Free Firewall programs?

Im am looking for a good, quality free firewall program.

I have been running ZoneAlarm, which has worked very well until the latest version, which when combined with Firefox 3 and Vista locks up a couple of processes, preventing Firefox, or any other browser from accessing the net.

I did a bit of reading last night and it appears the problem is either with Vista or ZoneAlarm and niether of them want to take responsiblity and fix it.

So, since it is easier to change my firewall software than the OS I am looking for alternatives?

Depends what you want the firewall to do, I guess. The most efficient way of blocking incoming ports/IP addresses might be to set up the firewall in your router/modem.

Whatever you do, stay away from Comodo. It ruined the lives of several people I know. I use a hardware firewall so I can't help with a suggestion, just the warning.

EDIT: I just asked some of the people who were almost killed* by Comodo, what they eventually went with and most paid for Sunbelt PF and the rest went with Jeticofree version.

* slight exaggeration.

You really need both a hardware & software firewall, the hardware only firewall wont tell you if a program is trying to connect to the internet that you dont know about..the hardware firewall thinks its okay since it coming from inside out..while the software one will monitor your ports and report on anything that wasnt prevoiusly okayed by you to connect..

Im running commodo right now, no issues, (for me) used zonealrm in the past...would get pro though if you are intent on using it. havent tried the firewall from avg yet..

digirebelva wrote in post #7239101
You really need both a hardware & software firewall, the hardware only firewall wont tell you if a program is trying to connect to the internet that you dont know about

I have a decent process viewer (not just task manager) and enough knowledge of my systems to not allow anything on them that shouldn't be there and to also spot anything that slips through. I wouldn't recommend it for most people but I have no AntiVirus or Firewall software and my PC's run like a dream, so much faster and more stable than when they were bogged down with unnecessary junk that did more harm than good (I'm looking at you Norton). 8 years and counting with no AV and no problems.

/hijack

I already have a router with a hardware firewall in it.

I like having the software firewall as well for an added layer of protection and for program control.

I'll have a look at Sunbelt.

HankScorpio, how exactly did Comodo "ruin the lives of several people" you know?

Moppie wrote in post #7239169
HankScorpio, how exactly did Comodo "ruin the lives of several people" you know?

For most, it conflicted with everything from browsers to windows update and basically refused access to anything despite specifically giving them access. For 2 it did that then refused to uninstall, requiring a format/reinstall. They had all used it without issue during it's beta stage and raved about it then when it was finally released, it went nuts and tried to kill* them.

* slight exaggeration again, sorry.

I know that you said free, but just in case you ever decide to look elsewhere:

Internet Security 2009
http://usa.kaspersky.c​om …ces/internet-security.php
3 users/1 year - $79.95 USD

Three computers @ ~$27/year aint bad. We've been pretty happy with performance/pricing.

Comodo is really the only game in town if you're using a 64bit OS. It's been ok but I far prefer Sunbelt Personal Firewall (used to be known as Kerio). I do wish the InfoSec guys would get themselves into gear and start releasing 64bit apps... Most AVs have been ported so far it's just Firewalls that are lagging.

If you have an old PC:

http://www.smoothwall.​org/
http://www.ipcop.org/

I just have a NAT inside my router, I don't see any need for a firewall, hardware or software. Maybe a n00b would need one, but not an experienced user.

overclicker wrote in post #7239530
I know that you said free, but just in case you ever decide to look elsewhere:

Internet Security 2009
http://usa.kaspersky.c​om …ces/internet-security.php
3 users/1 year - $79.95 USD

Three computers @ ~$27/year aint bad. We've been pretty happy with performance/pricing.

At some point I will get a complete solution, but at the moment I'm unemployeed. So free is good

tim wrote in post #7239562
I just have a NAT inside my router, I don't see any need for a firewall, hardware or software. Maybe a n00b would need one, but not an experienced user.

Smart Ar5e!
I'll let you know when I get that degree in IT and stop being a noob.

tim wrote in post #7239562
Maybe a n00b would need one, but not an experienced user.

Actually having a software firewall on your PC helps you prevent unauthorised traffic leaving it. All a hardware firewall does is generally stop traffic gettng in and ignores trusted zones unless you have a IDS module.

A vote for Comodo as well. If placed in expert mode those unfamiliar with a full featured firewall (rules, layers and such...) will undoubtedly be become very frustrated. If placed in easy mode (training) with [program] defense turned off it does little more than give you an access 'accepted' or 'deny' each time a program is modified or when first installed. Comodo catches everything and rates among the best firewall solutions out there - but to gain the best performance you'll have to commit some time to understanding it.

If you don't want to bother then I would go with Kaspersky (what I use) Internet Security package. I've also been hearing that Norton's newest suite is actually pretty good and doesn't mangle the registry anymore. I still don't like them though. Any company that would load up three programs in the taskbar and another in the sidebar (3-8% constant usage) so you can 'monitor' your computer is just asinine.

Faolan wrote in post #7239678
Actually having a software firewall on your PC helps you prevent unauthorised traffic leaving it. All a hardware firewall does is generally stop traffic gettng in and ignores trusted zones unless you have a IDS module.

How does blocking outgoing connections help? Any software that "phones home" will do it over port 80 which you'll have to leave open anyway. Likewise with port 25 if you want to send email.

With a hardware firewall all I really want it to do is stop packets that I haven't specifically requested. Unless you have port forwarding on that's all that'll get through AFAIK. I'm not a network expert though, but i've not had any problems related to this sort of thing in the decade or so i've owned computers.

tim wrote in post #7240390
How does blocking outgoing connections help? Any software that "phones home" will do it over port 80 which you'll have to leave open anyway. Likewise with port 25 if you want to send email.

It doesn't block the port, it monitors it and blocks software from access to it.


As an extreme example imagine a key logger got into your system (say from a friends USB stick) and got past your anti virus software (it happens).
It then logged lots of data and tries to comunicate it back to another computer so it can be used against you.
Only the firewall detects an unfamilar process trying to use Port 80 (connect to the net) and it warns you about it, so you can deny it access.