The Definitive "BEST FIREWALL" thread

[MxxCon]

i'm so sick of these threads poping up every single week. so here's the one and only thread you should need untill the end of your life. moderator can modify poll entries to update.

BEST FIREWALL

[Kontrollverlust]

BlackICE here :)

[uniacidz]

ZAP for me

[Redestium]

Well I just installed Outpost Pro 2.0 and have to say that I like it a lot. It seems to be more lightweight than NIS and even ZAP. Good deal. (Y)

[Redestium]

Well I just installed Outpost Pro 2.0 and have to say that I like it a lot. It seems to be more lightweight than NIS and even ZAP. Good deal. (Y)

I wonder if it'd be worth paying for. :unsure:

Out of these pay firewalls, which one would everyone recommend (or is it not even worth it)? :unsure:

[leedogg]

i used to have outpost. however they havent upgraded for like 2 years so I changed to kpf and then outpost 2 comes out heh, but it isnt free. I think one of the most advanced/best firewalls here is kpf.

[andodson]

I tried Norton IS 2003 and I couldn't get online at all. It blocked MSN messenger and AIM and all of my setting were correct to allow me access...but it wouldn't let me online. So I went to Zone Alarm Pro and I think it's by far the best.

[Redestium]

Lots and lots of opinions but very few hard facts. :pinch:

[Sc0rp10]

blackice all the way

[nicedreams]

You left out the choice for a hardware firewall. I use a lunix box for my router/firewall/NAT. I used to use a Linksys cable/dsl router/firewall which was great. Screw software firewalls.

[Redestium]

You left out the choice for a hardware firewall. I use a lunix box for my router/firewall/NAT. I used to use a Linksys cable/dsl router/firewall which was great. Screw software firewalls.

Hardware firewalls don't stop outbound traffic though do they? :unsure:

[MxxCon]

Hardware firewalls don't stop outbound traffic though do they? :unsure:

sure they do.

why wouldn't they.

[fdiaz2day]

I used to like Z.A. but, now my new favorite firewall seems to be... OutPost

[Samoa]

I like Kerio best. But I found Sygate's latest version very simiiar and it allows you to trace an attack as well. Also unlike Kerio, the free version of Sygate let's you do Home Networking without a problem. With Kerio you have to buy a license to do that.

I but I still like Kerio the best. :D

[romant]

outpost and za do it for me.

[ryanjbonnell]

the best firewall is a still hardware + software solution, but can only be as good as the administrator's skills allow for. personally, I run Zone Alarm Pro with a Linksys BEFSR41 router / firewall / switch

[Porkey]

i love my router (linksys BEFSX41) uses NAT plus has built in SPI firewall, better then any software about imho

[dL]

ZoneAlarm PRO BABY! :bounce:

[Muffzilla]

I use Norton Internet Security. The only thing that's really useful that sto me from switching to another firewall is the Spam Filter, which puts the words SPAM ALERT: in front of the subject line and then you can use a mail filter to send those to Deleted Items.

Just a quick side question also: I remember a GUI being made for the XP Firewall. Anyone know what I am talking about and remember where to download it?

[Guest Ryan]

I've had some good times with Norton, so they get my vote (Y)

[+hayc59 MVC]

Outpost is good, outpost is great!<br />

<br />

yet.. you guys can't think of one reason why its great?<br />

<br />

pppffff.... :right:

here ya go on the reasons--->

and its really to bad its not included in the authors poll!!

Outpost Personal Firewall Pro offers an extensive list of valuable features that maintain the integrity of your system on the Internet. Compare the value and advantages of Outpost Personal Firewall Pro at our Comparisons page.

Security Features

New: Components Control (Anti-Leak) feature monitors components of each application you run;

New: Stateful Inspection firewall technology provides superior security to packet filtering;

New: Windows Boot-up protection defends your system before any malicious programs can be loaded;

System and application level filtering define broad and precise restrictions;

TCP, UDP and ICMP level filtering define access for data packet transmissions;

Internet attack blocking (nuke, etc.) averts attacks that can cause system crashes;

Port scan detection denies access to intruders;

Stealth mode Support makes your computer invisible to attackers;

MD5 authentication offers added protection for encrypted messages;

E-mail protection guards against dangerous attachments and worms;

Firewall engine resides on the lowest possible level of the operating system, allowing Outpost filter RAW_SOCKET and direct packet sending into drivers, thus bypassing the TCP/IP stack.

Control Features

New: Database-driven logging system gives you precise stats for every connection and event;

Network activity monitor provides a graphic overview of your system;

Content filtering lets parents control site access for children;

One click to block all traffic or disable the firewall;

Software runs as a service;

Custom settings are password-protected;

Trusted IP group maintains confidentiality;

Individual configurations allows customization by multiple users;

DNS caching speeds connection times.

Privacy Features

New: Banner ad blocking (including Flash ads) and pop-up window blocking keep frustrating ads off your screen;

Cookies blocking maintains Web privacy and protects personal information;

Web history (referrers) blocking conceals surfing habits;

Active elements blocking for ActiveX, Java, Visual Basic scripts, and Java applets protects your system from malicious programs.

Ease of Use and Compatibility

New: Auto-configuration sets up 95% of your applications, system and local network settings during installation;

New: Remote Desktop support;

New: Fast User Switching support lets users efficiently share one computer;

ICS (Internet Connection Sharing) support allows networked computers to share one Internet connection;

Wizard mode simplifies automatic rule creation;

Predefined system and application settings cover all common tasks such as browsing the web, allowing ICQ, allowing DNS or DHCP, etc;

Highly customizable user interface;

Online, direct updating of plug-ins and settings for protection against new attacks. Automated updates mean you simply press Update Now;

Individual configurations for multiple users.

[Marduk]

I started using Outpost a few days ago, so far I'm loving it, I wonder which of all use LESS memory??? Now THAT is a test... anyone?

Outpost seems nice though!

[munki]

Using the one with PC-Cillin2003. :)

[+hayc59 MVC]

I started using Outpost a few days ago, so far I'm loving it, I wonder which of all use LESS memory??? Now THAT is a test... anyone?

Outpost seems nice though!

right now OutPost is having a problem that is being worked on as far

as the logging system causing a memory issue. but it is being resolved.

just to let you know i am one of the beta-testers and a Mod over at the forum, if you have any questions stop on over

http://www.outpostfirewall.com/forum/index.php?s=

its a great firewall!! and yes i am bias but i know a good thing when i see one.... :)

[Redestium]

I started using Outpost a few days ago, so far I'm loving it, I wonder which of all use LESS memory??? Now THAT is a test... anyone?

Outpost seems nice though!

right now OutPost is having a problem that is being worked on as far

as the logging system causing a memory issue. but it is being resolved.

just to let you know i am one of the beta-testers and a Mod over at the forum, if you have any questions stop on over

http://www.outpostfirewall.com/forum/index.php?s=

its a great firewall!! and yes i am bias but i know a good thing when i see one.... :)

I signed up recently to become a beta tester and answered their questions like weeks ago but they never got back to me, oh well.

[iwod]

I started using Outpost a few days ago, so far I'm loving it, I wonder which of all use LESS memory??? Now THAT is a test... anyone?

Outpost seems nice though!

The last time i test it,

Using ZoneAlarm Pro 3.x ( can't remember now ), outpost 1.0, Kero, and others such as BlackICE.

Outpost wins hands down. Then latter i discover outpost 1.0 has a memory leacking bug. But it was fixed in 2.0

I haven't try 2.0 yet.

And i haven't tested Norton and Mcfaee solutions yet. But after testing all the avalible products i was able to download i am convinved that outpost is simply the best.

And 2.0 will only improve on that.

I have heard zonealarm 4.0 seems to have gone back to the good old days where it is solid and stable. However i havn't tested it myself so i am not sure.