Need Software Firewall Recommendations

Bill_Melater

I've been using Zone Alarm Pro for several years, but it seems like each upgrade makes it a little harder to continue doing what I want and it also uses more cpu power. I used Norton Internet Security until NIS 2002 brought my computer to its knees, and I have heard terrible things about McAfee. So these 3 are off the list. I am extremely pleased with my Kaspersky Anti Virus and Spy Sweeper seems to be working out, so I don't want a "do it all" program. Just a simple, but safe firewall.

I am looking for something that offers Port Monitoring, Data Filtering, Stealth, Program Controls (blocking certain programs from Internet access either one time or forever), and uses Trusted and Blocked web address lists. It must be both home network and NewsMan Pro friendly.

I read that Kerio Personal Firewall doesn't work well with NMP. Any suggestions of what to try and/or avoid are greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Bill

administrator · Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2005 11:19 am Post subject:

Bill,

How is your PC connected to the Internet? You can add an inexpensive hardware router that will give you most of what you are asking for under $75. The advantage to this is that it doesn't run on your PC, so there are no CPU issues.

Regards

wilbertnl · Expert Joined: 20 Sep 2004 Posts: 278 Location: Oklahoma

I got a wireless netgear router (with 4 wired ports) for $15 at CompUSA (after mail in rebates) which provides Network Address Translation and Stateful Packet Inspection, together functioning as great firewall.

But...
All of this doesn't prevent spyware/virus and other mallware to make connection from your computer to wherever. Only a software firewall with application based filtering provides information and protection in this area.

It's best to have software and hardware firewalls installed.

If you are happy with a certain version of ZA, then you don't HAVE to upgrade... I think?
Info: http://www.free-firewall.org/

Bill_Melater · Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2005 2:44 am Post subject:

Once again, you guys are absolutely right. My home network uses a Linksys BEFsr41 DSL router and I no longer need ZAP. I spent several hours at 4 different on-line security sites testing my system with and without Zone Alarm running and there was absolutely no difference. I even tried another round after uninstalling it just to make sure.

My computer used to share it's dial-up connection with the network and that's when I needed the software firewall, but I bet the other computers didn't need anything. I've been using a DSL for 14 months and ZAP has been causing all sorts of network and Internet challenges the whole time.

So now I'm wondering if I should stick with Named Pipe or go back to TCP/IP protocol between NMP and MySQL. Is one better than the other?

Thanks,
Bill

administrator · Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2005 2:50 am Post subject:

According to the MySQL "experts", TCP/IP is supposed to be a bit faster, but I've never been able to see enough of a difference either way. It probably makes a lot more of a difference when you are networking to a remote MySQL server.

Regards

PorcPuff · Posted: Tue Aug 09, 2005 12:23 pm Post subject: