Best Firewall Software

[Bathman]

Just updated my network to 200mbs homeplug. Could anyone recommend a Firewall software. It has to be freeware and ideally use as little system resources as possible as well as be easy to set up.

[martint123]

I'm using the old, old version 2.1.5 of Kerio firewall. It's not intusive, isn't bloatware and seems to do the job just fine. Takes a little training the first time it comes across a new app, but nice and quiet after that.

http://www.321download.com/LastFreeware/...opf215.zip

[Deusxmachina]

Pretty much any of the Kerio walls should do the trick. There's a specific version out there that is often considered the newest and best of them, but I can't think of the version. A search should bring it up if interested. The same version was sold at a pretty good price under a slightly different "pro" name or something.

I've had problems with Comodo. It's a bit intrusive, and after awhile it would randomly slow down all internet browsing to a crawl, although straight downloads were fine. I dumped that for Online Armor, which you'll find is recommended by many. It's pretty good.

[8ace]

if you are doubly paranoid ... and have an ancient PC lying around ... and a couple of NICs.... I'd recommend IPCOP. The box also runs a bunch of other stuff that scans everything, including email.

[gEd]

the homeplug widgets i bought recently encrypt the data that flows between them in case the signal flows out onto my neigbours line and he also happens to posess a homeplug.

[8ace]

i think Kerio is not free: it's a 30d trial...?

[martint123]

i think Kerio is not free: it's a 30d trial...?

From the agreement at install time (for 2.1.5)

You may download and use the Software for free for thirty (30) days after installation (“Trial Period”). During the Trial Period, Kerio Technologies grants you a limited, non-exclusive license to copy and use the Software for evaluation purposes and only for internal use.

3. License After Trial Period
3.1. Home Users
The Software is free for individuals using the Software at home on a single computer (Home Users). You will be able to use the Software after expiration of the Trial Period without any additional steps.

Hmmm, I might be iffy then, more than one machine at home.........

[Fatman_do]

On my HTPC I only use the windows Firewall behind a router (low overhead and negligible threat). Internet browser is done only to very specific sites (kiddie) with Firefox 3 ran with limited user rights. For installs, I log on as admin.

[Deusxmachina]

Unless they changed it recently in SP3 for some reason, Windows firewall can't stop outgoing threats. Not good.

[Fatman_do]

I know, but if you have outgoing problems, then you have a virus or other already. Like I said, my HTPC is pretty much locked down.