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Consumer Products => Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security (legacy Pro Antivirus, Internet Security, Premier) => Topic started by: JAM-Computers on May 06, 2004, 09:08:01 PM

Title: Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: JAM-Computers on May 06, 2004, 09:08:01 PM
[size=8]Please Vote! Please Vote! Please Vote! [/size]

1100 plus views only 40 votes, YUCK


Let me know if I have missed any.  This poll will help everyone trying to decide which one to use with Avast. Which one do you like best and why?
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: BanziBaby on May 06, 2004, 09:20:22 PM
Well i used to use Kerio v2.15 with Avast with no probs at all other than i had to block inbound access for the mail scanner or else my pop,smpt&imapi ports were open.Version 4 of Kerio is way to buggy to use the now, it still technically a release candidate, but they dont tell U that on the site.

I been using Outpost pro v2.1 for about 6 months & find it among the best firewalls U can buy, very easy to use & also to make rules, there is a thread at the outpost forum that tells U how to secure the cfg even further.

Zonelabs i find slow & bloaty, has a habit of forgetting its rules & has so many backdoors into it, also has a habit of not loading at startup sometimes.

Tiny i did try once, but found the GUi to be hideous & it took ages for it to even refresh its info, it also not a firewall for beginners as U need to have some knowledge about how firewalls work to use it.

Primedius i never heard of before, but after looking at its homepage seems to be a custom version of 8signs firewall

BaNzI ;D
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: Datagg on May 06, 2004, 09:31:27 PM
Outpost, why, its the best. Good help forum, good rule setup. Actualy works for outbound leaks, and is user friendly.

Hands down the best out there.
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: MWassef on May 06, 2004, 09:36:48 PM
KPW 2.5.1  ;)
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: Lars-Erik on May 06, 2004, 09:40:57 PM
Let me know if I have missed any.  Trying to decide which one to use with Avast. Which one do you like best and why?

ZoneAlarm causes no problems with avast!  And I'm very pleased with it. One annoying thing:  When avast! updates then ZA recognizes the new version of the avast! updater and mail-scanner as a new program and I need to "approve" them again.  This can be fixed in ZA Pro, I'm conciddering buying it..
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: Lars-Erik on May 06, 2004, 09:43:27 PM
Well i used to use Kerio v2.15 with Avast with no probs at all other than i had to block inbound access for the mail scanner or else my pop,smpt&imapi ports were open.Version 4 of Kerio is way to buggy

With ZA the ports are not open (according to GRC) but I still blocked all Internet Server acces for the avast! mail scanner so that no one can use it as a mail-server (to spread spam/virus) from outside.
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: Datagg on May 06, 2004, 10:02:52 PM
Same with outpost, and there isnt any problems whatsoever with new versions of avast. All outpost sees is anotehr program, and asks for permission again, this is normal, and is the best way to see if there are any outbound leaks. It looks at every single change that may happen in your computer, and asks you such.  That means ig spyware alters IE somehow, it will ask if this is ok, so no worries on outbound leaks. Outpost also, unlike the others has optional filters you can buy to add to the entire program. Which means you dont have to have 10 programs, to do the job of 1.  
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: trigger on May 06, 2004, 10:12:54 PM
Personally I run kerio 4.0.16 without any problems... But when I have to install a firewall with friends and family I allways install the free zonealarm. It's much easier to use for the computer illiterate...

I had za plus running for a while but that gave me loading problems. Sometimes it just would not load, sometimes it would hang on the truevector engine, sometimes it just worked like it should. I have only had those problems with the plus version, the free version never gave me any problem whatsoever. Maybe because it is just a firewall without all the extra tricks they built in plus and pro...

Peter
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: bob3160 on May 07, 2004, 01:56:25 AM
Peter,

Quote
To air is human, to scuba divine

I love your saying.

I use Zone4 Pro  and find that after a while it seems to forget some of the programs that it has been told are ok   and asks permission for them every time i reboot.

Any ideas?
Bob
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: Lisandro on May 07, 2004, 04:13:14 AM
Let me know if I have missed any.  Trying to decide which one to use with Avast. Which one do you like best and why?

ZoneAlarm causes no problems with avast!  And I'm very pleased with it. One annoying thing:  When avast! updates then ZA recognizes the new version of the avast! updater and mail-scanner as a new program and I need to "approve" them again.  This can be fixed in ZA Pro, I'm conciddering buying it..

Fully agree with Lars  8)
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: Max M.Wachtel III on May 07, 2004, 04:49:42 AM
While we are talking about firewalls,here is the workaround for the failed patch issued by MS
" postings indicate
that the problem still exists on fully patched XP/2000 systems. A workaround is
to block ports 139/tcp and 445/tcp at the network perimeter to prevent attacks
from the Internet."
Just want everyone to be safe.
-max
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: CharleyO on May 07, 2004, 06:36:55 AM

I have used ZoneAlarm for years without ever having a problem with it loading on start-up. I allow no programs access to the internet without first my OK. After all, it only takes a few seconds to click "yes" or "no". Am I not sitting here in front of the computer anyway? GRC has always given my computer a "full stealth mode" report.    :D  

Plus, ZoneAlarm and avast! work very well together ... like 2 peas in a pod!    ;D  


Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: neal62 on May 07, 2004, 09:38:05 AM
I started out using Zone Alarm Free version when it also had a free log feature letting you see who, and where some of the probes were coming from. That feature was removed from the free version. Also using Zone Alarm with a V.O.I.P. program I use I always had to lower the security setting from "High" to "Medium" in order to use the program. I then tried the free version of Sygate and found it was better for my purposes than was Zone Alarm. If I am not mistaken it also had a free log you could view to see where incoming probes originated from. Then, I found out about Outpost, version 1.0 (free). Found it to even be better for my purposes than Sygate. With Sygate or Oupost I have never had to change or compromise my security setting to use the V.O.I.P. program that I use regularly.  ;) As with Sygate I do have the ability to view a log to see where incoming probes have originated from. I have also taken several tests including one from GRC and others and have always received a report that I was in complete "Stealth" mode while using Outpost. My choice of course is Outpost for alot of different reasons but if I didn't have it I would go back to using Sygate before using Zone Alarm. :)
I use Avast and Outpost together with no problems at all.
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: rloschmann on May 07, 2004, 11:37:25 AM
I use Kerio (free) at home and Outpost (free) at work. Both are very good firewalls.
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: offpol on May 07, 2004, 02:20:51 PM
hi
i am french user and i use look'n'stop, i think is good firewall.
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: bc on May 07, 2004, 03:34:31 PM
I installed Windows XP SP2RC1 a couple of days ago.

Checked grc after install--FULL STEALTH!!! That's with no other firewall than the one in SP2.

My system is humming along--no problems.

So maybe MS finally got it right. ;D

bc
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: shgoh on May 07, 2004, 03:38:24 PM
i remember vlk saying something negative about this sp2 firewall after he tried it...and i seriously believe him ;D
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: JAM-Computers on May 07, 2004, 04:52:23 PM
Added a new comer to the poll
Look and Stop
As suggested by another user on this forum.  Look and Stop does offer a free "Lite" version of their original firewall.  However, I could not find a comparison chart, stating the differences between the "Lite" version and the "Pro" version.
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: JAM-Computers on May 07, 2004, 08:52:26 PM
I started out using Zone Alarm Free version when it also had a free log feature letting you see who, and where some of the probes were coming from. That feature was removed from the free version.

You can download a free program from majorgeeks.com called visual zone.  It reenables this feature. :D
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: CharleyO on May 08, 2004, 07:12:51 AM

A little clearer info on Visual Zone. It does not re-enable this feature in ZoneAlarm itself. Visual Zone is a seperate program that works with the info in ZoneAlarm to give the desired results.    :D  

I've used Visual Zone for a few years and it works very well.    :D


Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: JAM-Computers on May 08, 2004, 02:52:28 PM
I installed Windows XP SP2RC1 a couple of days ago.

Checked grc after install--FULL STEALTH!!! That's with no other firewall than the one in SP2.

My system is humming along--no problems.

So maybe MS finally got it right. ;D

bc

The microsoft xp firewall only blocks incoming transmissions.  It does not block anything outgoing.  According to www.firewallguide.com
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: Max M.Wachtel III on May 08, 2004, 07:29:24 PM
The firewall in SP2 does in and out now!!
Also there is going to be a pop-up blocker in internet explorer but I heard SP2 will not ready for final release till sometime late summer ::)
-max
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: trigger on May 08, 2004, 10:09:35 PM
As suggested by another user on this forum.  Look and Stop does offer a free "Lite" version of their original firewall.  However, I could not find a comparison chart, stating the differences between the "Lite" version and the "Pro" version.
So, why not add kerio also???

peter
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: trigger on May 08, 2004, 10:12:16 PM
Quote
To air is human, to scuba divine
I love your saying.
I can take the credit, I borrowed it froms omeone else, but glas you like it...

I use Zone4 Pro  and find that after a while it seems to forget some of the programs that it has been told are ok   and asks permission for them every time i reboot.

Any ideas?
Bob
Not me, I never had that problem with ZA.

Peter
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: bob3160 on May 09, 2004, 12:30:34 AM
Jam-Computers,
From where did you download XP SP2RC1?
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: Max M.Wachtel III on May 09, 2004, 02:37:58 AM
here is link
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/sp2preview.mspx
-max
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: Datagg on May 09, 2004, 03:30:02 AM
How is it working for who have used it now?  Being a beta tester for many companies, that is 1 program, not an entire os upgrade. I would be weary till a final release is issued. But nonethelss I am still curious, and my D/L finger is close to the pressing stage.   ;D
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: Roland Marsolais on May 09, 2004, 04:31:18 AM
Service Packs 2, Zone Alarm and everything is not necessary for me, I have Avast, Spy Hunter version which I pay and an outsider router from Linksys which include a firewall. They can keep all new gadgets. I had to have security due to financial transactions by Internet.

I tried Spybot and Ad-Aware and for me free softwares in certain cases, are to be used with precaution.

Yours truly!   >:(

I had to delete Spy Hunter, it was creating spywares into my computer. I am sorry to mix-up Spyware softwares and firewal softwares.  ???

I tried Ashampoo firewall and lucky it was on a free 30 days trial, because I couldn't go on Internet. I wait 4 hours and nothing appears. That's what we call a real firewall, don't you think?   :D ;D
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: Roland Marsolais on May 09, 2004, 04:44:05 AM
The one you pay for are the best. Don't forget, you play with security. I do a lot of financial transactions by Internet. Because of this, I bought a router Linksys which include a firewall. This is a hardware connect by USB 2.0

 ??? ;D

Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: fannymites on May 09, 2004, 04:53:02 AM
Not sure I'd agree with that. The paid version of Zone Alarm (Pro) caused me no end of problems.  Never had any trouble with the free ones (including Zone Alarm Free).


I'm trying Outpost at the mo and it seems pretty good.
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: Datagg on May 09, 2004, 04:55:50 AM
Service Packs 2, Zone Alarm and evrything is not necessary for me, I have Avast, Spy Hunter version pay and an outsider router from Linksys which include a firewall. They can keep all new gadgets. I had to have security due to financial transactions by Internet.

I tried Spybot and Ad-Aware and for me free softwares in certain cases, are to be used with precaution.

Yours truly!   >:(

Agreed, i also have security onm here. This comp is fort knox. With adaware, spybot,avast,outpost...woot, no need for xtra stuff. The whole thing for me is the unkown, and to try otehr things. It must be the beta tester in me. ;D
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: bob3160 on May 09, 2004, 03:19:07 PM
I just dumped ZoneAlarm Pro and am now using OutPost.
I think that was as good a move on my part as dumping NAV and replacing it with Avast!  ;D
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: Datagg on May 09, 2004, 09:03:11 PM
I just dumped ZoneAlarm Pro and am now using OutPost.
I think that was as good a move on my part as dumping NAV and replacing it with Avast!  ;D

Good move, outpost is so much better.  ZA causes so much trouble in so many ways, its too bad alot just dont realize just how bad it can get before its too late.
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: bob3160 on May 09, 2004, 09:40:52 PM
Datagg,
It's just ashamed I can't get a partial refund. I still have 1 1/2 yrs left of the updates. :(
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: Datagg on May 09, 2004, 09:49:42 PM
I to did the same thing when I had ( gulp ) norton installed. But in hindsight, it was for the best, NA is a leach, and so is ZA.  In time youll feel better bout your decision.

Did you use the Migrate option when you purchased it.  For all of you, if you are tired of ZA, or any other firewall, if you use the migration option at agnitum.com, you will receive 50% off on your outpost license.

All you would need, is proof of ownership of your " other " firewall, and the license code for the remainder of your subscription.

Thats it, go from bad to good, and 50% off to boot.

If you are using any of these firewalls, you are elligble for the discount rate.

Zone Alarm PRO
Norton Internet Security
Norton Personal Firewall
Look'n'Stop (excluding the Lite version)
Sygate Personal Firewall PRO
McAfee Personal Firewall
Black Ice Defender
NeoWorx Personal Firewall
Tiny Personal Firewall (excluding the free version)
Kerio Personal Firewall (excluding the free version)

Peace,


Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: bob3160 on May 09, 2004, 10:30:41 PM
Thanks Datagg I didn't even see that offer when I downloaded the file.
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: Datagg on May 09, 2004, 10:51:09 PM
No problem, good luck to you sir.
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: bc on May 10, 2004, 05:31:07 AM
I'm using Windows XP SP2 RC1.

So far, so good...
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: JAM-Computers on May 11, 2004, 12:18:01 AM
Will the windows firewall, throw pop ups asking if you want to allow transmissions, both incoming and outgoing or does it  operate on its own rules?
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: Datagg on May 11, 2004, 12:24:23 AM
It should ask, but if it doesn’t, then it isn’t very good. That means your entire computer, outbound and inbound is decided by Microsoft, and that isn’t cool. It would also mean that a leak could impersonate IE for example and allow it to hook straight up to the hacker himself.

I frankly would never trust a Microsoft firewall, to the extent of a third party one, such as Outpost, or even Kerio.  Hell, half the services for os is to allow a hookup to Microsoft on issues relating to your computers on goings, why would you trust a pre programmed firewall based on the same standards.

I decide what comes in, and goes out; I decide it, not Microsoft.
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: JAM-Computers on May 11, 2004, 12:29:38 AM
I agree datagg!
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: CoJo on May 11, 2004, 04:52:40 PM
I just dumped ZoneAlarm Pro and am now using OutPost.
I think that was as good a move on my part as dumping NAV and replacing it with Avast!  ;D

Good move, outpost is so much better.  ZA causes so much trouble in so many ways, its too bad alot just dont realize just how bad it can get before its too late.

Datagg, do you mean that ZA free is not good?? How is it a leech?
I use it because it was so easy to set up...
Is Outpost better--and easy to set up?
sigh, please keep in mind that I am computer "challenged" and need very simple answers!
I don't want something on my system that is as bad as NAV >:(

On the other hand, I have not noticed any problems...are there ones that I should be looking for?

TIA,
cojo
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: Datagg on May 11, 2004, 07:55:26 PM
Cojo, ZA has been known to cause errors and other situations , lots of the computers I have repaired has been cuased by ZA problems.  I know that they have fixed a few of these issues from past versions, but I still seee it.  Allthough I am a beta tester for Agnitum, outpost, I recomended it way before that came to pass to anyone.  It is as easy, or easier than ZA as far as user interaction goes, and has many more features, on the surface, and behind the scenes, as far as superiority is concerned.  As far as resouces go, it does hijack your computer as NAV does, its " True Vector " is a leech, and remains active even when shut down. And in many cases remains behind even when there is a uninstal of the product. They claim this has been fixed, yet I havent seen it.

In conclusion, if the FREE ZA is working for you, then keep it. But if your having, lock ups, slow shutdowns, or even programs forgetting past given yes or no permissions, the time may have come to get outpost. They also have a free version available that I have installed on many systems to date.  Also, if you have a past current subscrition to other programs, you would qualify for a discount on the pro version.

If you ever decide to switch, make sure you treat the uninstal as you would NAV, go int ot hte registry and clean out out entries, look for hidden folders and delete them all.

Good luck to you sir,

Dan
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: JAM-Computers on May 11, 2004, 08:11:48 PM
Oh no, hey Datagg or anyone who can answer it.  I just removed all the Norton products NAV and Nortons firewall.  I came up on subscription time again and just didn't want to pay it this year.  So I struck out on my own to replace these programs with freeware.  I ran across AVG first but didn't like it.  I then visited MajorGeeks.com and found Avast.  Which quickly earned my confidence when it found two virus's that NAV didn't.  I then started the hunt to replace the firewall and thats when I posted this thread,  I tried all the firewalls listed above but in the end  I decided I liked the GUI of Sygate's firewall and kept it.
Okay do I need to reformat to rid myself of NAV and ZA?
Is outposts "FREE" version any better than Sygates? Is Sygates a leech?  I hope not because I like the GUI.
Thanks
James
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: JAM-Computers on May 11, 2004, 08:13:11 PM
900 views 4000 members and only 40 votes, YUCK!
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: Datagg on May 11, 2004, 08:34:25 PM
900 views 4000 members and only 40 votes, YUCK!

Im worried bout them stats myself Jam. We either have laziness there, lack of knowledge, or ones who truly believe they are safe without a firewall. The last one statement, god help them all if that true.

Quote
Okay do I need to reformat to rid myself of NAV and ZA?

If you are having troubles only. But before that, I would run a registry cleaner, or better yet seek out left over leeches from past uninstalls first. If your running ok, dont worry about it.  With avast, if there was some kind of corruption from NAV to avast, it would have shown up by now, so on that front you sound ok.  

Same with firewalls. If you tried them all, deleted each one, and all is working with your current sygate, then your ok also. The piggy backing of them, if left overs exited would cause immediate probs, so you sound ok there also.

Quote
Is outposts "FREE" version any better than Sygates?


In my opinion yes, it offers so much more on surface and behind the scenes.  But, if your protected and feel good about sygate, then no worries.  


Quote
Is Sygates a leech?[/

Compared to others, no it is not.  Sygate actually understands and respects what an uninstal actualy means.  It uses minimal resources, and I have not seen problems with it.


Hope all that help bro,

Peace,

Dan
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: JAM-Computers on May 11, 2004, 09:20:23 PM
In my opinion yes, it offers so much more on surface and behind the scenes.  But, if your protected and feel good about sygate, then no worries.  

Okay, I have to ask "Why"? I like Sygate because it is highly graphical and passed all the tests I could find,
shields up
norton's
their own (Duh)
leak test
and a few others.
What makes Outpost "FREE" better in your opinion? Is it an actual feature or simply that you like it better?
Just curious.

Thanks
James
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: Datagg on May 11, 2004, 10:03:27 PM
All that I know like it better. I did not say Sygate wasn’t good, matter of fact it would be one of the alternatives I would use also.  As far as why, outpost better, well besides from the technical end of it, and as a tester for them, compared to others, there are also plugins that others don’t have.

1, Such as An active x control plug in
2, Advertisement blocking plug-in
3, Attatchment filters plug-in
4, Content filtering (malicious websites)

Plus more.....

You can also purchase more plugins, and there are free user plugins available and that people create all the time .  So in essence you have many programs in one neat package.

For more info, visit www.agnitum.com for more details on program. There is much to read, comparison charts, and a flash movie you can watch also.

Good luck to you sir,

Dan
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: whocares on May 11, 2004, 10:38:18 PM

1) 900 views 4000 members and only 40 votes, YUCK!

2) ones who truly believe they are safe without a firewall. The last one statement, god help them all if that true.

1) I'll vote, if you inlcude Kerio 2.x .. or is tiny supposed to stand for this ?

2) I use a PFW just 4 fun and only recently..
never had a worm stopped by it, that would have gotten in or out otherwise.. (never had a virus worm/trojan at all, that is..)
Do all your Winupdates, Secure your WIn (...blablarhabarberetcetc..) use BRAIN1.x and that's it



 ;)
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: CoJo on May 11, 2004, 11:10:20 PM
900 views 4000 members and only 40 votes, YUCK!

LOL...I hear ya!! ;D

It would be great to have more folks post their experiences, wouldn't it?

cojo
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: bob3160 on May 11, 2004, 11:23:19 PM
CoJo,
If my opinion count's get Outpost.
Bob
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: CoJo on May 11, 2004, 11:27:34 PM
Cojo, ZA has been known to cause errors and other situations , lots of the computers I have repaired has been cuased by ZA problems.  I know that they have fixed a few of these issues from past versions, but I still seee it.  Allthough I am a beta tester for Agnitum, outpost, I recomended it way before that came to pass to anyone.  It is as easy, or easier than ZA as far as user interaction goes, and has many more features, on the surface, and behind the scenes, as far as superiority is concerned.  As far as resouces go, it does hijack your computer as NAV does, its " True Vector " is a leech, and remains active even when shut down. And in many cases remains behind even when there is a uninstal of the product. They claim this has been fixed, yet I havent seen it.

In conclusion, if the FREE ZA is working for you, then keep it. But if your having, lock ups, slow shutdowns, or even programs forgetting past given yes or no permissions, the time may have come to get outpost. They also have a free version available that I have installed on many systems to date.  Also, if you have a past current subscrition to other programs, you would qualify for a discount on the pro version.

If you ever decide to switch, make sure you treat the uninstal as you would NAV, go int ot hte registry and clean out out entries, look for hidden folders and delete them all.

Good luck to you sir,

Dan

thanks, Dan...
you have given me a lot to think about! :)
are you saying that ZA Free does the hijack like NAV or Outpost does...resources? etc.?
the only thing I've noticed is what I feel are slow shutdowns, but I don't even know what is usual for a shutdown...i.e., average length of shutdown for XP Home...or does that depend on programs I have running? :-[ sorry to ask such a basic question!

I also want to pare my Startup as I feel there are too many programs that load that I don't use all the time--like my printer!
but after the experience I had messing with my computer and having to reformat, I am really, really paranoid about touching anything on this system.

I should have gotten a medal when I got my spyware stuff! ;D

Peace!

cojo
p.s. I don't have the equipment to be a sir ;)
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: Steele on May 12, 2004, 03:25:25 AM
I'd have to say a hardware firewall.

A software firewall relies on the operating system to make it work and keep it running stable what happens if a virus modifies your firewall startup files?  :(

A hardware firewall does not.
I do however believe that using a hardware firewall WITH a software firewall is cool.... but not necessary.
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: Datagg on May 12, 2004, 03:48:40 AM
Steele that is true to an extent.  For inbound attack, a hardwired firewall is fine. But that does not help outbound. A piece of malicious software can be installed on your computer in many various ways, and the only control you have over those from connecting out, would be a software firewall.  As far as being up to your os, this is true, yet outpost, will monitor any internal changes in your computer, and adjust and re ask you for permissions. For instance, IE.EXE we all know to be internet explorer. If I was to install a bug, on your computer, and that bug is spy ware, or a virus, that is designed to hook up to me, the hacker who wants to steal your personal information, I would send it, and create it as IE. EXE. Why would I call it this, because you once gave IE permission to hook up to the internet, right, so being a basic program, I know to call it IE.EXE in the hopes that your firewall will use the past permission to just hook up to me, and you’d never know.  Id has your credit cards, and everything else you hold so near and dear.

With outpost, it will notice that the past IE.EXE has been altered, and will need to be re verified BY YOU if to be allowed to hook up again with permission.

A hardware firewall will do nothing in this case to protect you, nor will most software firewalls, except for outpost, and a few others.

So having an only hardwired firewall only, is a complete error in judgment, and anyone who relies on just this method for protection, will or already has been compromised.

Naming a program to mimic another, and it hooks up, is called a “Leak ". You need a firewall to stop those outbound attacks.

So in conclusion, the safest way you can be is with both, hardware and firewall. But if you are only able to get one, the software one is the best, for it will protect inbound and outbound transmissions
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: Steele on May 12, 2004, 04:01:11 AM
New hardware firewalls (like mine) now have the abilty to filter INCOMMING AND OUTGOING requests....

So this is no longer an issue.   ;)
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: Datagg on May 12, 2004, 04:04:17 AM
To an extent, the updates to hardwired firewall will always be behind a software one. Do some checking, youll see this is true.
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: Steele on May 12, 2004, 04:18:40 AM
Right... because I "the user" requested an update from behind my hardware firewall to ALLOW that request to pass through the port I specified.

I made the request and the request is granted and passed through a port that I configured to allow an app to access. An malicious piece of spyware or a virus that tries to call home from behind my firewall would be BLOCKED as I have not configured that unknown program/app to pass through my filters page from within the configuration page of my firewall.

A software firewall is much easier to attact and disable than that of a hardware one.

If you format your hard drive.... you lose your firewall and now you have to start from scratch by downloading and setting up your software firewall aplication again from behind an UNPROTECTED connection to the net. A virus can also try to delete the start-up code of your software firewall too... viruses can not execute from within a hardware firewall.

I on the other hand am protected from SQUARE ONE..from the second I start from scratch I am protected since my firewall is not operating system dependant. It protects my PC even when it is TURNED OFF. (although there is nothing to protect!  ;D) It is always active.

I do understand your point of view.
Firewall layering (hardware+software) is a good idea for those who don't have control over inbound and outbound connections.  :)
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: Datagg on May 12, 2004, 04:33:52 AM
I agree with you also steel. But there is one point you’re missing here, and frankly this is the business I am in sir. If you tell your hardware firewall permission for IE.EXE, and there is a malicious code that mimics that same name, permission will not be asked for. Why? Your hardware firewall has already been granted permission for IE.EXE, therefore it will continue to use your settings, bypassing or to monitor if that IE, has been altered, or a malicious code that has the same name.

Try various LEAK tests on the internet, call something by a known program you already gave permission to, and see that it will hook up just the same.  

As of this date, there is no way for a hardware firewall to notice subtle changes in a program, it’s these subtle changes that we want to deny at times. We are dealing with firmware updates, vs., software updates, world of difference.

I supply information here to the request to the ones that ask me, nothing is meant to flame another if this is how it is perceived.

This is the work I do, im not boasting one company over another, nor knocking down one for another. Im giving the facts as I know of them in my field. If this is offensive to anyone I apologize.
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: Datagg on May 12, 2004, 06:19:08 AM
I thought I would show this to hopefully show more on this entire issue of software VS hardware firewalls.

Here is a question asked recently and the reply


Quote
I'm about to get my first broadband connection, and I know I need to get a firewall. However, I've been getting some conflicting advice as to what type of firewall I need. Some people tell me I should get a hardware firewall, while others tell me a software firewall is preferred. What's the difference, and more importantly, which is better?
Quote


Good question. The truth is that in a typical home office environment, one type of firewall isn't necessarily better than the other. They are some differences, though, and they can be used together to give you an even greater degree of protection.

Hardware firewalls are important because they provide a strong degree of protection from most forms of attack coming from the outside world. Additionally, in most cases, they can be effective with little or no configuration, and they can protect every machine on a local network.
A hardware firewall in a typical broadband router employs a technique called packet filtering, which examines the header of a packet to determine its source and destination addresses. This information is compared to a set of predefined and/or user-created rules that determine whether the packet is to be forwarded or dropped.

 A more advanced technique called Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI), looks at additional characteristics such as a packet's actual origin (i.e. did it come from the Internet or from the local network) and whether incoming traffic is a response to existing outgoing connections, like a request for a Web page.

But most hardware residential firewalls have an Achilles' heel in that they typically treat any kind of traffic traveling from the local network out to the Internet as safe, which can sometimes be a problem.
Consider this scenario: What would happen if you received an e-mail message or visited a website that contained a concealed program? Let's say this program was designed to install itself on your machine and then surreptitiously communicate with someone via the Internet — a distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack zombie or a keystroke logger, for example? And trust me, this is by no means an unlikely scenario.

To most broadband hardware firewalls, the traffic generated by such programs would appear legitimate since it originated inside your network and would most likely be let through. This malevolent traffic might be blocked if the hardware firewall was configured to block outgoing traffic on the specific Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) port(s) the program was using, but given that there are over 65,000 possible ports and there's no way to know which ports a program of this nature might use, the odds of the right ones being blocked are slim.

Moreover, blocking too many ports would almost certainly adversely affect your ability to use some programs (many games, for instance). Also, some broadband router firewalls don't even provide the ability to restrict outgoing traffic, only incoming traffic.

Advantages of Software Firewalls
Now consider what a software firewall might do in the aforementioned scenario. When you first set up a software firewall, you can specify which applications are allowed to communicate over the Internet from that PC. Programs that aren't explicitly allowed to do so are either blocked or else the user is prompted for confirmation before the traffic is allowed to pass. Therefore, it would likely intercept this kind of traffic before it left your computer.
Another potential scenario where a software firewall would be useful is in the case of an e-mail worm with its own e-mail sever, like the recent "SoBig" worm. Its built-in mail server could attempt to send mail on the valid Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) port (25), which would probably pass through the router because of its trusted origin.
 
On the other hand, a software firewall could be configured to only allow Microsoft Outlook to use port 25 (assuming Outlook is your e-mail client). Any attempt by another application to use the port would be dropped, or blocked pending user confirmation. For that matter, the application's attempt to use any port would be blocked if the firewall was configured that way.
By comparison, a hardware firewall that had the ability to filter outgoing traffic might allow you to block most kinds of traffic from a particular PC, but it wouldn't be able to flag you and alert you to repeated attempts to infiltrate your computer.
One obvious downside to software firewalls is that they can only protect the machine they're installed on, so if you have multiple computers (which many small offices do), you need to buy, install, and configure a software firewall separately on each machine. This can get expensive and can be difficult to manage if you have a lot of computers.
 
But the fact of the matter is that software firewalls generally offer the best measure of protection against certain types of situations like Trojan programs or e-mail worms. Speaking of which, a firewall isn't the only protection method available to you. Whether you end up using a software firewall or a hardware firewall, you should always supplement it with anti-virus software.
A good anti-virus package is just as important as a firewall, and I would seriously suggest that you invest in a good one (I'm partial to avast). However, keeping your virus definitions updated is far more important than which program you use. I cannot stress the importance of this enough. Making sure your definitions are current is absolutely critical to maintaining your protection. Many Anti-virus programs today can be configured to automatically update themselves, so you have no excuse for not maintaining them.
The bottom line is that with any home-office broadband connection, a hardware firewall should be considered a bare minimum, and supplementing it with a software firewall on one or more computers (and don't forget anti-virus software) is almost always a good idea.


Hope this clears issues up a bit for those in doubt on what action to take.

Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: neal62 on May 12, 2004, 07:29:00 AM
I do agree with what Datagg states about Outpost. I used other software firewalls in the past and have stayed with Oupost and it works very easily and efficiently for me. One thing that a software Firewall can benefit from is this...If a infection that sometimes is passed via e-mails enters a pc and that pc's software "Java Script" is already disabled then in most cases the  infected e-mail will not be allowed to execute itself.
    I use a hard drive based e-mail program that by default disables "Java Script" when the program is activated. This way if a virus manages to get through everything else ex: firewalls, anti-virus programs etc, hopefully the infection cannot execute itself. But, for anything else that enters through open ports then I feel very comfortable with "Outpost" for a firewall in comparison with any competitors. Also mentioned by others is to keep your Wins Update security patches (fixes) current. This along with other detection programs (software type) will in most cases allow you to operate your pc with a minimum of problems from virus, trojans, worms etc.
 ;)
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: trigger on May 12, 2004, 11:30:29 AM
900 views 4000 members and only 40 votes, YUCK!
Well. I still can not vote for kerio... So maybe that one is used by 3960 members...

Peter
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: JAM-Computers on May 12, 2004, 04:57:18 PM
added Kerio to the list
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: JAM-Computers on May 12, 2004, 05:30:22 PM
Ok, dispell this myth for me then.  I have always been told not to use a software firewall with a hardware firewall as this was slow your connection to a crawl.

True or False?

Why?
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: shgoh on May 12, 2004, 06:29:16 PM
Ok, dispell this myth for me then.  I have always been told not to use a software firewall with a hardware firewall as this was slow your connection to a crawl.

True or False?

Why?

don't think so...i've been using both very long time...works fine for me..

in fact i prefer using both...should be safer i guess ;D
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: rexdal on May 12, 2004, 07:06:49 PM
1100 plus views only 40 votes, YUCK


Let me know if I have missed any.  This poll will help everyone trying to decide which one to use with Avast. Which one do you like best and why?
Quote

 well said, I have found this forum a wealth of info for YEARS
    from the product itself to any question
   I agree it seems this question is always popping up what better way to direct
people in the future asking then having a Poll result to look at

        Rick
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: trigger on May 13, 2004, 01:18:54 PM
True or False?
Basically TRUE

Why?
Because they both have to check traffic before allowing it. As a hardware firewall is very fast, you won't really notice anything, but if yo uwould check down to the microseconds, it will be a delaying factor. It's not that a hardware firewall and a software firewall will slow each other down, you just have another process that is doing basically the same. So a packet comes towards you, the hardware firewall will check if it can pass, it gets to your software firewall which checks if it may pass and then it gets to where it's supposed to go.

Peter
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: JAM-Computers on May 13, 2004, 03:03:19 PM
Trigger, that was my understanding.  
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: JAM-Computers on May 13, 2004, 11:26:48 PM
here's another reason to hate Norton!

http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1105_2-5211724.html
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: DavidR on May 18, 2004, 06:54:07 PM
1100 plus views only 40 votes, YUCK

I think the problem is in the Subject Title, 'Best Free Firewall for use with Avast.' I believe it should simply be Which Firewall (Free or otherwise) do you use with Avast!

People may not know if their firewall is best for use with avast, hence the lack of votes.
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: DavidR on May 18, 2004, 07:01:59 PM
Ok, dispell this myth for me then.  I have always been told not to use a software firewall with a hardware firewall as this was slow your connection to a crawl.

True or False?

Why?

don't think so...i've been using both very long time...works fine for me..

in fact i prefer using both...should be safer i guess ;D

As far as I am aware there is no conflict, if something gets through the hardware firewall the software one then may catch it. If the hardware one catches it there is no extra overhead as the software doesn't have to check.

Also I believe that (many/most) hardware firewalls only blocks inbound traffic, in which case a software firewall is advisable.
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: gatienp on May 19, 2004, 12:28:24 AM
I have been using Zone Alarm for many years.

Last April on my return from oversea where I was gone for 4 years,I connected with the telephone Company here and took the firewall and Anti-virus for 2 weeks.It is called Freedom.

I ended up with Long Distance phone calls to Sao Tomé and a bill of nearly $1,000.

I rushed back to Zone Alarm and Avast :-*
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: .: Mac :. on May 19, 2004, 01:04:57 AM
My Cable Provider give F-Secure Antivirus Free with their hi speed service. I love getting an AV worth $50 a year free!!!
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: KezzerDrix on May 25, 2004, 03:16:04 PM
Sygates, interface is great.  Gives lots of control.
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: Waldo on May 25, 2004, 03:24:10 PM
ZA 4 pro with webfiltering, although the free version would give almost the same level of protection.
Title: Re:Poll, Best Free Firewall for use with Avast
Post by: newto on May 29, 2004, 02:47:45 AM
1100 plus views only 40 votes, YUCK

I think the problem is in the Subject Title, 'Best Free Firewall for use with Avast.' I believe it should simply be Which Firewall (Free or otherwise) do you use with Avast!

People may not know if their firewall is best for use with avast, hence the lack of votes.
 I agree with DavidR the title is part of the problem contributing to the lack of votes but  I further think you would have alot more votes if you had included an "others" catagory that people could vote for.  I 'm new to this forum and my computer.  This is my first post.  In selecting a thread to read and maybe post a response to, I selected this one because of two reasons.  First, the title suggested to me that JAM-Computers was looking for a good "Free" firewall to install onto his computer--one that compatible and reliable--and that all the firewalls listed in the poll are "free" firewalls.  But after having read all of the posts I'm unclear of: (1) is all of the listed software in the poll freeware or not? If not, then: (2) which is the good free vs good pay software on the list and/or out there on the net (3)  When people say "Free" are they talking about a free short term trial demo or free like AVAST?  I'm not very interested in short term stuff.  Having just install a "Free" one year trial firewall a month or so ago I thought "free" firewall information and feedback would be good future reference/knowledge for when my registration comes up for renewal (maybe there some more trustworthy companies like this one that does sponsor and support truely free firewalls for non-profit home use?).   Second, being technically challenged as Coho says, (By the way Coho I will keep you in my prayers on 2 Jun 04, hope all turns out well) I was looking for thoughts and opinions about my "free" firewall to see how it stacked up against the competition.   My software is a third party CD software given to me by Microsoft when I requested security updates in CD form.  They recommended both hard and soft firewall protection  and said "If your not running an up-to-date antivirus and firewall software for your convenience, we have provided the enclosed free trial CD".  The name of the software is eTrust(TM) EZ Armor LE (industrial strength) by CA  Computer Associates, which is has both an anti virus and firewall.  While I feel overall good with my new firewall, I don't want to get stuck/suck into it because of a misguided enhanced  sense of security that if Microsoft sent it to me-which I take as a trusted endorsement-it must be pretty good.  So far, my experiences with it have included no more ads/pop-ups without having to disable pop-ups, notifications of blocked inbound traffic IP address, permission and notification of changes in outbound application/programs, a privacy safe that stores and encyripts all personal data and that blocks/alerts you any time a program is trying to take personal info outbound over the net (I really like this feature do all firewalls have this or comparable?), and my only complaint slower start up and shut down.  I think renewal would not be cheap so far all my online research reveals (1)  Unable to find any reviews (2) the online vendors that sell Computor Associates products dont sell home additions just $2000-$5000 dollar systems for large corps.  (3) home additions can purchased directly from the company as separate packages.  I would love hear from some computer savvy people review/opinion on this.  Anybody have it, read any reviews on it, or willing to give it a try?  Thanks a bunch for sticking with me.  I'll  go now and look to see if there is newbie section where newbies can introduce themselves.   Then maybe we start a poll on different browsers.  :D
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: Proteus93 on May 29, 2004, 11:05:50 AM
ZoneAlarm 4.5.594 with WebFiltering, and it seems to work quite nicely here, as well.
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: Lisandro on May 29, 2004, 01:48:05 PM
ZoneAlarm 4.5.594 with WebFiltering, and it seems to work quite nicely here, as well.

ZA is under 5.0.590.015 version right now  ;)
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: hamish157 on May 30, 2004, 11:38:09 PM
I used kerio for about a year after i had some serious issues with zonealarm. I just purchased an alpha shield and love it. I wont go back to a software firewall again.
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: vienna75 on May 31, 2004, 12:41:01 AM
[size=8]Please Vote! Please Vote! Please Vote! [/size]

1100 plus views only 40 votes, YUCK


Let me know if I have missed any.  This poll will help everyone trying to decide which one to use with Avast. Which one do you like best and why?
sygate
She`s simply the best!
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: peter Crofts on June 05, 2004, 03:44:36 PM
I use sygate and seems to do the job i want, but I'm only a novice with computers.

Don't know a lot about firewalls only what I've read.

