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Other => General Topics => Topic started by: MikeBCda on August 31, 2010, 10:02:40 PM
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It's official -- PC Tools Firewall Plus is "retired" as of today, with no hints that was coming (thanks loads, Symantec :P ).
Which others (preferably freeware) are currently recommended? I've tried (and ditched) both ZA and Comodo, and would like something that's a reasonable balance of security and user-friendliness.
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My favorit Outpost free http://free.agnitum.com/ almost fully automatic
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It's official -- PC Tools Firewall Plus is "retired" as of today, with no hints that was coming (thanks loads, Symantec :P ).
The hint of it coming was it being bought out, this is common practice for Symantec, they buy something out and they have an additional customer base and then they merge any good bits of the product into their own equivalent.
Note in my signature Drive Image 7.1, this was the last version from PowerQuest before it was bought out and merged into Norton Ghost.
Which others (preferably freeware) are currently recommended? I've tried (and ditched) both ZA and Comodo, and would like something that's a reasonable balance of security and user-friendliness.
Another vote for Outpost free I would be using that if I didn't have the Pro version. It is a good firewall with a light touch on the number of pop-ups you get.
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http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=47172.msg397268#msg397268
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Well, another product that dies due to Symantec...
Of course, why to do competition to their firewall?
Comodo 5 (with the sandbox and Defense+ at Safe Mode) isn't a "noisy" firewall anymore. You can go with it.
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http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=47172.msg397268#msg397268
After an initial test and after the first reboot after install, I've removed it.
It tied my system into knots. Everything crawled and it took forever to finally get it un-installed.
Now the system is back to normal (using the Windows 7 firewall).
http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=47172.msg397605#msg397605
Well, another product that dies due to Symantec...
Of course, why to do competition to their firewall?
Comodo 5 (with the sandbox and Defense+ at Safe Mode) isn't a "noisy" firewall anymore. You can go with it.
I prefer not to have my operating system BSOD with additional software.
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I prefer not to have my operating system BSOD with additional software.
Why do you use avast then?
It also BSODs... and have memory leaks...
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I prefer not to have my operating system BSOD with additional software.
Why do you use avast then?
It also BSODs... and have memory leaks...
I don't use Comodo Time Machine!
The last BSOD I had was on my XP Pro system with MBAM when avast V5 was just released and it was fixed quite promptly by AWIL support.
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I don't use Comodo Time Machine!
Well, you're losing a terrific technology. Sorry you.
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I don't use Comodo Time Machine!
Well, you're losing a terrific technology. Sorry you.
I have a secondary internal hard drive that I use Windows 7 backup that works great for me:
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/1838/using-backup-and-restore-in-windows-7
I use Acronis True Image Home on my XP Pro system:
Top 4 Backup Software Programs
http://pcsupport.about.com/od/maintenance/tp/backup_software.htm
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I prefer not to have my operating system BSOD with additional software.
Why do you use avast then?
It also BSODs... and have memory leaks...
I don't use Comodo Time Machine!
The last BSOD I had was on my XP Pro system with MBAM when avast V5 was just released and it was fixed quite promptly by AWIL support.
Who's AWIL? Your service provider?
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http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=47172.msg397268#msg397268
After an initial test and after the first reboot after install, I've removed it.
It tied my system into knots. Everything crawled and it took forever to finally get it un-installed.
Now the system is back to normal (using the Windows 7 firewall).
http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=47172.msg397605#msg397605
I'm still using it on my laptop on Windows 7 (32bit) and I haven't experienced any of the
complaints you're making about Privatefirewall 7.
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Cheer up guys & gals,
The best & most user-friendly free fw is still with us. 8)
http://www.filehippo.com/download_zonealarm_free/
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Thanks all. Sounds like there was a teensy bit of "majority vote" for Outlook, so I've downloaded that and will give it a try soon's I get offline. Hope the PC Tools one isn't too much of a headache to uninstall.
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http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=47172.msg397268#msg397268
After an initial test and after the first reboot after install, I've removed it.
It tied my system into knots. Everything crawled and it took forever to finally get it un-installed.
Now the system is back to normal (using the Windows 7 firewall).
http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=47172.msg397605#msg397605
I'm still using it on my laptop on Windows 7 (32bit) and I haven't experienced any of the
complaints you're making about Privatefirewall 7.
I uninstalled PCTFWP since the latest news and am currently using Private Firewall as well. I initially had problems with Avast automatic virus updates not connecting but went into Settings and Updates and down to "Update Parameters" and checked "My Computer is always connected to the internet" and also down to "Proxy Settings" checked "Direct Connection(no proxy). Now Avast updates automatically with Private Firewall...no problem.
Yes I agree that Outpost free is another good firewall to use with avast. Have also used it in the past with avast with no problems.
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It's official -- PC Tools Firewall Plus is "retired" as of today, with no hints that was coming (thanks loads, Symantec :P ).
Which others (preferably freeware) are currently recommended? I've tried (and ditched) both ZA and Comodo, and would like something that's a reasonable balance of security and user-friendliness.
Well I'm confused! PC Tools Firewall V.7 Beta is available here (http://www.pctools.com/mirror/fw7-beta.exe)
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Who's AWIL? Your service provider?
AVAST Software a.s.
(formerly ALWIL Software a.s.) ;)
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AChen AChen is offline
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Hi Guys,
Just be to clear, we are still releasing the final version 7 of the FW. However, there will be no further developments in regards to the standalone Firewall. You can still continue to use the Firewall for as long as you like and post on this forum. However, should you wish to upgrade in future, you will need to install PC Tools Internet Security.
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Thanks,
Anthony
PC Tools - Essential tools for your PC
Copied this from PC Tools forum.
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>>> http://www.pctools.com/internet-security/ (firewall inside, it doesn't have to be free to work ;D )
...Okay apparently it wasn't a matter of competing with Symantec "other" products, but PCTools own commercial products. So the move is normal.
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So the move is normal.
Normal??? A freeware becomes a shareware... And the bla-bla-bla of the company:
You can still continue to use the Firewall for as long as you like and post on this forum. However, should you wish to upgrade in future, you will need to install PC Tools Internet Security.
I never trust companies that do that... SHAME!
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So the move is normal.
Normal??? A freeware becomes a shareware... And the bla-bla-bla of the company:
You can still continue to use the Firewall for as long as you like and post on this forum. However, should you wish to upgrade in future, you will need to install PC Tools Internet Security.
I never trust companies that do that... SHAME!
wow...someone's going mad it seems...yes of course that's normal, they're developing a complete commercial suite integrating another firewall, so they got no reason to keep providing one for free. Who said that software should be free? who? just those who're ready to provide it for free...users are not entitled to require it ::)
edit: and users are certainly not entitled either to take for granted that a free product should remain free forever. If you wanna make sure that you don't have to pay, ever, develop your own stuff ;D
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Who said that software should be free? who?
They said. They released it before for free. They bought a free software and made it shareware.
Yes, this made me mad. SHAME!
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Once taken over by the Borg resistance is futile. ;)
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This is more like it.
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This is more like it.
;D ;D ;D
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Once taken over by the Borg resistance is futile. ;)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZEJ4OJTgg8
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I got rid of PC Tools FW on one machine this morning after someone tried to take a snapshot while I was on a banking site...so much for that FW! :o PrevX SO saved my butt from that happening, thank goodness. Changed all my PW's and account numbers to play it safe.
Now I have all the machines using OA and everything is working like a charm with no conflicts with Avast, and a much better FW IMO.
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Safesurf, how on earth did that happen? Malware on the machine? or a non-genuine banking site?
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No malware at all. Ran everything I have...and I have a lot. I have the IP address of the person in China. But because I have Prevx with Safe Online, it prevented them from doing anything (this is made for banking) and I have it set high settings. But to play it safe, I took extra precautions and also changed my FW too. Much happier. :)
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So this was a straight hacking attempt? Via a https protocol, I presume?
How were you alerted to this?
I'm no expert, but I consider this extremely unusual. I would have though impossible.
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Prevx gave me a pop-up alert to the attempt...which failed. But I was able to get their IP address and do a reverse look up. ;D I also re-checked my system to make sure I was clean, and I am, so they didn't far...nice try though.
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@ SafeSurf
Are you using XP Home or Pro as your signature does not indicate which. ???
Windows XP Home Edition vs. Professional Edition: What's the difference?
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_home_pro.asp
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I had it in there, but because of the forum format change, I was forced to change my Signature for everything to fit...uhmmmmmm. I did suggest, along with others that the fonts be smaller for the Signature, but instead you have to scroll on one of the "tweak" days." So for now, I have an abbreviated version of XP-H. Knowing how often there will be tweaks, I'll end up changing my Sig. daily. ::)
Edit: New tweak just done. Now you can see my new Sig....second time today. ;D
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"...the report of my death was an exaggeration" http://www.pctools.com/firewall/ (Friday 3rd September, 12.26PM AEST)
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Now that I've been using Outlook for a week or two, I'm generally happy with it. Only one minor complaint, it doesn't have one specific and very useful feature that other firewalls usually do, the ability to "flag" applications rules for which the application no longer exists on my system (typically installers) so the applicable rule can be deleted.
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The actual firewall is called Outpost, not Outlook which is a MS email program ;D
I don't know much about the free version or its interface, but in the Pro version it is in Settings, Anti-Leak, Known components, View List... button, see image. Presumably there will be something similar in the free version.
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Thanks for the correction, David, I'd even put "Outlook" into my profile in error. :-[
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You're welcome, did you manage to find those settings ?
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No - in the free version, the closest equivalent appears to be the Application Rules. I make a point of scanning that list when doing my weekend cleanup to see if I can spot anything I know is gone.
This seems to be one of those rare cases where the paid version looks quite a bit more useful than the free version. However, from your screenshot it doesn't look like the paid version flags uninstalled things either.
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Well Application Rules are in the Pro version also (in my image). So presumably you don't have the Proactive Protection section shown in my image ?
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No I don't -- free version settings menu is a little shorter:
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Yes much smaller, not as comprehensive, there obviously has to be a difference to the paid option, but it is still a good free firewall.
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Prevx gave me a pop-up alert to the attempt...which failed. But I was able to get their IP address and do a reverse look up. ;D I also re-checked my system to make sure I was clean, and I am, so they didn't far...nice try though.
So, this individual was able to hack their way into the banking site in question for this to be possible?
Regards...
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So, this individual was able to hack their way into the banking site in question for this to be possible?
No...past PCT FW (which I was testing) onto my machine. They tried to do a screenshot. I was on a banking site, but PrevX w/SO prevented them from doing anything...keylogging, redirecting, screenshot, url grabbing, browser modifications, etc., and immediately knocked me off-line for my protection and told me why. When I called the bank, nothing had happened, but to play it safe we both agreed to change acct. #'s and PW's.
I keep everything up to date with software all the time. I was able to get the IP and actual address, but as you know...hackers change it. But I'm sure after failing to succeed with me, he just went on to hack into someone else's account without security software to protect them.
Since changing to the new FW, I've been fine and stealth by testing.
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No...past PCT FW (which I was testing) onto my machine. They tried to do a screenshot. I was on a banking site, but PrevX w/SO prevented them from doing anything...keylogging, redirecting, screenshot, url grabbing, browser modifications, etc., and immediately knocked me off-line for my protection and told me why. When I called the bank, nothing had happened, but to play it safe we both agreed to change acct. #'s and PW's.
I keep everything up to date with software all the time. I was able to get the IP and actual address, but as you know...hackers change it. But I'm sure after failing to succeed with me, he just went on to hack into someone else's account without security software to protect them.
Since changing to the new FW, I've been fine and stealth by testing.
Hi SafeSurf...
Wow, I'm glad Prevx was on the job. ::)
Regards...
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Wow, I'm glad Prevx was on the job. ::)
Me too!!! :D And thank goodness for Avast for scanning everything after wards, and my other handy list of tools that I keep on-demand. It's better to be prepared.
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Ooops...looks like the're back :o http://www.pctools.com/forum/showpost.php?p=234075&postcount=55 ;D
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Well, you won't get me going back there. :P
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Me neither. I think I will stick with Private Firewall as it's been working great with avast :D
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I think they are learning a valuable lesson after having shot themselves in the foot; it isn't advisable to dump your previously loyal customers if you hope to convert them into purchasers of the planned PCTools Security Suite ;D
Mind you this wouldn't be the first time Symantec did this buy a product and promptly drop support for it, its what I love about Symantec (NOT).
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Loyalty? To Symantec? Impossible...
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No, previous loyal PCTools users, that no doubt Symantec hoped to get to pay for the new PCTools Security Suite product.
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Actually, I haven't gotten over what Symantec did to the venerable Sygate Personal firewall. Just another reason why I won't go back to PCTFW. As I said, I'm quite happy now with Private Firewall and, I should thank PC Tools for inadvertently steering me in that direction. As of now Avast and Private firewall, my favorite combo.. ;D
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PCTools Firewall Plus v7.0.0.102 (release candidate).
What's New?
• Improved self protection;
• Enhanced application filtering performance;
• Improved support for multi-network environments;
• Added Enhanced Security Filtering scale;
• Streamlined Advanced application control settings;
• Improved & sleeker GUI;
• Bug fixes.
http://www.pctools.com/mirror/fw7-beta_4.exe (http://www.pctools.com/mirror/fw7-beta_4.exe)