! icon in the notification bar from appearing until I decided to disable the WebShield, although not recommended by avast! Free. My question is this, "What really works best as a firewall with avast! Free? :-\
I personally don’t like ZoneAlarm causing issues with avast!, nor do I like the idea of having to allow or deny what ZoneAlarm chooses. I just need a really decent Firewall that works with avast! Free so… I use a Router Firewall turned up on high, so I hope someone can help me here, would really appreciate it. Thank you 
system
2
What Operating System?
In computer forums, too much information is ALWAYS better than not enough.
system
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Windows XP Professional Media Center Edition 2005
system
4
Sorry, can’t help you there. I’ve forgotten too much about XP, I’m afraid.
CraigB
5
I’m not sure about the compatibility with XP media edition but Outpost firewall Pro, Privatefirewall, Online Armor and Comodo all work with Avast.
system
6
You should definately go for Comodo. Works perfectly on XP together with Avast.
You should however be aware of the following:
- Do not use CFW version 6, it is completely crippled as the new Avast AV. Find the old version 5.12. It has a long learning curve, but after that you will be able to make it act exactly as you wish.
- Be aware at installation. Install only the firewall. After installation, disable D+ permanently, and also disable auto updates, so it doesn’t sneak version 6 into your system.
system
7
I went to filehippo.com and comes up for v5.12 ““cispremium_installer.exe (202 MB)”” Is this the download or no?
Also, I use MalwareBytes as Anti-malware.
Yes, regardless of what firewall you eventually choose, MBam is definitely a keeper. 
system
9
Don’t download it from Filehippo, you will probably get version 6. Get it here: http://www.oldversion.com/windows/comodo-internet-security/
It is a combined installer, so remember to uncheck everything but the firewall. You will get D+ anyway, so disable it permanently after installation.
Comodo Firewall v5.12…
Download from here.
Instructions can be found here.
edit: I use CFW w/D+ with no adverse affects.
You can also “stealth” your ports with CFW.