Need a better Firewall software

[lozina]

I've getting tired of Sygate personal firewall because it does not support remote desktop (it's UI fails to load when you are remoted into the PC) and it seems to get into this error state very often where it just seems to block all my traffic without ever prompting me to allow these apps, even a browser. And if I look in its application list I see the browser still says "Ask". I have to resort to just shutting down the service to use anything network related which defeats the whole purpose.

So I am trying to find a new dependable firewall which works fine when you remote desktop and wont get into these weird error states Sygate does. Any suggestions?

Free is nice but I dont mind paying for a great product

 

[Chiefcrowe]

I've had pretty good luck with Comodo firewall and it's free.

 

[BW86]

Why don't you just use windows firewall?

I used to use Kerio 215 before I ditched it and just started using the built in FW.

 

[Luden]

Originally posted by: BW86
Why don't you just use windows firewall?

I used to use Kerio 215 before I ditched it and just started using the built in FW.

The only negative aspect on Windows firewall, is that pre-Vista it was just a one way firewall.

I've always been a fan of Comodo Firewall, and PC Tools Firewall. You can visit the Comodo forums for suggestions on how to tweak the product to keep it quiet, and at the optimum security level (I would not suggest using their anti-virus product).

Matousec.com is a good resource as well for comparing different firewall products.

 

[Lemon law]

I too used to use the sygate firewall in the days before comodo 3. To sygate's credit it was friendly to my small network, but developed a distressing habit of failing to load. And the I had to load it again. Were it not for that failing, I would still be using Sygate,

I now use comodo 3, its not per say all that much better of a firewall, but the HIPS and Host files added somewhat blur the distinction between just a firewall and other process control type programs.

Maybe I could do as well with just a two way firewall and some other third party process control programs, but in the end my security overhead would be about equal.

But however you configure your security system, you makes your choices and takes yer chances.

 

[StormSide]

Online Armor

 

[Sam25]

Originally posted by: Chiefcrowe
I've had pretty good luck with Comodo firewall and it's free.

+1 for Commodo

 

[Lemon law]

I might point out to Sam25 and StormSlide that both Comodo3 and Online armor have a somewhat similar approach by integrating hips and host files plus white and black lists for programs. As both are designed with prevention strategies from the ground up. With both scoring well up in the pack on various firewall comparatives, and in fact they have traded first place on many of the comparitives I have seen. And for what its worth, both have forums to guide the newby and help them better configure their firewall.

I certainly believe that Comodo3 is better in terms of help files, log files, and better appeals to the geeks, but I will not bad mouth either. And for what its worth having tried both, they seem to shorten the normal learning curves for firewalls, as any new firewall will initially bug you to death as it learns your particular system and the software associated with it.

Maybe the windows firewalls can claim it bug you not at all, but I consider that a weakness and not a strength.