Wow! thanks for the links sir :)You're welcome. Feel free to come back any time you need help you just to change experiences 8)
I think we are given trial period to use pctools...you need to pay after the trial periodYou must have mistaken PC Tools Internet Security (http://www.pctools.com/internet-security/) for PC Tools Firewall Plus (http://www.pctools.com/firewall/).
I think we are given trial period to use pctools...you need to pay after the trial periodpctools firewall is free and there is also a free version of threatfire-both are not trial versions :)
I have been studying the tests on firewalls and it appears that Online Armor Free firewall is very good.
Has anyone had some direct experience with it. They recently came out with a new version.
I have never used a firewall and i am wondering if it is needed.
I currently use AvastHome and SpywareTerminator with HIPS and run Win2000.
Does a firewall slow down the computer and surfing?
I will appreciate your thoughts on this.
rdmaloyjr,
Thanks for the suggestion.
I have read other places that ZoneAlarm was easy to use, but on the tests of firewalls it didn't come out as good as others.
I am dubious about the accuracy of the tests because so many people on the forum use ZoneAlarm. You obviously must find it effective.
Greyowl,
I recommend ZoneAlarm (http://www.zonealarm.com/store/catalog/products/sku_list_za.jsp) for you since you have never used a firewall. ZA is the easiest fw to use & gives great protection. I've used many different fw's. In my sig. you will see I'm using ZA. It's good for the experienced & the novice. :)
Use a text editor and edit the avast4.ini file, the default installation location is C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\DATA\avast4.ini (I would advise you copy avast4.ini before editing it, just in case).
Locate the line containing ZoneAlarmCompatibility= and delete that line or, if you want to keep this line, set it to 0. Save the edited avast4.ini file.
If the question appears and you are using ZoneAlarm Free you should click NO, because privacy features are not present in ZoneAlarm Free this will not turn off webshield transparent mode proxy.
Use a text editor and edit the avast4.ini file, the default installation location is C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\DATA\avast4.ini (I would advise you copy avast4.ini before editing it, just in case).
Locate the line containing ZoneAlarmCompatibility= and delete that line or, if you want to keep this line, set it to 0. Save the edited avast4.ini file.
If you are using ZoneAlarm Pro and Privacy Control in ZoneAlarm is set to High and if you click YES in avast comptability dialog box the transparent mode proxy in webshield will be turned off you have to manually configure browser to access internet. To manually configure your browser watch instructional video. In this case, the value ZoneAlarmCompatibility=1 should be at avast4.ini file.
More info: http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=1647.msg15960#msg15960
i use the pc tools personal firewall before but the problem is my internet is really slow >:(I use PCTOOLS FIREWALL + on VISTA without any such problem. :)
I do a lot of volunteer refurb work for "Alternatives for the Older Adult", a local not-for-profit that distributes used computers to folks who have never used a computer before. All are novices obviously.
My recommendations:
Win98 use Outpost Firewall Free 1.0 (Not many others will work)
WinXP (novice) use PC Tools Firewall Plus
WinXP (advanced) use Comodo Firewall Pro 2.4
We all seem to have our own favorites here and comfort level is a big factor in our choices.
What would you use for a novice with Win2000 and dial up internet?The connection type is not that relevant here.
Lusher,
I've never had a problem with so-called fw leaks & I've used some of the best firewalls & HIPS that protect from "fw leaks." Never read a post in this forum where someone was infected from a "fw leak", AFAIK.
If something got through a "fw leak", WinPatrol would probably warn of it or it's start up & my AS and/or AV would take care of it. That is what they're for.
It would be very hard for anything to get thru Opera.
The first major version of IE in over 4 years of stagnation. Large portion of this program have been significantly rework. Microsoft dubbed it as the "most secure" version of Internet Explorer to date.
CENZIC APPLICATION SECURITY TRENDS REPORT – Q4, 2007, Internet Explorer has the smallest vulnerabilities by a 22% margin compared to Firefox. Surprised?
