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Other => General Topics => Topic started by: Galskygge on October 05, 2007, 06:24:17 AM
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Hello,
I currently have Sunbelt Kerio Personal Firewall and love it. However, it recently (tonight) popped up with a message saying that it was switching to the free version (meaning less protection) because the paid subscription time finally ran out. The subscription price has dropped to a permanent $14.96 (US dollars), but in all honesty I'd like to see if I can find a free firewall that is just as good as Sunbelt, if not better. I read on the forum somewhere that someone said Jetico Personal Firewall v.2 (beta) was rated to be really good. Any idea if Jetico really is good? Does anyone know of any really great free firewalls?
Also, I'm curious of everyone else's opinion(s) on using Sunbelt Kerio Personal Firewall. Anyone care to comment? I've been using Sunbelt for about two years now, I think, and so far I believe it is working good. Any thoughts on this software, though?
Thanks!
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I went back to 2.1.5 and don't regret it a bit, although this http://www.download.com/8301-2007_4-9789911-12.html?tag=cnetfd.mt gives good options also.
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Hi Galskygge you may find some useful general info here:
http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=30036.0 (http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=30036.0)
Some very good info Comodo Personal Firewall:
http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=29259.msg249145;topicseen#msg249145 (http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=29259.msg249145;topicseen#msg249145)
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Hi Galskygge,
The free version of the Sunbelt firewall has exactly the same protection as the paid version.
You just lose ad blocking and HIPs. If you really miss those features, there are other free products that do the same job.
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Personal Firewall Tests & Results. Firewall rating:
http://www.matousec.com/projects/windows-personal-firewall-analysis/results.php
About the leak tests limitations: http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=29259.msg247460#msg247460
Freeware firewalls:
http://www.firewallleaktester.com/tests_overview.php
http://www.thefreecountry.com/security/firewalls.shtml
Reviews:
XP: http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=27646.0
Vista: http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=27647.0
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Galskygge,
If you want another choice for a very good free firewall I suggest you go to this site. http://www.netveda.com/downloads/index.htm It is a very good product. They have their own customer based forum also, see http://forums.netveda.com//index.php?. Comodo is not the only free firewall that does a good job of protecting your computer. The latest NetVeda version just recently released is 3.80.0.
For further information about this product please go HERE. (http://www.netveda.com/press/pressrelease_details.asp?NewsSeqNo=49)
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Neal,
The problem I ran into with that firewall is that I can't find any way to
permit port access to selected ports. ??? ???
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bob3160,
I belong to the NetVeda user forum. I asked the question about selected port access. Here is what their Tech support
person replied to me and I quote:
"By default, Safety.Net, locks down all ports.
If you would like to open any port(s), then you need to create a new Service Group. Each service group (Groups --> New Service) can have list of ports (and/or port ranges). Once you have it defined, you may select it under Local Internet Users -> Application Control -> Full Access.
You may also create a rule in Advanced Firewall to have more restricted opening of ports.
Hope this helps"
So, it appears there is a way to do what you wanted. It seems their support does answer users requests/questions.
Neal
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Thanks Neal. Seems complicated to accomplish a simple task.
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Thanks for all of the replies! I might check out NetVeda and see what that firewall is all about. It's really hard to come across a very good firewall...well, one that you want to do everything that "you" want anyway, lol.
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Yes it is and then people want it for free ;D
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Hi, online armor has released a free firewall/hips program. It currently does NOT work with vista.
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=187975 (http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=187975)
A few screenshots.
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more
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timcan posted about Online Armor's free firewall.
I'm using it also.
It's easy to use and I may not go back to Comodo after my short experience with the OA freebie. ;)
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Neal does it work with Vista as their blurbs fail to mention compatible OS's
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Hi essexboy,
First go here, and do some testing....
http://www.alken.nl/online-security-check.htm
polonus
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Well Alken timed out on me and reckoned I have a firewall. Well I do I suppose the Vista one
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Easy to use is just one aspect, but how does it get on with grc's shields up and the firewall leaktests, etc.
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Secure but not stealth last time I did GRC about a month ago. In fact I will pop over and do another one now
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GRC result
Solicited TCP Packets: PASSED — No TCP packets were received from your system as a direct result of our attempts to elicit some response from any of the ports listed below — they are all either fully stealthed or blocked by your ISP. However . . .
Unsolicited Packets: PASSED — No Internet packets of any sort were received from your system as a side-effect of our attempts to elicit some response from any of the ports listed above. Some questionable personal security systems expose their users by attempting to "counter-probe the prober", thus revealing themselves. But your system remained wisely silent. (Except for the fact that not all of its ports are completely stealthed as shown below.)
Ping Reply: RECEIVED (FAILED) — Your system REPLIED to our Ping (ICMP Echo) requests, making it visible on the Internet. Most personal firewalls can be configured to block, drop, and ignore such ping requests in order to better hide systems from hackers. This is highly recommended since "Ping" is among the oldest and most common methods used to locate systems prior to further exploitation.
Vista firewall behind a router
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Neal does it work with Vista as their blurbs fail to mention compatible OS's
System Requirements:
Safety.Net works on Microsoft Windows 95, 98, ME, 2000 and XP platforms, and operates with any compliant Proxy Server or Network Address Translation (NAT) gateway from any provider.
Hope that helps. :)
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How about resources usage of OA free?
Is it lighter than COMODO FW??
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Waiting for Comodo to work (stable) on Vista...
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Alright, I was going to try out NetVeda's firewall and see how that work but after reading some of the reviews on snapfiles.com about how some people had some bad issues with that firewall on their pc I think I am going to scan over the other firewalls in this thread. If I get desperate enough I'll just have to give Comodo a chance.
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I am trying out OA free firewall. I put NetVeda on back burner for now. So far I like OA. I do believe it's lighter on resources than Comodo. Very user friendly. Will keep it for abit and see how I like it. I am using it with WinXP.
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I am trying out OA free firewall. I put NetVeda on back burner for now. So far I like OA. I do believe it's lighter on resources than Comodo. Very user friendly. Will keep it for abit and see how I like it. I am using it with WinXP.
I'm thinking about trying out OA as well. One of the major reasons why I do not want to use Comodo is becuase of how much CPU usage it takes up. I'm on WinXP as well. I suppose it's time to find OA online and uninstall Kerio Sunbelt Firewall unfortunately. I'll let you guys know how it goes.
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I'm thinking about trying out OA as well.
Just see the limitations of the free version...
http://www.tallemu.com/comparisons.html
If you are satisfied with it...
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I'm thinking about trying out OA as well.
Just see the limitations of the free version...
http://www.tallemu.com/comparisons.html
If you are satisfied with it...
I prefer COMODO FW.
I'm waiting CFW 3.0 very impatient. :D
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So, OA was a no go. It ended up blocking me from being able to surf the web period. I couldn't even access google.com...nothing period. Let's see what's next on the list, shall we? =/
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So, OA was a no go. It ended up blocking me from being able to surf the web period. I couldn't even access google.com...nothing period. Let's see what's next on the list, shall we? =/
So it looks like it blocked ashWebSv.exe, but it should have asked permission and you may not have realised what it was an blocked it. Just ensure that it allows ashWebSv.exe, Web Shield, internet access.
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Oh? No, it never asked me. Alright, I recently downloaded Comodo. What's everyone's thoughts on Online Armor versus Comodo? Likes, dislikes, what you prefer, etc. I'm all ears! :)
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It really doesn't suffice to give our opinions concerning a program. It's all up to the user of the program to determine whether they like it or not. Opinions don't make the program better or worse.
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I know, but I was thinking about outweighing the good/bad opinions to possibly figure out which firewall is better in the end. Also, I am curious of what everyone else thinks overall.
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My suggestion is, try either of them for a few days. Weigh the pro and cons after using Comodo or Online Armor. At times the same programs react differently on different computers. That is what I try and do to form my OWN opinion and not somebody elses. I am not in any rush to where I can't do this at my own pace.
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Fair enough. Personally speaking, I worry about not having a good enough firewall so to speak due to some bad events ages ago. Paranoia shall we say? -chuckles-
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Paranoia shall we say?
No. Firewall is a must have application.
I never tested the OA (and don't intend too). I use Comodo with XP smoothly.
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I just tried Online Armor, it was a disaster! It froze my computer, I had to restart my computer in safe mode & uninstall Online Armor.
I'm staying with PC Tools Firewall Plus till avast! Personal Firewall is available!
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I just tried Online Armor, it was a disaster! It froze my computer, I had to restart my computer in safe mode & uninstall Online Armor.
I'm staying with PC Tools Firewall Plus till avast! Personal Firewall is available!
Ouch. Sorry to hear that. I can't wait to see what avast's personal firewall will be like ;D.
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First of all I want to say that time and things do change. One of the "things that changed" is Comodo. I last used Comodo roughly when it first came out to the public. I didn't like it. Since then my opinion of it has been tainted due to that past experience. Now, I have recently used NetVeda, Online Armor, PCtools free, and others. I have been testing them to see how I would like them. I just recently downloaded the latest Comodo version 2.4.18.184, data base 3.0. I am impressed, Comodo has changed for the better. Not as large a footprint as it had been, very user friendly. I evidentally was wrong in believing that Comodo was still something I didn't want. Now I have to say it is a very nice program and thorough. I am going to stay with Comodo for some time and see how things work out with it. I would recommend it to anyone. My pc is running fine and is NOT
slowed down by Comodo. Just thought I would relate this to those who are wondering which firewall to use. I know I stated in an earlier post that opinions do not make a program better or worse. But, never the less I am impressed with it.
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I just recently downloaded the latest Comodo version 2.4.18.184, data base 3.0. I am impressed, Comodo has changed for the better.
When I started to use it in XP I never regret, I never changed it back. I've tested ZA, Sygate, Kerio, Outpost (free), PCTools... Thanks for posting your 'last' experiences.
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So far it's going on day two of having Comodo Firewall installed, and so far I like it. It seems to be user friendly and looks nice as well. Everything is running smoothly at the moment. It's extremely possible that I will stick with this firewall :D. I highly appreciate everyone's input on any firewall that they may like or dislike, without it I would have never of even of attempted to download Comodo because all that I heard were negative things. The only good things that I heard weren't really good enough to make me want to download it. So, again, thank you. ^.^
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it looks like webroot spysweepers firewall is free now http://www.webroot.com/consumer/products/desktopfirewall/?id=H2-HO_Links-DF&WRSID=49eafde8b82369bfb0b7120f063f2da6
has anyone tryed it? :)
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it looks like webroot spysweepers firewall is free now http://www.webroot.com/consumer/products/desktopfirewall/?id=H2-HO_Links-DF&WRSID=49eafde8b82369bfb0b7120f063f2da6
has anyone tryed it? :)
Here's just one of the reviews I've found:
Pros: Nice looks!
Cons: Webroot Desktop Firewall did not pass Sygates elementary scans (quick scan & stealth scan). One port were open and some were only closed (and not stealthed). That is very, very bad! Windows XP:s own firewall passed these elementary tests. Sygates and ZoneAlarm free versions also passed these tests.
It says enough to me to not want to waste my time. :)
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It says enough to me to not want to waste my time. :)
I feel like Bob. A firewall is a very important tool of security. Why do you want to play with fire? Comodo wins 8)
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it looks like webroot spysweepers firewall is free now http://www.webroot.com/consumer/products/desktopfirewall/?id=H2-HO_Links-DF&WRSID=49eafde8b82369bfb0b7120f063f2da6
has anyone tryed it? :)
Never heard of it before. My personal favorite is Kerio Sunbelt, but my preferred version of it is the one that isn't free. I just started using Comodo and like it a lot. Hope you find a good firewall ^.^.
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thanks bob3160
tech
galskygge
just trying to get some input :)
i'm trying to help a friend using windows firewall to find a easy one
for her to use (noob to firewals) she has teen girls that like myspace
i'll try to get her on comodo
i'v been using comodo v3 beta and so far it's been doing good
and well thanks for your input :)
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Webroot firewall is a clone of the Privatefirewall which matousec rates as very good.
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it looks like webroot spysweepers firewall is free now http://www.webroot.com/consumer/products/desktopfirewall/?id=H2-HO_Links-DF&WRSID=49eafde8b82369bfb0b7120f063f2da6
has anyone tryed it? :)
Here's just one of the reviews I've found:
Pros: Nice looks!
Cons: Webroot Desktop Firewall did not pass Sygates elementary scans (quick scan & stealth scan). One port were open and some were only closed (and not stealthed). That is very, very bad! Windows XP:s own firewall passed these elementary tests. Sygates and ZoneAlarm free versions also passed these tests.
It says enough to me to not want to waste my time. :)
I downloaded Webroot Desktop Firewall for free. It passed both Shields Up & PC Flank.
Either the reviews you read were wrong or I've got a newer version that does pass. So far I like WDF. :)
If I remember right drhayden1 used to use WDF, maybe Dan will give his opinion.
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thanks bob3160
tech
galskygge
just trying to get some input :)
i'm trying to help a friend using windows firewall to find a easy one
for her to use (noob to firewals) she has teen girls that like myspace
i'll try to get her on comodo
i'v been using comodo v3 beta and so far it's been doing good
and well thanks for your input :)
Any time :)! Whatever firewall that you choose to use just be sure that it is something that you are comfortable with. Nothing worse than having a firewall, whether it is good or not, that you're uncomfortable and unsure about.
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i've been online with windows xp built in firewall only, and so far it seems ok.
I'm kinda curious about the Webroot firewall, has anyone tried it and what are your impressions?
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I'm testing it on an XP2 system. So far, so good. :)
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I just installed Webroot firewall, it says that i have comodo firewall installed but i removed it a while back ago, maybe not a clean uninstallation?
So i just went along with the installation, after the computer is restarted, some of the icons in the taskbar were missing(including avast's) and internet stopped working.
so i uninstalled it, restarted and icons were still missing. Had to use system restore.
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but i removed it a while back ago, maybe not a clean uninstallation?
Did you boot after uninstalling?
Maybe you need a registry cleaner.
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Hi johnny223,
I just installed Webroot firewall, it says that i have comodo firewall installed but i removed it a while back ago
In this case, the culprit is Comodo. Webroot did warn you that it had not been removed.
Installing a second firewall can and usually does cause conflicts.
I suggest the you use a good registry cleaner and first remove all traces of Comodo. Reboot and then re-install
Webroots Firewall. At this point, make sure there aren't any further warnings.
Webroot is working well for me after uninstalling PCTools Firewall.
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Webroot is working well for me after uninstalling PCTools Firewall.
Can you compare them? And Comodo?
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Webroot is working well for me after uninstalling PCTools Firewall.
Can you compare them? And Comodo?
Comodo crashes my system
Webroot seems a little lighter on system resources ( Mem Usage 28,084 K) than PCTools.
It doesn't ask as many questions as the others and, doesn't seem to repeat asking for permission
once granted. :)
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Webroot FW is only in english??
I know i must to learn english, but i prefer programs in my language(*valencian/catalan) or in my second language(spanish).
*Valencian in València and catalan in Catalonia. A language with two names :D
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Just installed Webroot and passed GRC all ports. Is it OK to leave with presets or should I change anything? Seems to be working great so far.
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"If it ain't broke, don't fix it".
It's been working well with the presets so I've not done any tinkering. :)
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Thanks. I like this one so far and my pages even seem to load faster now.
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Thanks. I like this one so far and my pages even seem to load faster now.
Sounds like you're doing good then :).
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If I remember right drhayden1 used to use WDF, maybe Dan will give his opinion.
used to use it when it was first released as a paid version and my subscription ran out...then i went to the pctools free one then the comodo free one and then the pctools free one and still using it and happy with it so far again---so why should i go back to the webroot "now free one" AGAIN ::) ??? ;D
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uninstalled pctools firewall and trying out the webroot firewall i had once before...seems good as before-time will tell ??? ;)
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changed a-little bit since i used it....
put both internet and network security security on high and process monitor on high also ::) ???
and took if off training mode ;)
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changed a-little bit since i used it....
put both internet and network security security on high and process monitor on high also ::) ???
and took if off training mode ;)
And now you'll get bombarded with questions asking to allow access. ;D ;D ;D
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And now you'll get bombarded with questions asking to allow access.
should i leave it on training mode then BOB ;D ;D ::) ;D ;D
and probably the reason that the webroot firewall is free now is probably because of their rival pctools one is free and also of the comodo one too ??? ::)
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and probably the reason that the webroot firewall is free now is probably because of their rival pctools one is free and also of the comodo one too ??? ::)
Will it stay free forever? Or this is another example of freeware (beta) that will become shareware? ???
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Will it stay free forever? Or this is another example of freeware (beta) that will become shareware?
Only time will tell. :)
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Haha, I found this funny:
Usage License:
You have the right to use and install one licensed copy of Webroot Desktop Firewall per computer. If you intend
to install Webroot Desktop Firewall on additional computers, you will need to
obtain additional licenses. For more details, please read the full license
agreement included with the installation program displayed during setup.
OMG, like I ever wanted to install 6 copies of this firewall on my computer (it says "per computer" not "per customer") ::)
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I'm using CFW. It runs very smooth. It's in spanish, i translated it,hehehe.
And is the best in matousec tests.
Why Webroot FW doesn't appears in Matousec tests??
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hi bob3160, i used ccleaner to clean out registry before installing Webroot Firewall, and when i run webroot installation, it still warns me that comodo is installed ???
I'm confused, what can i do?
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johnny223. You might go to start, then search. Then where it may say to check for all files etc, type in comodo and tell it to search. If it finds any comodo enteries you then can see if you can delete them. This is a start. Might have to go further?
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johnny223. You might go to start, then search. Then where it may say to check for all files etc, type in comodo and tell it to search. If it finds any comodo enteries you then can see if you can delete them. This is a start. Might have to go further?
I tried that too, but still no luck :( sigh....
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try one of these...ccleaner is not a registry cleaner per say...if only finds certain registry items
http://www.wisecleaner.com/
http://www.tweaknow.com/RegCleaner.html
http://www.snapfiles.com/get/eusingregistry.html .....all free and good :)
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hi bob3160, i used ccleaner to clean out registry before installing Webroot Firewall, and when i run webroot installation, it still warns me that comodo is installed ???
I'm confused, what can i do?
CCleaner is not a registry cleaner.
Use Regedit or one of the commercial registry cleaners.
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I was asked if Webroot Desktop Firewall is recognized by the Windows Security Center.
As always, a picture is worth 100 words. :)
Click the picture to enlarge
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Johnny223-maybe solution to registry fix on previous page by Me and Bob 3160
I was asked if Webroot Desktop Firewall is recognized by the Windows Security Center.
recognized by mine also :)
(http://i24.tinypic.com/2i77qrt.jpg)
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ccleaner
It's not a registry cleaner, not a deep one.
Try Wise Registry Cleaner.
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Well did find one small problem with it. The wife wanted to change desktop picture and when she went to pick a new one all it showed was white screen where choices were. After uninstalling Webroot all was back to normal. So back to PC Tools for me. Too bad too really liked it. Maybe will try again later on second system.
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Why Webroot FW doesn't appears in Matousec tests??
Re: Good Free Firewall?
« Reply #46 on: October 16, 2007, 09:19:38 PM »
Webroot firewall is a clone of the Privatefirewall which matousec rates as very good.
http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=30808.msg256971#msg256971
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Well did find one small problem with it. The wife wanted to change desktop picture and when she went to pick a new one all it showed was white screen where choices were. After uninstalling Webroot all was back to normal. So back to PC Tools for me. Too bad too really liked it. Maybe will try again later on second system.
Where was she getting the picture from ? at which point did the screen go blank?
A firewall doesn't have anything to do with the desktop picture display. ??? ??? ???
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Right click on desktop then properties click on desktop and it shows small snaps of pictures. That part where you can choose which one as she went through they were all just white. After uninstall back to normal now. Hope this helps.
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hi bob3160, i used ccleaner to clean out registry before installing Webroot Firewall, and when i run webroot installation, it still warns me that comodo is installed ???
I'm confused, what can i do?
CCleaner is not a registry cleaner.
Use Regedit or one of the commercial registry cleaners.
So i got wise registry cleaner and cleaned the registry with it.
Still the webroot installer tells me that comodo is installed. ???
How do i completely remove comodo firewall? Should i reinstall comodo firewall and uninstall again?
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So i got wise registry cleaner and cleaned the registry with it.
Still the webroot installer tells me that comodo is installed. ???
How do i completely remove comodo firewall? Should i reinstall comodo firewall and uninstall again?
How about doing a system restore to before you installed comodo?
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Should i reinstall comodo firewall and uninstall again?
It's not a bad idea.
In Comodo forum you'll find where it puts its files and registry keys.
The installation folder, the Documents & Settings folder, etc.
Oh, uninstall other firewall before making the new Comodo installation.
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Haha, I found this funny:
Usage License:
You have the right to use and install one licensed copy of Webroot Desktop Firewall per computer. If you intend
to install Webroot Desktop Firewall on additional computers, you will need to
obtain additional licenses. For more details, please read the full license
agreement included with the installation program displayed during setup.
OMG, like I ever wanted to install 6 copies of this firewall on my computer (it says "per computer" not "per customer") ::)
That is absolutely hilarious.
