Avast WEBforum
Other => General Topics => Topic started by: Confused Computer User on September 12, 2008, 03:10:19 PM
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hi all,
I've been using avast for almost a year and I've been very happy with the service provided. As my subject points out I am pondering if I should install a Fire Wall.
Computer Specs: Pentium IV with HT (3.2GHz), 2GB RAM (2 one GB RAM memory sticks), Running under Vista Home Basic with SP1.
Problem: Just got intermediate Internet (moved up from dial-up) and am now permanently connected to the net.
Details: I know Vista has its own fire wall but can I rely on it? So far I had no viruses and no problems, but that is due mostly to Avast. I did have some virus detection when surfing the net but these were blocked by AVAST before they even downloaded on my Computer. The Scanner is set to max and I feel comfortable with what I have so far. My issue is that since I don't know everything I would like to find out if there is a free, and reliable Fire Wall that runs on Vista and complements Avast. (or is Avast behaving like a Fire WALL as well as an anti virus)
Thank you
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You can rely on Vista firewall.
You can configure it to outbound protection:
Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Windows Firewall with Advanced Security
While providing complete inbound AND outbound protection, by default, the Vista firewall does not contain any rules for controlling of outbound traffic. That is, every program is allowed to go out.
Configure Vista Firewall to support outbound packet filtering: http://searchwindowssecurity.techtarget.com/tip/0,289483,sid45_gci1247138,00.html
Or use Vista Firewall Control 32-bit: http://www.majorgeeks.com/Vista_Firewall_Control_32-bit_d5578.html
You can want to install a more intuitive firewall, then you can try Comodo, OnlineArmor (beta for Vista) or PCTools.
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Thanks for the reply Tech.
One thing though. does the Vista firewall, as is, still provides a good enough protection... I'd really hate to have to change settings in my network especially when I have no clue how it works.
Thanks agian
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The Vista firewall has outbound protection disabled by default, so I would say as is, no it isn't good enough. If you enable the outbound protection, it is rules based and you have to create the rules, not easy, this is Why he suggests the Vista Firewall Control to make that task easier.
Or there are the other third party firewalls he mentions.
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Hi David R.
Thanks for the reply. I'm curious though if I should trust freeware like Vista Firewall Control. The other option is tempting but I'm always skeptical about these things. do yo know anything about Comodo? If you have other examples I am more than interested. Thank you again.
Cheers
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At some point you have to trust something, and we wouldn't recommend software that was 'untrustworthy.'
I have never used Comodo firewall as I'm very happy with my own Paid option Outpost Firewall Pro 2009, but there are many forum members using it as are there for PC Tools firewall.
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Good point,
It seems like Comodo is a bit like Avast so it's probably my most likely choice ... I'll ponder a while before installing anything... Can any one who uses Vista Home Basic SP1 and avast as an retrovirus confirm if they had issues or problems with Comodo... Please
Thanks
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Can any one who uses Vista Home Basic SP1 and avast as an retrovirus confirm if they had issues or problems with Comodo... Please
Last two days I've tried twice to install Comodo in my Vista Business SP1 32 bits... both times I couldn't even boot :'(
I need to boot in Safe Mode and uninstall Comodo... It's not the first tentative (and I've done twice)... maybe later...
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hmh, thanks for the reply tech.
I keep reading similar claims on CNET's download.com from users. I looked at PcTools and it's almost the same thing as PcTools (for Vista Users anyway). I tend to blame Vista but then again I never thought I'd have so many issues with this System. Does any one have some suggestion concerning which Firewalls are running well on Vista (and are free).
Thanks again
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I recommend ZoneAlarm Free (http://www.filehippo.com/download_zonealarm_free/). :) 8)
Don't forget WinPatrol (http://www.filehippo.com/download_winpatrol/) and Opera (http://www.filehippo.com/download_opera/4546/). ;) They are free and work great with avast!. :)
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hmh, thanks for the reply tech.
I keep reading similar claims on CNET's download.com from users. I looked at PcTools and it's almost the same thing as PcTools (for Vista Users anyway). I tend to blame Vista but then again I never thought I'd have so many issues with this System. Does any one have some suggestion concerning which Firewalls are running well on Vista (and are free).
Thanks again
Hi...
I think at least some of this has to do with software writers and manufacturers scrambling to include Vista and having to iron out the bugs as they go along. We went through a bit of this with XP (when it came out,) too.
Best Regards...
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Umm, Comodo?
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I use PCTools Firewall Plus (http://www.pctools.com/firewall/) on all my systems including Vista.
It's free and I haven't had any problems or complaints.
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Thank you all for the replies.
Faizfast6 you mention Comodo but as I mentioned it gets bad reviews from users on Cnet.
http://www.download.com/Comodo-Firewall-Pro/3000-10435_4-10460704.html?tag=mncol&cdlPid=10849947
bob3160 recommend PCTools Firewall Plus. I'm inclined to believe that it is a good option and the reviews are semi positive on cnet.
http://www.download.com/PC-Tools-Firewall-Plus-Free-Edition/9241-10435_4-10625321.html?messageID=10338913&tag=uo;uo
Although they seem to go to extremes. Again thank you all for the support.
Conclusion: While I am not certain of this I believe that I'll wait a bit before choosing to install any fire wall. Based on my own experience as a home user, utilizing the native Vista Fire Wall along side Avast I have had no apparent issues or problems. The Vista Fire Wall prevents most of the threats out there and avast seems to monitor all activities on my computer with the Standard Shield so I know I'm not at a high risk of infection.
Note: if any one disagrees, please tell me so. I'll mark the thread as solved in 24-48 Hours
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Umm, Comodo?
It comes with Ask toollbar that is automatically installed without permission and is notorious in its false positive detection of applications upon installation.
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You could also try Webroot firewall found here: http://www.webroot.com.au/En_AU/consumer-products-desktopfirewall.html
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Now I use Webroot, very light compared to COMODO.
About the Ask Toolbar in COMODO, it didn't install it in my computer.
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Toolbar is optional in comodo and can be unchecked during installation.
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Yeah but I don't see an option. It just installs COMODO but no toolbar. ???
But I stick with Webroot for now.
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You could also try Webroot firewall found here: http://www.webroot.com.au/En_AU/consumer-products-desktopfirewall.html
Does anybody have experience with Webroot firewall on Vista?
Tried to install Comodo v3 in my Vista and can't boot... need to uninstall in Safe Mode.
Online Armor is a beta for Vista and limited to 30 days.
PCTools is not well categorized in tests, is own by Symantec...
Alwil firewall is in a very distant future...
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Hi all,
I didn't expect to get a lot of replies to this so I'll leave the thread open for another week. hopefully There might be some firewall out there that works on vista and is free. Tech sums up quite well the various options that are out there for Vista users. I read a few reviews (from users) on CNET and one would have to ask: Is it more likely to have the computer crash because of a virus or because of the Firewall?
I realize that this does not really contribute to the main subject but I all but given up on getting a Firewall.
Cheers
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Is it more likely to have the computer crash because of a virus or because of the Firewall?
Windows firewall protects inbound connections. I need an antivirus working...
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You could also try Webroot firewall found here: http://www.webroot.com.au/En_AU/consumer-products-desktopfirewall.html
Does anybody have experience with Webroot firewall on Vista?
Tried to install Comodo v3 in my Vista and can't boot... need to uninstall in Safe Mode.
Online Armor is a beta for Vista and limited to 30 days.
PCTools is not well categorized in tests, is own by Symantec...
Alwil firewall is in a very distant future...
I'm not using Vista but from Webroot's page on the firewall, it works with both 32-bit and 64-bit version but I'm not too sure.
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I'm not using Vista but from Webroot's page on the firewall, it works with both 32-bit and 64-bit version but I'm not too sure.
I'll try it... let's see.
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I'm not using Vista but from Webroot's page on the firewall, it works with both 32-bit and 64-bit version but I'm not too sure.
I'll try it... let's see.
Nightmare... 3 BSODS, can't uninstall in SafeMode, have to disable drivers/services, boot and uninstall. NO thanks...
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Hi Tech.
I hope you didn't loose any important data. This is one of the reasons I don't really like to tweak around with my computer and "try" different security programs. Think twice and act once. Then again if no one tries then no one knows... this is a conundrum. ;D
Oh well I do hope that there is a firewall out there that won't crash Vista.
On a different note: I have a question concerning the Network Shield. I have DSL internet and I'm connected to the external Modem/Rooter via a network cable. There aren't any other computers connected to the modem/rooter. When I open the computer, the connection is already up and everything is working great. I didn't have to install or setup anything. Vista Auto-detected the connection via it's network. My issue is that when I look at the Network Scanner (by double clicking on the blue A icon in the taskbar) I see the scan count as 0. I use the internet and everything and still, nothing. The Web Scanner is working but only when I'm browsing. If I shut down the browser I still get some minuscule activity on the network (I use view connection status and look at the upload and download values... fast way of making sure I don't exceed my bandwidth) in the order of 5-10 Kb once in a while (like every minute). I did countless scans so I know it's not a virus. But I am not sure what this could mean. That is why I started this thread concerning Firewalls in the first place. Can any one help me out here?
Any info is much appreciated.
Cheers
P.S.
Thank you all for posting solutions and suggestions.
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I hope you didn't loose any important data.
No, I didn't lose.
I have a question concerning the Network Shield. I have DSL internet and I'm connected to the external Modem/Rooter via a network cable. There aren't any other computers connected to the modem/rooter. When I open the computer, the connection is already up and everything is working great. I didn't have to install or setup anything. Vista Auto-detected the connection via it's network. My issue is that when I look at the Network Scanner (by double clicking on the blue A icon in the taskbar) I see the scan count as 0. I use the internet and everything and still, nothing. The Web Scanner is working but only when I'm browsing. If I shut down the browser I still get some minuscule activity on the network (I use view connection status and look at the upload and download values... fast way of making sure I don't exceed my bandwidth) in the order of 5-10 Kb once in a while (like every minute). I did countless scans so I know it's not a virus. But I am not sure what this could mean. That is why I started this thread concerning Firewalls in the first place. Can any one help me out here?
If you're using Vista Firewall, it will block the attacks before NetShield. NetShield is just a second layer of protection.
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Thanks for the reply Tech.
So if I get this right, Vista Firewall blocks most or rather all (given that the Network scanner count is always 0, even after considerable web browsing) transfers over that network, which are not authorized (are not part of an exemption rule).
But this leaves the question of why do I see a systematic upload of 5-10 Kb? Is this Vista sending signals to the modem/router?
Thanks again
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But this leaves the question of why do I see a systematic upload of 5-10 Kb? Is this Vista sending signals to the modem/router?
Hmmm... I'm not an expert on networking... Does TCPView tool look to this connections?
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Hi Tech,
What do you understand by TCPView tool.?
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Hi Tech,
What do you understand by TCPView tool?
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb897437.aspx
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Oh well I do hope that there is a firewall out there that won't crash Vista.
I've been using PCTools Firewall Pro on my Dell Vista Ultimate for about 1 year without any problems. :)
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Hi bob,
Thank you or the reply. Can you please tell me your computer specs?
I have Pentium IV with HT (3.2 Ghz) and 2GB of RAM (however My video card takes about 220MB out of it).
Also, i feel I must mention that Vista Ultimate exceeds as well as outperforms Vista Home Basic in functionality and stability .
Thaks
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Hi Tech,
What do you understand by TCPView tool.?
TCPView shows the connections coming and going from your system.
(http://www.imagespeech.com/out.php/t1811_tcpview.png) (http://www.imagespeech.com/out.php/i1811_tcpview.png)
ashMaiSv.exe:3336 TCP IBMKS1:12119 localhost:1533 ESTABLISHED <== shows avast is connected with TCP Protocol from my system to the Internet
ashMaiSv.exe:3336 TCP ibmks1.no-domain-set.bellcanada:1534 news.grc.com:nntp ESTABLISHED <== shows that I am using Outlook Express to read the GRC newsgroups and avast! is protecting the connection
Its interesting to have it in a window watching the connections coming and going.
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Hi Tech,
I apologize for not replying to your post. I just have a few quick question.
Is TCPView tool shareware or is it something from Microsoft?
Do you run it on Windows XP or Vista?
Again sorry for not replying sooner.
yoKenny, you say: "shows that I am using Outlook Express to read the GRC newsgroups and avast! is protecting the connection"
How can you tell that avast is protecting the link?
Thank you all.
Cheers
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Is TCPView tool shareware or is it something from Microsoft?
A freeware from Microsoft.
Do you run it on Windows XP or Vista?
Both.
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Ah... Ok,
Thanks tech... if it's from Microsoft and you say you run it on Vista as well then I'll download it now and see what it says.
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Hmh.. I thought this will be like a small install. All I did was download and un-ziped then ran the .exe hit accept on the license and then got a huge list of things. What struck me as odd was that a bunch of them were highlighted in red and then disappeared. Did I do something wrong or is that alright?
and just to get this, did it actually install or does it just execute?
