I am running XP and dialup internet and Avast Free. I am wondering if I really need a firewall. I am concerned that adding a firewall will slow the dialup internet even more.
If needed, is the Windows Firewall adequate. If not, what is recommended.
It depends on your system specifications as to RAM amount and if you are running XP SP3.
Many people here use Outpost Free.
I personally don’t like Windows Firewall at all.
I recommend Outpost Free or Comodo Firewall.
I am running XP sp3 with 1G RAM on a 1.7g laptop.
Stick with Outpost Free.
Outpost Free Firewall is no more.
Now exists Outpost Security Suite Free with AV, Firewall and Anti-Spam.
I’m thinking about download and turnoff just the AV and keep the rest.
If you want an extremely light firewall i recommend privatefirewall, if you require ease of use but very strong firewall that use’s a bit more memory then online armor would be my top pick.
No point in downloading outpost if it come’s with an av,when turning off the av there will still be low level driver’s that are active and will more than likely conflict with avast unless you can choose not to install the av componant in the install if it has this option.
Not true:
Agnitum Outpost Firewall Free 2009
http://download.cnet.com/Agnitum-Outpost-Firewall-Free/3000-10435_4-10913746.html?tag=mncol;lst
I know but… 2009?
That’s way outdated… 
And i don’t see any Free Firewall on Agnitum webpage.
Hey Craigb.
I’m actually finding a new firewall (free, preferentially) … i have Comodo but… meh.
Also I recommend Online Armor Free
SilkO, Window’s 7 firewall is alot better than previous version’s so i would stick with that and upgrade your MBAM to the pro version, comodo is to fiddly for my liking but it’s your choice 
Generally, this will be source of conflicts as the suites are bundled together and it is not easy to separate all the things.
Better would be even installing the antivirus part.
For instance, Returnil (antivirus + restore tool), even with the av disabled, brings problems with avast.
I think ZoneAlarm Pro will be the same…
I’m thinking in get the PRO version of Malwarebytes in a near future.
About the firewall: i don’t know if Window’s firewall is safer but i can give a try.
I think Comodo is good/average… but the updates of the program never come along…
Outdate?? I don’t believe a Firewall(a good one) really gets outdate (in the sense of protecting ports and access in and out). For example, I used Comodo 2.4 Free Firewall for a long time after they upgraded to the 3 version and was very satisfied with the protection. Also there are users on this forum that use the old 3.4 version of Comodo Free Firwall.Granted the newer versions of Firewalls have moved into Behavior detection (Hips)and the like (which makes it a little more difficult to socialize into an OS)so it plays nicely with OS configurations, at least in my case; But does increase the strenth. I also used Comodo 3.4 for awhile with Defence+ and it definitely did it’s job. ;D
So IMHO, OP 2009 isn’t really that outdated
I am giving the latest Comodo FW/D+ another try. It is much more user friendly than it was a year ago - in fact it is virtually silent so far (having alerted only to GRC Leak Test).
Forgot to mention - Comodo is a big download for a firewall (about 50meg I think - you have to download the full CIS suite, and then install only the FW). If you’re on dial (OP) I should probably leave it alone.
The Outpost 7.0 Security Suite Free, will detect avast being installed and will disable elements so they don’t conflict. I tried this on my win7 netbook and it disables the AV and anti-spyware elements.
It can be found at http://free.agnitum.com/, though the download link will redirect to one of the major download sites (Cnet download.com).
Wow! Thanks for all the information of these firewall–this is really helpful.
Thanks for the information, DavidR.
It’s better to stick with COMODO for now…
You’re welcome, though personally I wouldn’t stick with Comodo ;D