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johnny223. Just for grins I uninstalled my previous firewall, (Comodo) and downloaded Webroot Firewall version 5.5.10.8. During the installation of it I got a notice that webroot said I had a version of Online Armor and Comodo Firewalls on my computer. These firewalls were NOT on my computer, maybe some residual files were. But Webroot allowed me to continue on with the installation, just said that it might not operate as efficiently if there were other 3rd party firewalls. I believe you can install webroot firewall and it should operate fine. Webroot is as far as I can tell operating fine on my pc.
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thanks for helping, i just installed comodo and uninstalled it.
Webroot firewall didn't complain, but after restarting, my internet did not work for like 10 minutes.
I think the webroot is just not for me, gotta find some alternatives.
Thank all you guys anyways. ;D
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I was using Sunbelt's (K)PF byt switched to "Online Armor Free" a few days ago. I like it a lot, you should try it. All ports stealthed & it performs very good a Matousec's leak tests. Plus, it is very easy and includes (optional) HIPS. :)
http://www.tallemu.com/online_armor_free.html
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I was using Sunbelt's (K)PF byt switched to "Online Armor Free" a few days ago. I like it a lot, you should try it. All ports stealthed & it performs very good a Matousec's leak tests. Plus, it is very easy and includes (optional) HIPS. :)
http://www.tallemu.com/online_armor_free.html
I noticed this one also contains an Anti virus program (Caution) and, it's not ready for vista.
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I noticed this one also contains an Anti virus program (Caution) and, it's not ready for vista.
Hmmm... a suite... not ready for Vista... let's wait a little...
Does anybody knows a scheduling for releasing the gold version of Comodo 3?
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I was using Sunbelt's (K)PF byt switched to "Online Armor Free" a few days ago. I like it a lot, you should try it. All ports stealthed & it performs very good a Matousec's leak tests. Plus, it is very easy and includes (optional) HIPS. :)
http://www.tallemu.com/online_armor_free.html
I noticed this one also contains an Anti virus program (Caution) and, it's not ready for vista.
The free version does NOT contain an AV. See the comparison chart here --> http://www.tallemu.com/comparisons.html
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The free version does NOT contain an AV. See the comparison chart here --> http://www.tallemu.com/comparisons.html
Their online forum is also very helpful and quick to respond http://support.online-armor.com/forums/
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The free version does NOT contain an AV. See the comparison chart here --> http://www.tallemu.com/comparisons.html
Haven't we seen this movie before?
Hint: the bloatware ZA...
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Haven't we seen this movie before?
yes...many times-but didn't get the free popcorn and candy and drinks ;D
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To call OnlineArmor "bloated" is to have never installed it. It's a firewall with HIPS, the same as Comodo's FW, also not the "bloatware" commonly associated with ZA or NIS.
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To call OnlineArmor "bloated" is to have never installed it.
A firewall with antivirus... suite... bloatware in a second...
I'm posting what I'm reading in the web. It's not a bloatware right now, but it is on the way of...
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Tech,
You would only be installing the firewall. You already have an anti virus program. :) Did you forget ??? ;D ;D
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You would only be installing the firewall.
I won't even install it... I do not trust this firewall (yet)... maybe I'm biased... who knows...
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15 minutes ago I installed it on my test machine. It froze my desktop, bunch of applications wouldn't even start up with this thing installed. Shortly - a nightmare ! Totally not configurable, you can not even manually add/remove white-list/black-list sites like it's case with Webroot Desktop Firewall. You're guessing it right ! ;) I uninstalled it and wiped out every single trace of this program. I am 110% sure this will never get a second chance to see my Program Files. Literally the biggest firewall disappointment I had in last few years, and I've tested so many... :-\
Yeah, another strange thing with this "firewall" that won't even install firewall by default ( ? ? ? )... yeah, when I opened configuration menu, among other options, it said Firewall: Not Installed, and then there is an option to install a firewall ( ? ? ? ) What was that all about ?!! I thought I was installing firewall in the first place... and it installed all those little things it comes with, except the firewall... so I "installed" it from the options... and boom, it was installed to my surprise... crazy things... oh yeah, I wanted to say this... I wasn't able to connect to any FTP sites I have listed in my database (my clients) through any FTP client I have here. Yes, of course I gave all those permissions, and it looked like it was starting to connect, but then when it was "connected", it wouldn't open root folder it would just hang like that seems forever ( I actually never saw it completely connected, so after 5 minutes of waiting I gave up)...
One word - Horror!
Advice: stay away from it if you can
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One word - Horror!
Advice: stay away from it if you can
I've warned you... :'(
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Sasha,
15 minutes ago I installed it on my test machine.
Which operating system ???
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15 minutes ago I installed it on my test machine. It froze my desktop, bunch of applications wouldn't even start up with this thing installed. Shortly - a nightmare !
One word - Horror!
Advice: stay away from it if you can
The same happened to me! I'm using XP Home Edition SP2.
http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=30808.msg256742#msg256742
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I installed on XP-Pro system and the firewall was turned on by default. Any bugs were resolved in their forum in short order. Any connectivity problems can be fixed by putting it in "learning-mode" so it accepts activities of the user. Firewall rules can be hardened from within the interface. Any issues with OA can be addresses at http://support.online-armor.com/forums/ I used Kerio 2.1.5 before, and this offers just as good of protection as it. Granted, it took 2 installs for me.
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Sasha,
15 minutes ago I installed it on my test machine.
Which operating system ???
Bob, it was XP. This firewall is not for Vista
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I installed on XP-Pro system and the firewall was turned on by default. Any bugs were resolved in their forum in short order. Any connectivity problems can be fixed by putting it in "learning-mode" so it accepts activities of the user. Firewall rules can be hardened from within the interface. Any issues with OA can be addresses at http://support.online-armor.com/forums/ I used Kerio 2.1.5 before, and this offers just as good of protection as it. Granted, it took 2 installs for me.
It froze every single application I wanted to start. There is nothing to be tweaked when it comes to that. I didn't say it won't work on your system, but my own configuration won't work with this firewall regardless of what I tried. Million different systems, million different configurations. There is something for everybody out there... this is clearly not for me. Every other firewall I tried worked perfectly without a single problem and I didn't have to tweak a single thing. The only difference between all other firewalls I tried was their level of protection. I won't bother with something like this, it showed me clearly how it works... or don't work.
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Just making sure Sasha. :)
I'm back to PCTools Firewall Plus on both XP and Vista.
I still find it the easiest to use. :)
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What are your experiences with Webroot Desktop Firewall ? Have you tried that one ? I am testing it now, but can't do much since I am at work (my laptop with Vista). If I like it I may try installing it on my laptop too.
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I just discovered GhostWall Firewall which is free and basic and does not use much memory or cpu according to the writeup.
Does anyone have any experience with it? Is it effective?
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I just discovered GhostWall Firewall which is free and basic and does not use much memory or cpu according to the writeup.
Does anyone have any experience with it? Is it effective?
On such an important ordeal as a firewall, I would rather walk on sure grounds:Comodo or PC Tools or Zone Alarm Free. :D
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On such an important ordeal as a firewall, I would rather walk on sure grounds:Comodo or PC Tools or Zone Alarm Free. :D
I do not think your recommendations are quite responsible. For a selection, I recommend to address firewall experts. Unless you can prove otherwise, the acknowledged ones are at Matousec office, see
http://www.matousec.com/projects/firewall-challenge/results.php
Eventually, you can have a look at Scott's blog. Scott is a man who lately did a thorough research concerning firewalls.
All other recommendations are just one-user personal findings that can differ vastly from what you will experience with your special system/configuration.
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All other recommendations are just one-user personal findings that can differ vastly from what you will experience with your special system/configuration.
I include Scott's recommendations in 'personal findings' also... He has his opinions, I respect, but are his opinions...
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On the topic of firewalls, when is it anticipated that Avast will produce a firewall?
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On the topic of firewalls, when is it anticipated that Avast will produce a firewall?
At least, not until Q3 this year.
http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=33716.msg281745#msg281745
The final packaging is still to be decided, but currently, there's a plan to have a standalone AV, and a suite. If there's going to be a standalone firewall as well has not yet been decided, but it is possible.
Anyway, all this is going to happen no earlier than in avast 5.
http://www.avast.com/eng/press-release-avast-celebrates-50-000-000th-registered-user.html
In the year ahead, we will continue to offer the best protection our users have come to expect from avast!, as well as continuing to develop avast! Antivirus to offer the additional features that our users are demanding, culminating in the release of avast! 5 towards the end of Q3 2008.
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Thanks for the reference.
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In studying the test done by Matousec, I notice the excellent performance of ProSecurity 1.43. I checked it on their website and it appears to use a HIPS approach and is not identified as a firewall.