Thanks
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I've always used Comodo 3 FW on my Vista desktop but choose to uninstall it for suspected conflicts with microsoft updates. Natural second choice is PCTools FW PLUS. It did not last long on my PC. It was more than a virus, impeaching programs to start up and making life impossible with this pc. I had to remove it. Be sure to exit the program before removing it. Reinstalled Comodo3 FW and lSky are back blu and sunny again. ;)
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yoKenny, you say: "shows that I am using Outlook Express to read the GRC newsgroups and avast! is protecting the connection"
How can you tell that avast is protecting the link?
Thank you all.
Cheers
Look for the avast Mail scanner icon in the active area of the Taskbar on the lower right of the screen
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Hello everybody,
Thank you for the replies. YoKenny, you say:
"Look for the avast Mail scanner icon in the active area of the Taskbar on the lower right of the screen"
The only Avast icons I have in my taskbar are "i" and "a". The former is the recovery generator while the later is the active scanner. This comprises the resident scanner, the web scanner, the mail scanner, etc.
But there is no Mail scanner icon anywhere. Can you tell me if you did something to change the icons? And are you using the professional version or the free version?
gdiloren, not that I don't believe your post but with in the same thread I'm getting conflicting reviews.
I've been using PCTools Firewall Pro on my Dell Vista Ultimate for about 1 year without any problems.
posted by Bob3160
Natural second choice is PCTools FW PLUS. It did not last long on my PC. It was more than a virus, impeaching programs to start up and making life impossible with this pc. I had to remove it.
posted by gdiloren
I'm not sure how to choose. So far I'm pretty certain I'll stick with Vista Firewall. Because my Avast is always on high scan setting I'm not worried about anything getting in. However I'm curious about those 5-10Kb that my computer keeps sending over the network every 30 seconds or so... even when I'm not using Firefox or any other application which requires access to the internet. plus I don't have any other computers on the network.
Can any one help with this. What do I do once I get the TCPView tool.
I thought this will be like a small install. All I did was download and un-ziped then ran the .exe hit accept on the license and then got a huge list of things. What struck me as odd was that a bunch of them were highlighted in red and then disappeared. Did I do something wrong or is that alright?
and just to get this, did it actually install or does it just execute?
Thanks again for the help.
Cheers
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The avast email icon is only in the tray whilst it is scanning so it isn't there for long.
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Hi DavidR,
I appreciate the reply but I just realized that I never used Outlook. So there really wasn't a way for me to see the icon in question since Avast never had to scan E-mails.
Mean while can someone give any suggestions concerning my previous post
Thanks for the reply Tech.
So if I get this right, Vista Firewall blocks most or rather all (given that the Network scanner count is always 0, even after considerable web browsing) transfers over that network, which are not authorized (are not part of an exemption rule).
But this leaves the question of why do I see a systematic upload of 5-10 Kb? Is this Vista sending signals to the modem/router?
Thanks again
Thanks
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Hello everybody,
Thank you for the replies. YoKenny, you say:
"Look for the avast Mail scanner icon in the active area of the Taskbar on the lower right of the screen"
The only Avast icons I have in my taskbar are "i" and "a". The former is the recovery generator while the later is the active scanner. This comprises the resident scanner, the web scanner, the mail scanner, etc.
But there is no Mail scanner icon anywhere. Can you tell me if you did something to change the icons? And are you using the professional version or the free version?
gdiloren, not that I don't believe your post but with in the same thread I'm getting conflicting reviews.
I've been using PCTools Firewall Pro on my Dell Vista Ultimate for about 1 year without any problems.
posted by Bob3160
Natural second choice is PCTools FW PLUS. It did not last long on my PC. It was more than a virus, impeaching programs to start up and making life impossible with this pc. I had to remove it.
posted by gdiloren
I'm not sure how to choose. So far I'm pretty certain I'll stick with Vista Firewall. Because my Avast is always on high scan setting I'm not worried about anything getting in. However I'm curious about those 5-10Kb that my computer keeps sending over the network every 30 seconds or so... even when I'm not using Firefox or any other application which requires access to the internet. plus I don't have any other computers on the network.
Can any one help with this. What do I do once I get the TCPView tool.
I thought this will be like a small install. All I did was download and un-ziped then ran the .exe hit accept on the license and then got a huge list of things. What struck me as odd was that a bunch of them were highlighted in red and then disappeared. Did I do something wrong or is that alright?
and just to get this, did it actually install or does it just execute?
