start up sequence

Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security
1

Using both Comodo firewall and Avast 4.x Home.

As suggested, I installed Comodo Firewall prior to installing Avast as suggested.

However, upon turning on the computer, Avast seems to load first;

then Windows generates a “Firewall Not Installed” notification from Windows XP Home.

Then after a bit, Comodo installs but not without Windows Security center opening … well, you get the picture.

Is there any way to ensure that Comodo loads first in plenty of time to allow the firewall to fully load before Avast loads or is there any way to slow down the loading of Avast to ensure the firewall is installed prior to Avast loading?

I thought of placing this topic on a Comodo forum and decided to place it here first, since Avast apparently loads first, (either out of sequence- or perhaps more efficiently)

and I wish to have it load a bit later than Comodo to ensure my firewall is loaded upon turning on the computer from a boot up start.

Apologies if I made a mistake placing this query on this forum.

Thank you,
Robert

2

:slight_smile: Hi Robert :

 Consider installing and using "Startright", available from 
 www.spychecker.com/program/startright.html .

 I would NOT recommend Comodo, but a FREE firewall, such
 as Sunbelt Kerio, Sygate, or Zone Alarm, available at
 www.filehippo.com/software/firewalls/  .
3

Thank you.

As a newby, may I ask why you suggest Sunbelt Kerio, Sygate, or Zone Alarm, as opposed to Comodo which is also a freeware, and was suggested by other Avast users?

I am willing to consider changing firewalls but do require a bit more information.

Thank you,
Robert

4

Comodo is free too, and happily in use by many of us (nothing against the oher firewalls - just wanted to clarify the free part).

WinPatrol 2007 is also worth a look. Besides being a nice IDS program the newest version has a Delayed Start option. Like many others I use WinPatrol, though I have not tried the start up delayer yet.

http://www.winpatrol.com/download.html

5

Thank you also.

I did install the Startright which may solve the start up problem;

I would like to think about staying with Coodo for now.

Also I just read this about Comodo…
Best free firewall.
PC Magazine in particular is enthusiastic about Comodo Personal Firewall, saying it “works as well as all but the best for-pay firewalls.” The magazine also likes Comodo’s interface. In leak testing at Firewall Leak Tester, Comodo outperformed the free version of ZoneAlarm, but finished below ZoneAlarm Pro, Outpost Pro and Kerio Personal Firewall. If you already have a hardware firewall (like a wired or wireless router), reviews say you can get by with a free firewall like Comodo.

which makes me think Comodo is pretty good.

But I am open minded and willing to consider other free firewalls if giving a great reasoning.
Robert

6

I’ve tested this program and does not like it.
I suggest Startup Delayer.
This freeware controls the windows startup (Windows 98\Me\2k\XP) that does not follow a strict order.

Comodo is free too.
I do recommend Comodo. You can see it gives a better protection that all the others.
For instance firewall rating: http://www.matousec.com/projects/windows-personal-firewall-analysis/leak-tests-results.php#firewalls-ratings

7

Then that’s what you should do. Its very good.

8

:slight_smile: It says quite clearly in the PC Mag “Review” that
"Comodo…finished BELOW…Kerio Personal Firewall " .

  Sounds like it is worse than the Sunbelt Kerio !?
9

Yes,

I noticed that and wondered if Comodo’s ‘worse’ meant ‘slightly less good than’ Kerio or really “worse”?

So many folks and sites recommend Comodo and I’m not that picky if it does the trick right now.

I recently reformatted my HDD and am attempting to get to a stable operating level before I begin changing software and all that.

I completely screwed the install of StartRight, my bad, and these situations are what l’m attempting to minimize.

I did favorably use System Restore, but now must tweak my system again.

Then, consider reinstalling StartRight or Start Delay, if need be. And learn about Kerio and other firewalls.

I can say I never visit bad sites on purpose, my IP is stable and well protected.

So I may not that great a risk at the moment. Then I will look into the Kerio.

Thank you again,
Robert

10

Where bellow?
Comodo is BETTER than Kerio Sunbelt nowadays, for sure. Support, development, philosophy, etc.

Interpretation of results: The clear winners of our tests are Comodo Firewall Pro 2.4.16.174 and Jetico Personal Firewall 2.0.0.16 beta. Whilst Comodo is the best on its highest security settings, Jetico has the best default settings configuration. On the highest security settings, Comodo passed all leak-tests, Jetico failed against Breakout and pcAudit. These results are excellent! What is more, both firewalls are still in development and we can expect that they will pass all tests in their future versions. Congratulations!

11

Tech,

you have given me several great suggestions when I was installing Avast, so I feel better that Comodo is your suggested firewire. It will stay.

Whether or not I need StartRight is another issue and I will communicate with its developer Joe, on that end.

Apparently there is no problem as Comodo folks say I am not at risk with the way things are now with Comodo starting in the Start Up sequence as it does. Again my comfort level has been raised.

BTW, Avast is running fine and dandy, and has made my machine run much more smoothly than when I used Norton AV. What a difference! WOW!

I am thankful for Avast and for your guidance,
Robert

12

You’re welcome Robert 8)