I don't understand why it was included in a firewall test. Is it used instead of a firewall? Would it provided the same level of security? Would you use it as well as a firewall like OnlineArmor?
Could someone help me to understand this?
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If the firewall installed uses HIPS then I wouldn't recommend using another HIPS application, so that is something you have to check out in the specification of the firewall you intend to use.
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David R.,
I notice that you use Outpost 4. The current version of Outpost is 6. I do not know much about firewall so I am wondering if it is ok to use an older version--is it as effective?
I am curious because I just got a email with the offer of a free Outpost 6 Firewall.
Is Outpost a good firewall? Does it compare to Comodo and OnlineArmor? I notice in the recent tests that it is fourth.
Any opinions on Outpost will be appreciated.
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I'm in absolutely no rush to upgrade even though I have a lifetime license. I felt that outpost 2008 was too rushed and many had issues in the early install. I would say it was rushed out the door in great haste as it wasn't even Vista compatible, not to mention there was no work (or so it appeared) on OP 4.0 to get that Vista compatible. I don't use Vista so I couldn't have cared less but may users weren't very happy with Agnitum.
Then there is the insistence by OP 2008 that you disable one of the avast drivers, namely the one that supports the network shield even though it isn't a firewall and shouldn't be an issue. This issue is soon (I hope) to be resolved by OP where will no longer be a need to disable the avast driver, then I may update.
As to is it OK to use an old firewall, it depends on why it is old, if the later upgrade are for security reasons then I would say that you should upgrade otherwise you are potentially vulnerable. But in many cases these upgrades are adding new features that essentially don't change what your 'firewall' does (bells and whistles) then you could easily stay with an older version.
It is hard to compare firewalls as the only real test is anti-leak, what can escape from your system and all three you mention do well in tests, well above the rest and the differences are small even if classed as 4th in an arbitrary test, they are still well above the competition gaining 'Excellent' grades. One difference is you have to pay for OP 2008 where you can get free versions of comodo and online armor
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David,
I sure appreciate your views---for a novice like me, your direct experience with these things is invaluable.
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You're welcome.
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Another choice for a free firewall is Filseclab
http://www.filseclab.com/eng/
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David,
thats a very wise approach and funded response.
I could perhaps just add that having to pay for the soft should in no case be a reason for degrading it, when we are speaking about let's say symbolic figures, just few dollars for any paid firewall.
What diverted me from OP (about 2 years ago, do'nt even remember the version) was the fact that they were using access database to store logs, which I found rather unprofessional. Now I am with OA, paid version, quite happy and certainly very secure behind it.
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Another choice for a free firewall is Filseclab
http://www.filseclab.com/eng/
Is this a good quality firewall?
Anyone have any experience with it? How does it come out on the tests?
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David,
thats a very wise approach and funded response.
I could perhaps just add that having to pay for the soft should in no case be a reason for degrading it, when we are speaking about let's say symbolic figures, just few dollars for any paid firewall.
<snip>
The guiding path for my comments is/was the topic Title "Good Free Firewall?"
It is hard to compare firewalls as the only real test is anti-leak, what can escape from your system and all three you mention do well in tests, well above the rest and the differences are small even if classed as 4th in an arbitrary test, they are still well above the competition gaining 'Excellent' grades. One difference is you have to pay for OP 2008 where you can get free versions of comodo and online armor
So not degrading a firewall because you have to pay for it but reminding that because of the subject of the topic you have to pay for OP.
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Is there any update or rumor about when the Avast Firewall will be available?
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From what I've read in these forums, avast! firewall won't be out till avast! 5 is out, maybe later this year.
With so many threads about fw's, members of this forum have have very high expectaions for aPF! Maybe that is why it is so long in coming ??? It will be tough on ALWIL for aPF to be our dream firewall. ;)
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From what I've read in these forums, avast! firewall won't be out till avast! 5 is out, maybe later this year.
I won't expect the firewall for 2008. Maybe 2009.
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Thanks for the update.
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I recently discovered that Ashampoo has a free firewall.
Has anyone ever used it and has some experience and idea of it's quality.
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I recently discovered that Ashampoo has a free firewall.
Has anyone ever used it and has some experience and idea of it's quality.
http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=16922.msg304864#msg304864 (http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=16922.msg304864#msg304864) :)
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does anyone here tried FortKnox Personal Firewall?
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does anyone here tried FortKnox Personal Firewall?
Please don't post in a 5 year OLD threads.
Start your own.