WinPatrol is not bad, but against targetted attacks that target weaknesses against firewall, no doubt Winpatrol would not stand up.WinPatrol is not and has never claimed to be a firewall. ??? ??? ;D
Hmmm... if we can trust this source (Softpedia), it looks like Opera is the most vulnerable of all:
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Is-Internet-Explorer-Safer-than-Firefox-Opera-and-Safari-80051.shtml (http://news.softpedia.com/news/Is-Internet-Explorer-Safer-than-Firefox-Opera-and-Safari-80051.shtml)QuoteThe first major version of IE in over 4 years of stagnation. Large portion of this program have been significantly rework. Microsoft dubbed it as the "most secure" version of Internet Explorer to date.
CENZIC APPLICATION SECURITY TRENDS REPORT – Q4, 2007, Internet Explorer has the smallest vulnerabilities by a 22% margin compared to Firefox. Surprised?
According to Secunia.com, all Opera vulnerabilities have been patched, while both Mozilla and Microsoft have not patched all the vulnerabilities in their products.
QuoteAccording to Secunia.com, all Opera vulnerabilities have been patched, while both Mozilla and Microsoft have not patched all the vulnerabilities in their products.
Comment #2 by Phil on 2008-03-06, 22:31 GMT
I have personal experienced far fewer problems since switching to Opera than I had when i used IE. I must admit, though, that Opera is a little faster, takes less room on my desktop, has more intuitive interface options, and has a much nicer tab system than IE. Of course, I think in the end it comes down to personal preference. After all, regardless of how many vulnerabilities you fix, there will always be new ones. That's the problem with security. Nothing is completely safe. Keep your scanners updated and running.
QuoteComment #2 by Phil on 2008-03-06, 22:31 GMT
I have personal experienced far fewer problems since switching to Opera than I had when i used IE. I must admit, though, that Opera is a little faster, takes less room on my desktop, has more intuitive interface options, and has a much nicer tab system than IE. Of course, I think in the end it comes down to personal preference. After all, regardless of how many vulnerabilities you fix, there will always be new ones. That's the problem with security. Nothing is completely safe. Keep your scanners updated and running.
Isn't this question kind of asked one too many times and never ever brought a solution ?There never will be a solution since the best firewall still depends on the choice of the user.
This thread has gotten off track.
The best fw is subjective, what's good for one may not be good for another. A person who has never used a fw may be better off with an easy to use fw like ZoneAlarm. The advanced user may like Outpost Pro, while the average user may prefer PC Tools Firewall Plus.
QuoteIsn't this question kind of asked one too many times and never ever brought a solution ?There never will be a solution since the best firewall still depends on the choice of the user.
The best for each user is the one he/she is comfortable with and is able to manage. :)
The best fw is subjective, what's good for one may not be good for another. A person who has never used a fw may be better off with an easy to use fw like ZoneAlarm. The advanced user may like Outpost Pro, while the average user may prefer PC Tools Firewall Plus.
QuoteWinPatrol is not bad, but against targetted attacks that target weaknesses against firewall, no doubt Winpatrol would not stand up.WinPatrol is not and has never claimed to be a firewall. ??? ??? ;D
Personally i love Comodo Firewall Pro 3.0.19.318 (free) , has many features, novices may feel a little overwhelmed at first, but its quite simple once you get used to it.
Website: http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/
--lee
Comodo firewall 3 is by no stretch "quite simple".... Unless you install without defense+ in which case it is still quite complicated but possibly manageable depending on your skill level and your stomach for answering lots of prompts...
From now on i'm using the latest comodo Version 3.0.19.318 works fine for me ;D
QuoteComodo firewall 3 is by no stretch "quite simple".... Unless you install without defense+ in which case it is still quite complicated but possibly manageable depending on your skill level and your stomach for answering lots of prompts...
I apologise, to correct my last statement, for me i found it simple enough to use (even with defense+), i agree if you go into the more advanced handling issues it can get a little advanced, but so far only one issue (don't let little bro's touch PCs imo) which was when my little bro managed to block access permissions to the shell32.dll system file (was put as a isolated app..) but was easily fixable in the security policy section.
