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Other => General Topics => Topic started by: xistenz on April 19, 2005, 05:27:07 PM

Title: New free firewall!
Post by: xistenz on April 19, 2005, 05:27:07 PM

Hi all,

I have just stumbled across a new firewall that I have never heard of before. It's called R-Firewall. It is completely freeware.

R-Firewall is an effective and easy-to-use solution to secure your on-line activity. It protects a computer connected to a local network and/or to the Internet against any intrusions, attacks, trojans, spyware, and other external and internal threats. R-Firewall also filters out inappropriate Internet pages content and blocks dangerous active components you may get while browsing over the Internet or receiving e-mail massages.

Automatic configuration during setup allows you securely surf the Internet right after the software installation. Mobile users can create multiple and easily switchable configurations for specific network environments (Internet surfing at home, office local networks, or public Wi-Fi spots).

Network security features
     Monitors network activity at the application and system component levels;
     Detects and blocks direct network intrusions;
     Detects and blocks network connections that malicious programs try to establish from within and outside the protected computer;
     Detects and blocks numerous types of attacks;
     Detects and blocks various dangerous active content on the Internet, such as JavaScript objects, ActiveX components, etc;
     Checks e-mail attachments for dangerous content, such as executable programs, JavaScript objects, ActiveX components, etc;
     Converts the protected computer into a "stealth" machine running invisibly to outside intruders;
     Provides detailed log information
 
Content control features
     Detects and blocks unwanted information on the Internet, such as commercial banners, pop-up windows, and cookies;
     Blocks access to undesirable or inappropriate Web pages, specified either directly by their URLs, or by keywords;

Easy-to-use features
     Automatic configuration during setup. Your computer is ready for surfing the Internet right after the installation;
     Presets for most Internet applications. No need to manually set ports, protocols, or other technical staff for each installed program;
     Multiple and easily switchable configurations that you can create for a specific network environment (for your home, for your office local network, or
     for a public Wi-Fi spot);
     Two types of interfaces: Simple for inexperienced users and Advanced for fine-tuning;
     An indefinite number of rules for each application;
     Low resource requirements

I am in the process of testing it out.

It can be found here: http://www.r-firewall.com

Title: Re: New free firewall!!!
Post by: GhosTT on April 20, 2005, 03:42:44 AM

xistenz,

Looks interesting, using ZONE ALARM now.

Will be interested in your review.

Title: Re: New free firewall!!!
Post by: xistenz on April 23, 2005, 01:58:31 PM

My Inital Impressions of R-Firewall (http://www.r-firewall.com)

I was looking forward to seeing how this new firewall would work, and on first impressions, it was a little dissapointing.

Firstly, it tries too hard to be like Agnitum's Outpost firewall. It has similar "Policies" (Allow All/Allow/Ask/Block/Block All) and it has has an ad blocker that operates in a similar fashion to Outpost's.

When it is first run, a wizard starts allowing you to get started quickly.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v651/xistenz/wizard1.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v651/xistenz/wizard2.jpg)

Then the simple view is presented to you.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v651/xistenz/simple.jpg)

With the option of changing to an advanced view.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v651/xistenz/Advanced.jpg)

The firewall is quite effiective at blocking ads.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v651/xistenz/adblocker.jpg)

Whenever a program tries to access the internet on "Ask" mode, you are presented with the following box. I couldn't quite work out what to select to "remember" the application like ZoneAlarm would do. Not for the un-initiated then...

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v651/xistenz/allowdeny.jpg)

The most irratating aspect about the firewall is the Component control thing. It bugs you every time it detects a change in an application and is quite annoying (to put it mildly)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v651/xistenz/CRC.jpg)

On the plus side, it does work with Microsoft's Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) without a lengthy configuration process, and it does mimic one of the better commercial firewalls.

However, inbound protection is a bit lagging. On the GRC Shields-up test, it allowed a ping request. The only other firewall that I know of that lets pings go through is the default Windows XP SP2 firewall. I couldn't do other online firewall tests because my ISP uses a NAT router, so if anyone has done those tests with R-Firewall, please post the results here.

In summary, If you are looking for the features of Outpost Pro, but find Outpost Free too limiting, then R-Firewall is a good compromise. This is one to keep an eye on and we will see how much it has improved in a years time.

When you install it, don't install the CRC Component Control, its a real pain in the neck.

Title: Re: New free firewall!!!
Post by: szc on April 23, 2005, 02:39:10 PM

xistenz - that is one great review, it must have took you quite long time to check all those things. I'm sure this will be very helpful for many people that are looking for some new firewall solution... I'm not sure is this good or bad firewall since I never tested it, but I believe your review reveals some very important points.

So much effort and time, all those nice pictures... wonderful...

Thanks again !
Cheers !

Title: Re: New free firewall!!!
Post by: lee16 on April 23, 2005, 05:30:37 PM

How well does it do at places like SOS Scan (http://scan.sygatetech.com/) and Sheilds Up (https://grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2)?

--lee

Title: Re: New free firewall!!!
Post by: bob3160 on April 23, 2005, 11:55:39 PM

xistenz
Thanks for the excellent Review. I'm adding a link to your revies to my (http://snipurl.com/dwhh) (http://snipurl.com/8g3g).
That way it will always be available for easy access.

Title: Re: New free firewall!!!
Post by: watchthisspace on April 24, 2005, 09:00:16 AM

How much memory does it use? But a really good review  8)

Title: Re: New free firewall!!!
Post by: xistenz on April 24, 2005, 10:05:40 AM

Thanks for the accolades!  ;D

I only did the fiewall test at GRC's Shields-up and it had the same level of inbound protection as the Windows XP firewall.

I only did an initial end-users review. A more indepth one may follow. Watch this space...

A word of warning: Make a restore point before installing it and disable it before uninstalling it. It likes to protect your computer even after its gone.  ;D

Title: Re: New free firewall!!!
Post by: szc on April 25, 2005, 08:31:12 PM

Quote from: xistenz on April 24, 2005, 10:05:40 AM

A word of warning: Make a restore point before installing it and disable it before uninstalling it. It likes to protect your computer even after its gone.  ;D

Hahaha, not quite good sign I would say...  ;D

Title: Re: New free firewall!!!
Post by: RJARRRPCGP on April 27, 2005, 01:10:48 AM

Quote

However, inbound protection is a bit lagging. On the GRC Shields-up test, it allowed a ping request. The only other firewall that I know of that lets pings go through is the default Windows XP SP2 firewall. I couldn't do other online firewall tests because my ISP uses a NAT router, so if anyone has done those tests with R-Firewall, please post the results here.

It failed the Shields Up test for me, the last time I tested it. It failed to stealth the ports!!!

Title: Re: New free firewall!!!
Post by: Lisandro on April 27, 2005, 03:00:26 AM

Quote from: RJARRRPCGP on April 27, 2005, 01:10:48 AM

It failed the Shields Up test for me, the last time I tested it. It failed to stealth the ports!!!

This is bad... Can you post the port (or ports) number that failed the test?

Title: Re: New free firewall!!!
Post by: MFB on April 27, 2005, 03:38:05 AM

I have the same testing as well a few weeks ago.  Got rid of that firewall once I found out that you can see the port close and not in Stealth.  Even though I remove every bit of that pesky Firewall by using my computer search.  Windows Security Center still detects that R-Firewall even though I check everybit of my hardrive.  Using Windows Firewall from now on.

Title: Re: New free firewall!!!
Post by: Lisandro on April 27, 2005, 03:50:50 AM

Quote from: MFB on April 27, 2005, 03:38:05 AM

Using Windows Firewall from now on.

But this will be even less than 'closed' ports  :o  :o
You're only being protected from inbound attacks... what about outbound connections from your computer?

Title: Re: New free firewall!!!
Post by: MFB on April 27, 2005, 04:27:55 AM

Just gonna have only full access on programs that needs updates like Avast! and Spyware blaster also with Instant Messangers.  I try alot of firewalls but I rather use Windows Firewall since every other firewall just dosn't like me.  :'(

Title: Re: New free firewall!!!
Post by: bob3160 on April 27, 2005, 05:20:44 AM

MFB
Half protection is like having your mouth half open when the flies are sworming.
You know that some will get in...  I'm sure you don't want your private information
all over the net do you?

Title: Re: New free firewall!!!
Post by: MFB on April 27, 2005, 05:24:50 AM

Yeah you got a point there, but I try like every firewall from ZoneAlarm to Sygate.  They all seem to pummel me  in the internet one way or another.  For now Windows Firewall is my last resort and I'll make sure only the most important programs receives full access.  Thanks again for the warning flags you guys.

Title: Re: New free firewall!!!
Post by: bob3160 on April 27, 2005, 05:35:34 AM

It's your neck we're just trying to help you protect it but all we can do is try.
The final decision is always yours.

Title: Re: New free firewall!!!
Post by: RJARRRPCGP on April 27, 2005, 06:50:31 AM

Quote from: Technical on April 27, 2005, 03:00:26 AM

Quote from: RJARRRPCGP on April 27, 2005, 01:10:48 AM

It failed the Shields Up test for me, the last time I tested it. It failed to stealth the ports!!!

This is bad... Can you post the port (or ports) number that failed the test?

It was probably all of the ports and definitely a lot of the ports!!!

FYI, I tested it probably back in January.

Title: Re: New free firewall!!!
Post by: RJARRRPCGP on April 27, 2005, 06:55:07 AM

There's two other firewalls that did pass the Shields Up test.

Those are NetVeda SafetyNet and SoftPerfect Firewall.

Title: Re: New free firewall!!!
Post by: a61_a61 on April 27, 2005, 04:55:27 PM

I have been using the Sygate firewall on my laptop and the Zone Alarm on my desktop.  Since there is a bug in the Sygate that I didn't like I thought I would try the R-Firewall out. It appears to have a lot more options for adjusting than the free Zone Alarm, or Sygate.

I next did an uninstall using the R-Firewall uninstaller to see if there were any problems, and there were none, and it was uninstalled except for the program folder with 4 files in it.  Some registry keys were left, but thats the way it is with many programs when you uninstall them.

I then reinstall it and used the Windows Add & Remove programs to uninstall it, same results as above.  So I don't know why "xistenz" said

Quote

"A word of warning: Make a restore point before installing it and disable it before uninstalling it. It likes to protect your computer even after its gone."

Memory ussage:
R-Firewall.exe 10,156 kb
RTT-CRC Service.exe 3,136

Hard to tell how it really does for a scan at Shields up or Sygate, because I'm behind a firewall with my wireless router on my laptop.  I think it would pass with the right settings, I would have to use a friends dialup PC next door for a test later this week.  It did pass some of the leak test.

Right now I playing with the SafetyNet Firewall and so far I really like it.  It passed some of the leak test and failed some, but it's still not configured totally either.

If you want to test your Firewall for leaks try this site.  Read the FAQ first.
Firewall Leak Testing
http://www.firewallleaktester.com/tests.htm

No Firewall will give you total protection!

Title: Re: New free firewall!
Post by: MFB on April 28, 2005, 12:55:55 AM

xistenz is right, I install R-firewall before and when I saw the testings results on how poor it keep all my ports in Stealth, I got rid of it and keep Windows Firewall until today when you guys show me the new updates on ZA and went back to ZA.   :)  But even after I remove it, R-firewall components are still there by using my hardrive search, I search every bit and remove them all I guess but even after removing like this firewall for 15 minutes, Windows Security Center still detects R-firewall in my PC.  ???  Listen to xistenz and disable restore point when you install R-firewall, believe me it's anoying if you don't want it anymore.  ;)

Title: New free firewall!
Post by: xistenz on June 04, 2005, 08:08:32 PM

Filseclab Personal Firewall

http://www.filseclab.com/eng/products/firewall.htm

Found another free one that I've never heard of. This time, it comes out of China.

Overview

Kernel-level and high-level double packet filtering engine, it protects your computer from attacks from the Internet, and from Trojan horse etc.
Control accessing websites.
Protecting local shared resources.
Controlling ICMP packets.
Writing log file.

Features

Packets traffic oscillograph.
Interactive mode automatically make ACL (Access Control Lists).

Has anyone used this one at all? Opinions?

The source code for this particular firewall also happens to be for sale if anyone is interested.  ::)

Title: Re: New free firewall!
Post by: szc on June 05, 2005, 02:22:46 PM

Yes, I also wrote about that firewall last year in September... see here:

http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=7434.0

The bad thing - I still haven't found out how good/bad it is... few people tested it, but never reported back.

Cheers !

Title: Re: New free firewall!
Post by: MFB on June 05, 2005, 10:02:54 PM

Other forums and Firewall review sites never had a response towards this mysterious firewall.   :-\