Firewalls

rev. 7 May 2008

Comodo Personal FirewallComodo Personal Firewall
License: Freeware
Description: Comodo’s business is SSL certificates, so it’s somewhat of a puzzle as to why they developed a software firewall and are giving it away for free, but give it they do (actually, it’s because they had a surplus of smart programmers, and decided that it would be a good way to get brand recognition). Amazingly, this firewall seems to be the best in the industry, scoring on the top of the latest leak tests. A warning: CPF doesn’t play well with some antivirus programs that do intensive HTTP scanning (Kaspersky, for instance).
ZoneAlarmZoneAlarm
License: Freeware (for personal use)
Description: ZoneAlarm is a handy free firewall that’s been around for some time. It’s very configurable and comes pretty highly rated.
Outpost Firewall FreeOutpost Firewall Free
License: Freeware (for personal use)
Description: Outpost Firewall Free is a deprecated version of Agnitum’s popular Outpost Firewall. It provides basic connection monitoring, privacy management, and packet filtering, but may also providing a nagging upgrade screen.
Update: July 4th, 2009
  • Angelo
    May 22nd, 2007 at 12:56 | #77861

    using comodo.. a wonderful program, easy, and no big fuss.. just as it should be

    Recommended it

  • Jun 25th, 2007 at 10:28 | #90299

    Astaro Security Gateway is a full featured security suite. It’s free for personal use (require a dedicated PC). You can find it at http://www.astaro.com.

  • Aug 31st, 2007 at 06:58 | #112104

    Great info, thanks.
    Are any of these firewalls Vista compatible?

  • Aug 31st, 2007 at 08:37 | #112118

    ZoneAlarm is. Comodo will be as of v3 (you can find betas on the web). Sygate probably isn’t, and Outpost’s free version likely isn’t, since it’s old.

    Kerio isn’t yet, either, but I might take them off the list, since I can’t actually find a free version on their website anymore.

  • Aug 31st, 2007 at 22:49 | #112229

    Thanks for the quick answer.
    The Kerio free one is now from Sunbelt I think.

    I might wait for the Comodo one.

    GoldCoaster

  • Sep 17th, 2007 at 11:30 | #115727

    Astaro needs it’s own PC. but i think zone alarm works with vista

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