My definition of novice is quite simple (A beginner or someone who does not have experience),
however inability to read simple intyructions is not covered by that (Ignorance is no excuse for Stupidity), if my brother had not decided to mess around with settings he that he didn't need to. (he has been told to press alow or trusted app)
Anyway seems we/i have taken this topic offtopic,
I been using COMODO firewall for months if not a year now.
It does notify me often but once you "Get it" how the software works it is reliable, safe, quite and I am very happy with it.
One second its Comodo,then its Online Armour.The page you posted is out of date.When you see the latest,i guess its back to Comodo.Bring on page 5 http://www.matousec.com/projects/firewall-challenge/results.php#firewalls-ratings (http://www.matousec.com/projects/firewall-challenge/results.php#firewalls-ratings)From now on i'm using the latest comodo Version 3.0.19.318 works fine for me ;D
here i am again ;D i unstall the comodo firewall again 'cus i found this one online armor firewallfree version all i can say is excellent IMO
http://www.matousec.com/projects/windows-personal-firewall-analysis/leak-tests-results.php
http://blog.scotsnewsletter.com/
http://dl1.online-armor.com/downloads/OnlineArmor_Setup_Free.exe
Lusher,
It sounds like your hacking this thread to death.
We've already determined that the best firewall is the one the user is comfortable with.
Comodo firewall 3 is by no stretch "quite simple".... Unless you install without defense+ in which case it is still quite complicated but possibly manageable depending on your skill level and your stomach for answering lots of prompts...
I'm thinking of using Comodo 2x because i am a novice and also running W2K. But i am wondering if it will continue to be updated as needed. Any idea?
I went back to Comodo 3 Firewall Pro (it's free!) without Defense+.Hmmm... without Defense+, Comodo firewall even test parental applications (one executable that uses another to connect...), it's very weak imho. They've embedded some firewall features into Defense+... it's a pity.
I'm sure PCTools firewall plus is no more (as AVG AS) but my Windows Security Center keeps detecting them either as active or outdated.Uninstallation process of PCTools could left a lot of things behind...
Reading this thread. I'm on Vista and I was happily with PC Tools Firewall Plus. Then I read about onlinearmor and it's champion of the leak tests. Then I realized that onlinearmor is ONLY for XP. I went back to Comodo 3 Firewall Pro (it's free!) without Defense+. It installed the same though 8). Alright, I disabled it because I only want the Firewall. I guess it already had the remnants of the old installation I had 4 months ago because I have no pop-ups except some white stuff in the tray. One thing I hate now is that I'm sure PCTools firewall plus is no more (as AVG AS) but my Windows Security Center keeps detecting them either as active or outdated. In the end, I'm messing up my computer >:(
I can't find any traces of it.We must discover the .sys file into C:\Windows\System or ...\Drivers
Thanks Tech for the link. I already tried twice to delete the Repository subfolder but the Security Center still detects 3 firewalls of which two are activated whereas only Comodo 3 is! I can't think of PC Tools Firewall Plus being still active on my PC since no folders or files. I can't access my Document and settings folder even if I unmask it on VISTA SP1. ???I can't find any traces of it.We must discover the .sys file into C:\Windows\System or ...\Drivers
Does this help?
http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=23457.msg193534#msg193534
I can't think of PC Tools Firewall Plus being still active on my PC since no folders or files.If you open network settings, try to install a new service and look up for a file (to install), won't PC Tools Firewall driver be shown there?
Well i suppose discusion is the best way to learn new things right along with a "do it yourself" trial.
But in the end people have opposing opinions, no matter what the situation i do feel people can learn to use "more complicated" firewalls, and even is comodo defence+ scare some people off, they can just disable it and still have an very good firewall IMO
As i said before, Ignorance is no excuse for stupidity.
What is needed here is people with a diversity of opinions not three or four guys who always agree with each other, and try to run off other people who have different opinions...Thanks for showing us the light, troll.