Sygate was reccomended to me by a friend who said it was a great free firewall. :-[

crofty :o
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: RejZoR on June 05, 2004, 03:48:30 PM
Where is McAfee? They have one of the best firewalls out there.
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: bob3160 on June 05, 2004, 05:27:20 PM
RejZoR
Better than Outpost?????? ;D
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: RejZoR on June 05, 2004, 05:33:39 PM
Yup,but its not free. Ok and it lacks banner blocking... ;D
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: bob3160 on June 05, 2004, 06:13:44 PM
But it's nice not to have any of those banners in icq and messenger   etc..... ;D
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: RejZoR on June 05, 2004, 06:23:29 PM
No,it blocks banners inside webpages. You know,those flashing thingies?
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: bob3160 on June 05, 2004, 06:42:50 PM
It also blocks them in icq and msn messenger ;D
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: mcloud on June 07, 2004, 09:29:00 PM
Hi guys.
Im a returning user of avast4home.As i can see this av is working better than before and it is more stable now.Well done to those thech.engineers.
Regarding the firewall........at the moment im using sygate which i found far better than zone alarm.Zone alarm does not detect all outgoing connections.At the moment there are too much complaints about the new version of zone alarm.You can check this in Download.com ratings.
So i will recommend SYGATE,it works fine with avast!
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: CharleyO on June 07, 2004, 09:44:01 PM

RejZoR - if the McAfee firewall isn't free, that's why it is not on the list!    :)  

The title of this post is:

" Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast ) "


Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: bob3160 on June 07, 2004, 11:55:59 PM
CharleyO,
Would you believe I never noticed the word FREE till you pointed it out.  ;D
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: Kobra on June 08, 2004, 12:47:43 AM
None of the above, I never found Software Firewalls to be of acceptable performance.  I use a SMC-Barricade hardware firewall.. Only $100-150 fireware/router, but got it for $30 locally on sale w/rebate.  ;D
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: zappafan on June 08, 2004, 01:31:48 AM
Well, well, long time since last login for me and a note.
That is a big plus for Avast!

About the firewall: I use ZoneAlarm and a hardware as D-link.
The hardware take care about anything that really wanna try get into my pc, the software makes sure not any programs get out without my permission.

As always I do a test at: https://grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2
only for make sure....
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: Amerk_5 on June 08, 2004, 02:40:42 AM
I'm currently using Kerio 2.1.5 but I'm thinking about switching to Look 'n' Stop. It's light on resources just like Kerio 2 & it can also be run almost straight out of the box.

Just apply the Enhanced rule set & then all you'll have to do is tell LNS which apps are allowed to connect to the net as each one tries.
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: Eddy on September 25, 2004, 11:37:03 AM
Using the Zyxel 10 router/firewall. info (http://www.speedguide.net/read_reviews.php?id=104)
So no vote from me on free software firewalls.
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: bob3160 on September 25, 2004, 03:09:29 PM
I'm using ZA Pro so that leaves me off this pole to.
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: joanlui on September 26, 2004, 09:31:32 PM
I used Sygate, Zone Alarm, Primedius, Kerio and, now, Outpost with avast! without problems... ;D
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: morty88 on September 26, 2004, 10:12:33 PM
Hi All, I like zone alarm pro, but when updating avast I must shut it down or it errors...
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: joanlui on September 26, 2004, 10:53:48 PM
Hi All, I like zone alarm pro, but when updating avast I must shut it down or it errors...

It's ok ;)
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: bob3160 on September 26, 2004, 11:49:46 PM
morty88
Welcome to the Forums.
What error????   I use ZA Pro and there arent any errors and I never shut down ZA or Avast!


joanlui
What do you mean it's ok???   It's not ok.
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: andyqkw on September 27, 2004, 04:45:56 AM
I'm using Windows XP SP2 own built-in Windows Firewall...
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: GYL on September 27, 2004, 08:01:09 AM
good morning everybody.Personaly i run with look'n stop lite.No problem.And my protection is ok with all the tests on line .Bye
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: watchthisspace on September 27, 2004, 09:07:40 AM
Hello everone, I use sygate personal firewall and it works well with all my programs  :)
I dont like Sygates updates though they're 5mbs big  :(
I might give Zone alarm free a go  :-\  :)


Watchthisspace
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: bob3160 on September 27, 2004, 02:47:17 PM
I'm using Windows XP SP2 own built-in Windows Firewall...
Remember, the Windows Firewall only protects inbound traffic. It does nothing outbound.
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: John- on September 27, 2004, 06:34:11 PM
I am having a NAT firewall in my router + firewall from SP2 enabled.
Otherwise my system is protected against spyware,...

Software firewalls are generally speaking useless when you have a hardware firewall enabled...only waste of resources,...
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: DavidR on September 27, 2004, 09:45:48 PM
I am having a NAT firewall in my router + firewall from SP2 enabled.
Otherwise my system is protected against spyware,...

Software firewalls are generally speaking useless when you have a hardware firewall enabled...only waste of resources,...

So what stops outbound connections, xp sp2's firewall only stops inbound connections (not outbound), most hardware firewalls, again only stop inbound connections (there are some exceptions).

In this case a software firewall is hardly useless, as it would appear to be the only thing that would cover outbound traffic.

So it would not be reasonable to assume if you block inbound traffic you won't have outbound traffic. Nothing is 100% so it may be possible to get in, what's stopping it calling home ???
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: Lisandro on September 28, 2004, 05:54:36 PM
So it would not be reasonable to assume if you block inbound traffic you won't have outbound traffic.

I think it won't be a reasonable thought... You should block both traffic...  ;)
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: mollyman on September 30, 2004, 02:26:57 PM
Hi ppl,l'm using kerio 4.1.1 and have no problems :)
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: sggray on October 01, 2004, 09:39:19 AM
Well, I have been using Zonealarm, but from seeing the forum discussions , I shall certainly be testing Outpost with a view to switching
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: bob3160 on October 01, 2004, 08:24:46 PM
sggray
Welcome to the Forums.
Why would you want to switch? Are you having a problem with ZA?
It's working like a charm on my puter. ;D
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: iwannet on October 02, 2004, 06:48:17 PM
The best one for Advance User is Tiny Personal Firewall..
With multiple level spawning prowses.. And checksum check...

Even i didnt use Antivirus.. I am feel safe, with this firewall  :D
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: bob3160 on October 02, 2004, 07:29:01 PM
iwannet
You need a lot more than just a firewall to keep you safe on the net.
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: DavidR on October 02, 2004, 08:38:50 PM
The best one for Advance User is Tiny Personal Firewall..
With multiple level spawning prowses.. And checksum check...

Even i didnt use Antivirus.. I am feel safe, with this firewall  :D

As Bob said you need more than simply a software FireWall. they are not infallible, generally they keep out malicious/harmful content that has not been initiated by the user.

