Iwan

As per title really.

I've had to stop using ZoneAlarm as the newer versions cause PC crashes when you're using Bittorrent. I've recently tried Sygate which seems much better but is a right PITA when trying to do Windows Updates.

Any other recommendations? Preferably free or 'shareware'.

Cheers,

Iwan

Soulgirl

What OS are you using?

Eagle7

kerios not too bad if you cant use ZA. http://www.kerio.com/kpf_home.html

suba

i am running sygate and BT/kazaa lite and it seems OK. OS i am using is w2k. no problem with windowsupdate.com either. other stuff i am running on the laptop (compaq M700) are ad-aware, spy sweeper, Ace MegaPackCodec, Mozilla, SAV 8.1 and spybot S&D.

Iwan

Sorry, should have said i'm using XP Pro.

It's just updates i've had problems with when i'm running Sygate, i might try reinstalling it and playing with the custom rules.

Might give Kerio a try also...

Cheers all,

Iwan

Eagle7

also dont forget that Windows XP Service Pack 2 is out in a few weeks. We've tried it at work and the upgraded firewall isnt too bad either.

Soulgirl

I have found, with XP Pro, firewalls are not a requirement. Check here: https://grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2

This will give you the confirmation you need as to the stealth of your box.

Eagle7

SoulGirl: Firewalls(and virus killers and patches) are a requirement on any operating system that has internet access. I think what you mean is that you use the built-in firewall instead of a third party one. Either that or you are behind a NAT Router. If you do use XP firewall then i definately recommend Service Pack 2 for XP as soon as its out as they've done some nice changes to the firewall to improve it, and the new Security Center shows you how good security situation is.

Soulgirl

Precisely... third party firewalls are not a requirement.. especially the s hit that flouts itself for free on the internet. The old saying is , you get nout for free, or there is no such thing as a free lunch?

Whichever, Im not counting.

I have never used a firewall, have never gotten a virus, hack, flack, cack.. the amount of newbie computer nerds who say they have make me laugh heartily

stevencotton

It's all relative, I think you're a newb One _does_ need a firewall, a NATting router isn't a firewall, it just NATs. A firewall is something else, although the two are usually combined.

If you do use a firewall and don't use IE or Outlook the chances of spyware getting onto your machine are quite slim.

JackClark

I've been reading up on this subject. Here's some information you might find useful.

XP SP2 WinFW Functionality
There are added features and functions in WinFW that go beyond the functionality provided by SP1 ICF.
The following list details the proposed firewall features and functionality provided by WinFW:
• Blocks all inbound packets, unless those packets are in a direct response to a query that was sent out from the machine
• Protects against port scanning
• Scans inbound applications. WinFW will not stop outbound traffic from an application but can prevent an application from receiving unsolicited inbound traffic to a server port.
• Active filters “on” by default
• Filters on boot
• Allows enabling and disabling on a per-interface basis
• Grants granular control of ICMP requests. All ICMP blocked by default.
• Restricts incoming traffic from particular subnets
• Allows for file and printer sharing
• Adds trusted applications to a permissions list.
• Logs traffic (set off by default)

What XP SP2 WinFW is Missing or Lacking
The latest release of the XP firewall still lacks several features that are standard in other industry leading firewalls. The following list details the functionality lacking in WinFW that is typically found in a personal firewall:
• Does not filter unsolicited outbound traffic
• Does not support blocked IP addresses
• Does not have an easily accessible UI
• Does not have a visual trace
• Does not offer the ability to trust or ban specific IP addresses
• Does not display intrusion alerts or settings
• Does not automatically recognize trusted applications
• Does not provide security levels
• Does not allow alert customization
• Does not have a traffic or application monitor

Eagle7

Good summary! My main point was its much better than the normal ICF if thats all you are using.

You are definately right that if you want to block outgoing things or see what's going on, you cant beat a good 3rd party firewall.

DevilHimSelf

Best free Firewall software imho is Zone Alarms, best professional is ZA Pro,
or go the professional route and build a hardware firewall,
as to xp sp2.. dont go near it, It has caused major problems in networks and stand alone test pc's, remember BSD's(Blue Screen of Death). As we speak i have been told theres a patch for sp2 being tested.