Well i can understand that people here generally cannot discuss AVAST! with any degree of objectivity this is a AVAST! forum after all , it's very surprising to find that the same holds for certain others like NoScript, Comodo firewall etc...Objectivity... ???
A couple of fans(boys), seem to have gotten hold of this forum and insist that these are the holy grails of security, and anyone who thinks they are not always suitable is just crazy/foolish or trolling...Who's the fanboy of Lusher except himself?
Why are you here?i'm here because of all the help and advice most of you have given me over the last couple of years and i thank you for it...don't you think this thread has gone on long enough ::) ???
No, I can't see just nothing. It's weird!!! ???I can't think of PC Tools Firewall Plus being still active on my PC since no folders or files.If you open network settings, try to install a new service and look up for a file (to install), won't PC Tools Firewall driver be shown there?
Driver is here on Vista C:\users\...\appdata\local\temp\pctfirewall
I've uninstalled PC Tools 6 months ago... it's still listed there ???
Try to right click on my network pace and choose properties, then choose local area connection right click and choose properties again. Look for 'PC Tools Firewall driver' in the list and if found, remove it.
As i said before, Ignorance is no excuse for stupidity.
I must admit I don't even know what this means.
As i said before, Ignorance is no excuse for stupidity.
I must admit I don't even know what this means.
All the issues about the Firewalls and Security Center is linked to Revo Uninstaller.If a program requires a boot to uninstall, I do NOT recommend using RevoUninstaller to remove files and Registry keys left behind. If you're paranoid, take note of the files paths and the registry key names. Boot. Delete them on next login.
I'm glad we agree on letting other people have there own opinions, i really feel allowing other people opinions online and in real life is important for improving ones perspective on subjects.
However i feel i must mention that calling people "fanboys" will only proceed to help take more objectiveness from a post imo
(however i am not blaming any of the disagreements of this posts on you just because of that one word)
You know what? The others will try to confuse you by telling you their fanboyish opinions about their favourite antivirus, antispyware, hips, ips, firewall whatever
Indeed. But you might be one of the few here who feel so. I do believe however in *engaging* in discussion, which is not to be equated with the attitude that my point of view is the only right one....
Differences are not significant...
Too often, I find people make broad claims, sweeping statements and then refuse to discuss them,
You are wise to do so, since I'm not talking about you....Ahh then I was just being a little paranoid, my bad
A PM from someone here to me...PM's are private messages and therefore shouldn't be posted in the open forum
Why then keep Revo Uninstaller on Vista??? Vista does a pretty damn good job! :PAll the issues about the Firewalls and Security Center is linked to Revo Uninstaller.If a program requires a boot to uninstall, I do NOT recommend using RevoUninstaller to remove files and Registry keys left behind. If you're paranoid, take note of the files paths and the registry key names. Boot. Delete them on next login.
Why then keep Revo Uninstaller on Vista??? Vista does a pretty damn good job! :PNot really... the problem is on the uninstaller of the program and not on the operational system. In a lot of cases, Revo Uninstaller will do a great job.
update: new version of zone alarm 7.0.470.000Updates belong in the following post. :)
update: new version of zone alarm 7.0.470.000Updates belong in the following post. :)
http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=9671.msg285514#new (http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=9671.msg285514#new)
1. Scot's decision to name Online Armor "The Best Firewall Software of 2008"It's a pity that it does not work on Vista...
(Finnie Scot is editor in chief of Computerworld)
2. 100% score in Matoušek's tests, the first such result in the history of Firewall Challenge Project.About the leak tests limitations: http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=29259.msg247460#msg247460
It's a pity that it does not work on Vista...just uninstalled pctools firewall plus on my hp laptop which has XP and put the online armor on and works real nice as of this time.
drhayden - is it as easy to use as pctools firewall?sort of-it has a few pop up's as normal but i really like it
You mentioned that Avast is coming out with a firewall. Do you have any idea when the Avast Firewall will be available?They haven't schedule it yet.
tech,You're welcome.
Thanks for the info.
d. and...the Windows Firewall in Vista SP1 is better than XP Sp2 but still doesn't provide outbound protection!The Firewall in Vista does offer outbound protection but it isn't easy to manage. :)
JanP,
Scot specifically mentioned that the version he based his decision on was the Pro version. :)
BTW, is there a difference in security level between paid and free Avast? I hope not...NO :)
helloThat doesn't speak well for Comodo. It will hurt their reputation. IMHO
not to start nothing but this is sure odd (imo)
http://forums.comodo.com/how_can_you_help_comodo_please_we_do_need_you/what_is_this_the_shield_firewall_50-t21274.0.html
:)
That doesn't speak well for Comodo. It will hurt their reputation. IMHOWell... it's said they will sue the ones who have stolen the GUI...
You need to read the topic lurkingatu2I've tried but seems I don't follow everything... :'(
Thanks for the tip. I looked at the web site for Online Armor and it looks as simple as Zone Alarm. However, is it compatible with Avast? I also read that it could not be removed from systems (leaves bits of trash all over the place).
Has anyone heard of and used Glary Utilities?
QuoteTry to right click on my network pace and choose properties, then choose local area connection right click and choose properties again. Look for 'PC Tools Firewall driver' in the list and if found, remove it.
If the above method doesn't work gdiloren, then you can get some info on uninstalling pctools firewall (http://www.pctools.com/forum/showthread.php?t=45662) from pctools forum.
If above doesn't work (please do try the above first), then you could also try looking in "Network Adapters" in Device Manager to see if any device there has a yellow flag on it (and disable it if it does).
If this not help and your comfortable with editing your registry you could also try "Go to Start-> Run-> Type regedit-> HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE-> Software-> PC Tools-> Firewall-> Delete." but not forget to backup your registry first if your not confident/sure you can do this without causing harm xD
--------------------
Going off-topic a bit:
@ Lusher,
I'm glad we agree on letting other people have there own opinions, i really feel allowing other people opinions online and in real life is important for improving ones perspective on subjects.
However i feel i must mention that calling people "fanboys" will only proceed to help take more objectiveness from a post imo (however i am not blaming any of the disagreements of this posts on you just because of that one word)QuoteAs i said before, Ignorance is no excuse for stupidity.
I must admit I don't even know what this means.
Well trying to make the statement viable for that discusion it basically it means being uneducated in a subject is no need to do stupid things without first finding out about what your doing.
QuoteTry to right click on my network pace and choose properties, then choose local area connection right click and choose properties again. Look for 'PC Tools Firewall driver' in the list and if found, remove it.
If the above method doesn't work gdiloren, then you can get some info on uninstalling pctools firewall (http://www.pctools.com/forum/showthread.php?t=45662) from pctools forum.
If above doesn't work (please do try the above first), then you could also try looking in "Network Adapters" in Device Manager to see if any device there has a yellow flag on it (and disable it if it does).
If this not help and your comfortable with editing your registry you could also try "Go to Start-> Run-> Type regedit-> HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE-> Software-> PC Tools-> Firewall-> Delete." but not forget to backup your registry first if your not confident/sure you can do this without causing harm xD
--------------------
Going off-topic a bit:
@ Lusher,
I'm glad we agree on letting other people have there own opinions, i really feel allowing other people opinions online and in real life is important for improving ones perspective on subjects.
However i feel i must mention that calling people "fanboys" will only proceed to help take more objectiveness from a post imo (however i am not blaming any of the disagreements of this posts on you just because of that one word)QuoteAs i said before, Ignorance is no excuse for stupidity.
I must admit I don't even know what this means.
Well trying to make the statement viable for that discusion it basically it means being uneducated in a subject is no need to do stupid things without first finding out about what your doing.
After I read WOT's reputation score on pctools. there are some negative ratings on the user their
im just wondering if all of those are true
I personally trust very little from WOT since it's mostly user based information and not actual scanning. >:(+1
I personally trust very little from WOT since it's mostly user based information and not actual scanning. >:(+1