Much of the, malware/trojans/spyware/adware/hijacks,  that finds its-self on your computer (passed your firewall) has probably been as a result of deceiving the user to inadvertently click on a link/download a piece of software (with a hidden payload, p2p, etc.), this is allowed to pass as it is done/initiated by the user.

Don't just rely on one level of defence, you have to have defence in depth.
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: DukeNukem on October 02, 2004, 10:17:12 PM
Hello!

Ive been using a hardware NAT firewall for 3 years + anti virus software and I have never had any problems.

I always keep windows up to date as with any antivirus software i use.

more recently I have started to use spybot search n destroy and check for spyware frequently. Nothing so far.

 :P




Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: S.Z.Craftec on October 03, 2004, 01:46:35 AM
Hardware firewall (router) is great protection, but you have to understand that hardware firewalls only blocks inbound intrusions, while most software firewalls block inbound and outbound. Best protection you can have is to use both, hardware and software firewalls... of course accompanied by avast! antivirus.

I'm running my hardware router/firewall D-Link DI-604 Revision E (latest firmware which is v3.39), as a software one, my choice is Agnitum Outpost, but of course, you can't go wrong by choosing ZoneAlarm or Sygate. Normaly, avast! is always here.  ;D

Cheers !
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: iwannet on October 03, 2004, 03:35:54 AM
Dave, you're right. Need more than one simply firewall.. And those program will do better with Avast. Also the important thing is: OS themselves... Wanna more safe? Dont use "Microsoft"  ;D

Ups sorry, except you do the "daily" windows update (patch)  ;D
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: S.Z.Craftec on October 03, 2004, 03:48:47 AM
Quote
Wanna more safe? Dont use "Microsoft"

Well, I wouldn't be so sure about that... but, as always, different strokes for different folks.
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: lee16 on October 03, 2004, 11:13:15 AM
Quote
Wanna more safe? Dont use "Microsoft"

I would tend to agree with that, in my opinon Linux is the safest (i still use microsoft though), just for the main reason that its open source software, thats why i use FireFox.

--lee
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: bob3160 on October 03, 2004, 02:42:36 PM
lee,
You make it sound as thou anything that's open source is impervious to attack and we all know that's not true. If open source where as popular as MS, then it would probably suffer the same problems as Windows.
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: S.Z.Craftec on October 03, 2004, 03:41:36 PM
Lee16, open source doesn't mean security at all. Totaly has nothing to do with security. It's even more vulnerable.. one day someone, very clever could write some code, add-on or something third... maybe he could "accidentally" leave some holes in his code, so anyone could break into system using those holes... maybe, that's what was his intention in the first place.

Just tell me, when was the last time you personaly had any troubles with Windows security... I know, I know, everyone is takling about those BullS., but be objective and tell us when was the last (or first) time when someone broke into your system ?

Linux ? I don't need something that doesn't support hundreds of useful programs... thanks, but no thanks.
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: DavidR on October 03, 2004, 05:29:03 PM
Quote
Wanna more safe? Dont use "Microsoft"

I would tend to agree with that, in my opinon Linux is the safest (i still use microsoft though), just for the main reason that its open source software, thats why i use FireFox.

--lee

1. I assume that you are using Linux, or some other flavour of *nix then (I doubt it) since you feel its safest (and open source).

2. Firefox still suffers from vulnerabilities, just because it's open source doesn't make it more secure.

I think you need to do some more reading. All software suffers to some degree or another.

Open source usually suffer when it comes to programming costs/manpower, so development may take longer and since it's free you can hardly go bleating about it being cr*p. Since the code is open source, it is available to these virus writers, script kiddies, etc. seeking vulnerabilities to exploit.

Most people assume it is more secure simply because it's open source (and less popular, so not worth the effort) and that assumption is not based on fact, so you can't make that kind of sweeping statement.
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: Lisandro on October 03, 2004, 08:45:01 PM
I agree with David...
About Linux, well, I have it on one of my partitions. It's light, beutifull, fast but 'complicated'. We all born in Windows environment in one form or another... Start learning all from the beggining is not the best thing you want. The user should 'strugle' just to install a program, to read a CD or floppy because you need to 'mount' the drivers and so on.
I only can use in my leisure time  :P
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: maxell on October 04, 2004, 04:00:06 PM
I use zonealarm free latest ver 5.1.033 with xp sp2 with no problems.  I recently tried sygate since some people here have said za is bloated or slows their system.  With sygate installed, I found several closed rather than blocked ports where za always came up completely "stealthed."  Shortly after installing sygate I picked up a trojan.  After fixing the trojan problem, I removed sygate, reinstalled za and am once again running smoothly with no problems.  (keep your fingers crossed)  ;)
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: bob3160 on October 05, 2004, 03:19:46 AM
Maxell
If you only knew where you picked it up, you could test ZA against sygate and see if ZA does any better against the trojan. ;D
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: DavidR on October 05, 2004, 03:34:50 AM
Firewalls only stealth/keep out certain things, stuff like port scans, pings, attempts to access your computer without your authority.

Anything that you initiate, is automatically let through the firewall (unless you have some ports blocked/rules set up). There are lots of ways for trojans to get into your computer and deception is the major one.

You download a useful tool and you get an unwanted payload (that's why they are called trojans). Some sites pop-up windows with all sorts of tempting offers, click OK at your peril. Some are devious and actually fire when you click the No/Cancel button, so I tend to use the X to close the window.

In those instances it wouldn't matter what firewall you had because to all intents abd purposes the firewall believes you initiated the download.
Title: Re:Poll, What Free Firewall do you use with Avast
Post by: S.Z.Craftec on October 05, 2004, 03:47:56 AM
DavidR, couldn't say it better... 100% truth.

It's not the Sygate ot Outpost or ZoneAlarm that let's those pests inside... it's 99% human factor. If you know what you are doing, if you are aware of all those threats out there, especially if you are not so curious about all those "promising" pop-ups, you're quite safe... can't just install firewall and antivirus software, and think "I am safe, I don't have to use my brain at all any more". It's much more than that. Bottom line, uninstalling one firewall or antivirus application just because you assumed that it's that particular program's fault... that's not the best thing to do... what next ? When someone receives another trojan, should he just simply uninstal ZoneAlarm too... and so on, and so on... endless circle.

Stick with one firewall and work on your security, better than to change them like socks... every single day, different firewall. No one will ever find something that will be 100% secure and without bugs and glitches, that should be clear to everyone. ZoneAlarm is for sure much bigger system hog than Sygate or even better - Outpost. With either of those last two, you will always be as good protected as you would be if you use ZA. Our internet security should start with us... first.

Cheers !