Should I get a Firewall with Avast! Free?

Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security
1

Would anyone recommend getting a firewall with the free verison of Avast?

And if so, I’m looking for one that is lightweight and is free.

2

If you have a Win7 or a Win8 you should be good to go.

If you want HIPS try…

http://www.softpedia.com/get/Security/Firewall/Privatefirewall.shtml
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Security/Firewall/Online-Armor-Free.shtml

or

http://www.filehippo.com/download_comodo/13662/
To install Comodo Firewall see…http://www.knightwithapc.com/2011/11/download-comodo-firewall/

3

Since avast free doesn’t have a firewall, you need one. It rather depends on what operating system that you have as it may be enough.

Personally I don’t think it is enough as it may not have outbound protection and/or it may be switched off.

4

The OS I’m using is Windows XP SP3

5

You definitely need one on XP, cause there are no longer updates from Microsoft.

I can recommend to switch to Windows 7 or 8 soon if possible.

Avast supports XP for 3 years from now on.

6

See my suggestions above. :wink:

7

I agree with DavidR; in that, if you want outbound protection, you will need a 3rd-party firewall. However, my logic tells me that “If nothing can get in, then there is no need to monitor all outbound traffic at the firewall level.” This type of arrangement is best suited for those that consider themselves at risk due to their surfing habits. Speaking for myself, I am a safe-surfer, and I have never perceived the need for a 3rd-party firewall. However, I have tested many in the past and they all seemed to be a real pain in the backside to administer… going though the learning process and getting asked all those questions during the learning process too! Now, my testing was done several years ago so maybe they have become easier to administer. Anyway, if you continue to use XP, then maybe a 3rd-party firewall might not be a bad idea; however, all of the more recent OS offerings have always worked well for me with just the standard Windows Firewall + Avast Free AV protection. In summary, I think many people try to “overprotect” their rigs and they end up with a “who’s watching who?” arrangement that sometimes leads to unnecessary admin nightmares. Remember, if it can’t get in, no worries about getting out. BTW, I have never been infected by any malware of any type so Avast has been dang good to me! Good luck with your own decision going forward.

Best regards,

plsrepli

8

I plan on upgrading to Windows 7 and buying some RAM for my system at the end of the year ;D

9

You only have to browse the viruses and worms forum to see attempts by undetected/hidden malware to connect to the internet and the only thing stopping them is avast. This is because the malware is trying to connect to sites which are on avasts malicious sites list.

So what happens if it tries to connect to a site not on avasts malicious sites list; it is able to upload and data that it may have been looking for (personal, private, passwords, etc. etc.) or download more malware. If there is a possibility it can get in then there is very little to stop it getting out, other than if the site it tries to connect is blocked by avast.

So avast and a firewall that provides outbound protection gives greater protection in depth.

10

Take a look at these 2 videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dghE2yS54kU&list=UU_M-iWYpQbgo4rK1YfewI5w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vc0AvMn8kvQ&list=UU_M-iWYpQbgo4rK1YfewI5w

11

Check these out…

http://ask-leo.com/do_i_need_a_firewall_and_if_so_what_kind.html
http://www.techsupportalert.com/content/hips-explained.htm

12

@DavidR,

Why not throw in malwarebytes to offer even more protection? The real question here is what is enough for one’s specific purposes; however, I would never recommend a 3rd-party firewall for all because it is just not needed for many of us. Again, I have never been infected; period. Also, I would venture to guess there are many more Win installations using the inherent firewall (as opposed to a 3rd-party solution). Here’s hoping the OP makes the right choice based on his own specific needs.

13

@Para-Noid:

+1 to both of those articles. Hope the OP reads them. They layout the risk factors quite nicely and it appears they do not “blankedly” recommend a 3rd-party solution for all.

14

Personally I recommend a two way firewall. IOW one with HIPS. I have been running CFW w/D+ for quite some time now.
CFW has yet to slow down my machine, it runs quietly in the background. I have all my ports stealthed so when I run a
“shieldsup” test at grc.com my laptop passes hands down. 8)

15

Because it has nothing to do with the topic “Should I get a Firewall with Avast! Free?”

16

Ever though your question, this has nothing to do with what I’m asking. I always use Malwarebytes with any anti-virus that I get :slight_smile:

17

I probably end up using Comodo Firewall, thanks for help guys :smiley: