FIREWALLS What's wrong with Windows ?

Question

I am thinking about getting a seperate Firewall client like 'Zone Alarm'. I have had Comodo in the past, nice interface but the constant questions were annoying.

Why should I get a Firewall which isnt part of Windows. Does it miss a lot of sh*t ???

Answer 1

it's the same as buying a car...

you can buy the basic model for cheap price. BUT don't expect it to have all the whistles and bells..

if MS did include an amazing firewall, other companies would complain it was an un fair advantage.

its a bit like the web browser issue a few years ago.. installing the IE browser as default.. some people wanted to use other browsers, and not have IE installed.

its to do with monopolies.. basically.

things like linux get around this, as the product is open source and basically free. e.g. they can include a firewall + programming languages with out any issues.

Answer 2

Windows firewall offers one-way network protection only. This means it blocks incoming traffic but not outgoing. Basically, this means that it is not as effective as a lot of other commercial firewall products.

ZoneAlarm and Comodo are very good. I would recommend Comodo as it is free, takes up less memory compared to ZoneAlarm and is very effective. You can turn down the number of alerts that appear in Comodo firewall. This feature is not in ZoneAlarm and you are likely to get the same number of alerts as you do using Comodo (if the settings have not been changed).

Answer 3

I have disabled my windows firewall and am using zone alarm which is far more freindlier if you are filesharing from the torrent sites.
It doesn't let anything through that shouldn't be there. It is just that windows default firewall blocks the far end of a fart.
Like I say i'm using Zone alarm firewall and avast anti-virus. (both free downloads) and never had a problem at all with them.

Answer 4

there isn't any "ultimate" firewall available. I choose zonealarm because of the fact possible create exceptions consistent with standards alongside with holiday spot handle, port variety, utility, and so on. The domicile windows firewall is barebones at ultimate, and has a terrible interface for my section. on the tip of the day, all firewalls are the same - they block ports. Its the further constructive properties/ease of use that remember. If zone alarm grow to be leaving your laptop uncovered at the same time as updating, this is advisable to enable domicile windows firewall earlier beginning the replace technique to be secure.

Answer 5

You can go to the "N"th degree with security measures, but I feel that less is more to some extent.
Here's what I use and so far it has worked well for me.

AVG Antivirus Free Edition
Spy Sweeper (purchased $29.95)
Microsoft Fire Wall

Here's a big clue if you have a router...
Change the user name and password on the router!!! This is a critical security measure. Just go to the manufacturers website for instructions (e.g. Linksys.com) on how to do it. It is really simple.

Also, I run weekly: AdAware Pro SE Free; Spybot Search and Destroy Free Edition; CCleaner Free; and a Registry Cleaner Free.

All of the above items are free on http://www.download.com

Hope this helps.

Answer 6

You need a firewall and windows is not good it does not have outgoing protection, I have used free Zone Alarm for years.

Answer 7

Windows Firewall in XP SP2/Vista is no go!

Try getting ZoneAlarm with AntiVirus.
You can get it off a torrent site.
Works really well.
And doesn't annoy you
Cos it uses AutoLearn
Not recommended from torrent.
or
Buy ZoneAlarm AntiVirus legally

Answer 8

"yeah why not just get rid of all your protection software and that way you won't get "annoyed" by those stupid programs telling you your computer is at risk and could potentially become unstable or unuseable. Then about every other month, you can reformat your hard drive, lose all your files, programs and settings, and atsrt over again. OR, follow the prompts to get protected."

The statement in quotes is not mine. I found it from another users here on Answers, thought it was great and saved it. I don't know the authors SN.

Answer 9

Try ZoneAlarm.

ZoneAlarm Firewall Free.
http://www.zonealarm.com/store/content/catalog/products/sku_list_za.jsp?dc=34std&ctry=&lang=nb&lid=trial_zaFamily
Easy-to-use firewall blocks hackers and other unknown threats.
* Systematically identifies hackers and blocks access attempts.
Automatically makes your computer invisible to anyone on the Internet.
Use ZoneAlarm if you normally use Windows Firewall.
Disable Windows Firewall after downloading ZoneAlarm if it's not done automatically.

**NOTE: Only have one antivirus program and one firewall installed on your computer.
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/nav.nsf/docid/2000031316555206
"Microsoft recommends that you have only one anti-virus program installed on your computer."
Anti-adware/malware/spyware are ok to have more of.

Answer 10

Windows Firewall.
1. No outgoing protection.
2. On a leak test is score very badly, making it easy for a person/program to hack your computer.