Here is that old nagger
Well someone has to do it
1) Freeware firewalls like ZoneAlarm, Kerio, Sygate are not bad, but you get what you paid for.
2) Real hackers don't tell they are, so your friend ain't one. (trust me I know)
3) Best firewall is still a hardware firewall. For about 40 you can get a router with build in hardware firewall. That still is the best protection you can get. And lets face it, you buy a computer for about 600, if you buy all software you want to use (not speaking of the freeware ones ofcourse) you will need at least another 600 before you have some decent progs. So what is 40 for a router/firewall and secure your system a lot more?!
4) Don't forget that viruses, spyware, adware, malware, trojans and such are different things and that there is NO WAY that one single application/security messure can deal with them all.
For a some more information about security you may want to have a look at
http://v1ru5help.org/phpBB2/index.php and read the things I posted there about this subject.
TIP1: Don't protect just the 'outside', also have a look at your security from the inside
TIP2: Whatever firewall you choose to use. Close ALL ports and open only those who are really needed, don't make the mistake to do it the other way around.
