Author Topic: New free firewall!  (Read 20965 times)

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Offline xistenz

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New free firewall!
« 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
« Last Edit: April 27, 2005, 05:37:41 PM by xistenz »

GhosTT

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Re: New free firewall!!!
« Reply #1 on: April 20, 2005, 03:42:44 AM »
xistenz,

Looks interesting, using ZONE ALARM now.

Will be interested in your review.

Offline xistenz

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Re: New free firewall!!!
« Reply #2 on: April 23, 2005, 01:58:31 PM »
My Inital Impressions of R-Firewall

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.



Then the simple view is presented to you.


With the option of changing to an advanced view.


The firewall is quite effiective at blocking ads.


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...


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)


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.

Offline szc

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Re: New free firewall!!!
« Reply #3 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 !
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lee16

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Re: New free firewall!!!
« Reply #4 on: April 23, 2005, 05:30:37 PM »
How well does it do at places like SOS Scan and Sheilds Up?

--lee

Online bob3160

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Re: New free firewall!!!
« Reply #5 on: April 23, 2005, 11:55:39 PM »
xistenz
Thanks for the excellent Review. I'm adding a link to your revies to my .
That way it will always be available for easy access.
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watchthisspace

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Re: New free firewall!!!
« Reply #6 on: April 24, 2005, 09:00:16 AM »
How much memory does it use? But a really good review  8)

Offline xistenz

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Re: New free firewall!!!
« Reply #7 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

Offline szc

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Re: New free firewall!!!
« Reply #8 on: April 25, 2005, 08:31:12 PM »
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
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RJARRRPCGP

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Re: New free firewall!!!
« Reply #9 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!!!

Offline Lisandro

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Re: New free firewall!!!
« Reply #10 on: April 27, 2005, 03:00:26 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?
The best things in life are free.

MFB

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Re: New free firewall!!!
« Reply #11 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.

Offline Lisandro

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Re: New free firewall!!!
« Reply #12 on: April 27, 2005, 03:50:50 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?
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MFB

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Re: New free firewall!!!
« Reply #13 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.  :'(

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Re: New free firewall!!!
« Reply #14 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?
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