Thanks again for the help.
Cheers
I'd say you just have to try them. Every computer and system reacts in a different way. I'm also surprised I just can't bear PCTools FW+ on my PC but that's a fact. Comodo3 FW is smoother for me (I suspect Comodo has made its bed in my pc, that's why) ::)
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Hi guys,
It’s been a while since I logged on or check this thread. I apologize for that. Ok, I think I’m going to close this thread. As usual I will do a summary and then give anyone who disagrees with me or would like to add something 24-48 hours to do this before I close it.
Problem:
Switched from Dial-Up to DSL and wanted to know if I require a Firewall.
Hardware:
E-machines H5088 with Pentium IV HT, 2GB RAM (2 x 1GB RAM memory Stick), 2Wire 2701 Modem/router
O.S. :
Windows Vista Home Basic
Software:
Avast Antivirus 4.8.1229 Home Edition, Vista Firewall, Firefox 3, etc.
Solution:
I found that the 2Wire 2701 Modem/router has a built in firewall. I initially did not know that. This was taken from the Installation manual (in pdf format) for the 2wire hardware.
Remove or Disable Conflicting Applications
Internet sharing software and PC based firewall applications typically interfere with the 2Wire gateway, and should be removed or disabled before you install the gateway. The 2Wire gateway provides the same features as the products listed below.
Some of the applications are Norton Internet Security, Black Ice, and Zone Alarm. The installation manual can be found at: www.2wire.com/pages/pdfs/2701_installation_guide.pdf
The firewalls that were recommended in this thread were Zone Alarm FW , PCTools FW, and Comodo 3 FW. These Firewalls are free and from this thread I saw no reported conflicts with Avast. Most of the issues with the Firewalls had to do with the usage of System resources and intuitiveness of the program. I am not sure which one to recommend and in the end it depends mostly on your personnel system, and your preferences. Hope this helped any one with similar issues.
Thank you all again for the continued support.
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You IMHO need a firewall regardless of connection method. Whilst with DSL you are likely to have a router which has a hardware firewall, but unless it specifically states it provides outbound checking, then it doesn't provide outbound protection. It is that that you need a third party firewall for.
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Thanks for the reply. I'll look into that
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You're welcome.
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I only have the Windows XP default windows firewall, is that very bad? ::)
If so whats the less heavier and faster one we can call it trusworthy? or if you think its realy necessary...
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Windows XP's firewall is better than no firewall but, it lulls you into a false sense of protection, it doesn't provide outbound protection. The windows XP firewall is usually good at keeping your ports stealthed (hidden) you should consider a third party firewall.
Any malware that manages to get past your defences will have free reign to connect to the internet to either download more of the same, pass your personal data (sensitive or otherwise, user names, passwords, keylogger retrieved data, etc.) or open a backdoor to your computer, so outbound protection is essential.
- There are many freeware firewalls such as, Comodo, PCTools Firewall Plus, Jetico, etc. - Zone Alarm free works fine with avast and has a reasonably friendly user interface, however, the free version is becoming bloated with trial ware and is also crippled as far as outbound protection goes In the Program Control, configuration area, the slider will only goes as far as Medium protection, if you want more you have to buy the Pro version.
See A Forum discussion on free firewalls http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=30808.0 (http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=30808.0)
See http://www.matousec.com/projects/firewall-challenge/results.php (http://www.matousec.com/projects/firewall-challenge/results.php).
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Comodo Firewall Pro 3.0.22.349 is Free, so what you think? shouldnt i use that one? i think my father also used it.
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I personally have never used it but many forum members do and that is why I gave a link to the forum discussion on free firewalls. Some who are using Vista have had problems (and PC Tools firewall works for them).
Mostly it is a case of check it out and see if it meets your requirements, if not try another, but it is an important part of your system security.
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ZoneAlarm 8.0.020.0 Free (http://www.filehippo.com/download_zonealarm_free/) has shed a lot of the bloat. However, I don't like the new GUI as well. It still is the easiest & most user friendly firewall to use.
ZA Free has always done an excellent job protecting my computers! :)
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PC Tools was very nice for me too ;) i use it on both comps now, by the way he blocked some suspicious thing i always found on programs lmao, its called "bonjour" lol! an exe file alone in a folder, wonder where he did get from :o