22 replies to this topic 1 votes

[Anaron]

An updated "Best Firewall" poll for 2011. Please use this as a reference when researching Firewall utilities. As time goes on, the poll can be updated to add further options.

Happy Voting!

[bozthepcnerd]

If its a stand-alone box that can be used, I like Endian Firewall.

If its on a PC, not actually sure, I'd probably go with ESET.

[PGHammer]

bozthepcnerd, on 06 February 2011 - 04:25, said:

If its a stand-alone box that can be used, I like Endian Firewall.

If its on a PC, not actually sure, I'd probably go with ESET.

While ESET is good, like most "fee" firewalls, they have had to "bulk up" to compete with free products (which are no longer jokes simply by being free, especially with Microsoft in the mix).

I've no experience with ESET (therefore, I have only the opinions of others). CheckPoint *has* fixed the problems that had been plaguing ZoneAlarm (which, like ESET and Kapersky, has bulked up).

However, my recommendation for best definitive firewall remains the *only* free firewall that I recommend and use personally - Microsoft Security Essentials/Microsoft Forefront Endpoint Security.

While light in code, it remains as impervious as any of the "fee" firewalls (including ESET) at the default settings; unlike ESET (in fact, unlike most "fee" firewalls) it doesn't take an advanced degree to configure, either.

[Mr Spoon]

Currently using Esset's firewall.
During May, my subscription runs out, so I'll switch to Microsoft's AV/Firewall.

[StrikedOut]

Windows 7 firewall is such a jump forward to XP SP2, does a perfect job for my needs.

[lamminium]

Matousec's Security Challenge has always been a good source for choosing software firewall.

[Nevis]

Norton's firewall is very strong .. also love comodo

[Kudo]

Windows Built-In Firewall

[cork1958]

PrivateFirewall, http://www.privacywa...l_firewall.html, is what I've been using, although seeing one of these older "definitive" polls, I came across Windows7FirewallControl, which is what I'm using on this computer at the moment.

Using the free version which doesn't allow you to control system connections and using it WITHOUT enabling windows built in firewall.

Otherwise, just plain ol' NAT router is enough for me also.

[divinechild]

For years, I've been happy with Kerio firewall, but it's a shame they didn't evolved toward windows vista/seven... :-(

So for Seven, I use Comodo's one...

To those who claim NAT is enough, I'm sorry to tell them they're wrong !

Internet has become nasty and dangerous, many protections are never enough xD

[th3r3turn]

divinechild, on 13 March 2011 - 01:03, said:

So for Seven, I use Comodo's one...

+1

[Jen Smith]

For me anyway, most of my Windows boxes just use the built in Windows 7 firewall. The *Nix boxes mostly run IPTables or IPFilter depending on what OS it is. I keep a close eye on what's installed, and I really don't need a popup confirming every little thing that's going on. Stuff coming in is blocked by default, and I can block specific stuff from going out, good for my needs. My virtual machine "junk box" that runs unknowns or just temporary things however has Comodo running in "ultra anal" mode, and it does a good job monitoring everything and anything that's going on. Granted, it takes about 20 dialog boxes to get a new program going, but that's why it's there. Pretty light on the resources as well too. If I was the type that blindly ran programs first and wondered if that was a mistake later, I'd feel pretty comfortable with it.

[rich123]

I have used several firewall solutions for years, and I recommend Comodo Firewall.

[mujjuman]

I love Comodo. free, fast, easy to use and it works

[CUBBYJR2005]

I say norton for paying one and free one microsoft