Looking for firewall programs

Zone Alarm---Free
Sygate PF---Free
Outpost PF---Free

Any opinions on the Zone Alarm Pro 5 purchase version, and the pros/ cons over the free version? thankyou. I see that you register for the purchase version and get updates for a year. Again appreciate any and all comments.

I use Sygate Pro...not free but worth the extra couple $ you spend....
use Webroot SpySweeper also.... and Panda AV.....

Keeps me feeling a little safer out in the networld....

Hi billy78 You can learn a lot from this:




Simple Steps to Keep Your Computer Secure

ZA Pro, Georgia, has a lot of "extras;" however, these extras may duplicate other applications you already have installed on your computer, and would therefore be redundant. I think whether you buy the Pro version would depend on whether you need the extras or not; tha basic functionality of a firewall can be had with just the free version.
It has been my general experience that secondary "extras" are not as good as separate applications that focus on just one thing. If you just need a good firewall, the free version of Z/A or the free Sygate Personal Firewall, are more than adequate and either comes highly recommended.
Cheers,
John

Dear Gorgia.
My post on Zone Alarm would be of interest to you.It was about 2 or 3 days ago.
Regards

Member


Group: Members
Posts: 89
Member No.: 3818
Joined: 19-October 04







I came into the Zone Alarm scenario about six months ago with Version 45.594.00 which was a joy to use.However subsequent versions drove me up the wall,so much so that i gave the whole idea up and changed to something else.
Just recently i have revisited with Version 55.062.004.What joy it's a real cracker.
Lets hope Zone Labs stick to this version and just issue updates and not whole new versions.
If there is anybody from Zone Labs present please note and i would be happy to renew my subscripton.
Philip Brampton

Firewall list

My site contains a list of better free firewalls, that you might want to look at.

The question,i believe,was specifically about Zone Alarm not about what else is available.

I'd like to second what Philip Brampton wrote in response to a question about ZA. And I, too, hope no major changes. This is perfection!

5.5.062.004 main ZoneAlarm Suite. Yes, it costs money.
has antivirus, antispam, mail watch, frequent updates.
in fact, I bought 5.0 and read few horror stories, but I had no problems.
In few weeks I got automatic update to 5.5 and I like it very much.
I do like all in one package.
But I also have a router and use Ad-Aware from Lavasoft and Spybot S&D to guard against other junk.

So what exactly is the comment on Pro 5. it seems that 4.5 has good comments and the Suite??? have not looked at that one as I have individual programs installed for specific purposes.
Really wanted a take by members on Zone Alarm 5 Pro the purchase version.
Thankyou very much for all of the aforementioned comments and I hope there may be more out there.

I have to say that I agree with jgweed on this.

Thx for comments, just purusing the program. As most everyone has their opinions which I respect and which I check out...research....
a principle upon which I was raised.
The problem that I always have is that it is really difficult to find someone who is using the program and takes the time to respond.
I am presently considering a software firewall as well as what I have and thus the questions.
This site seems to really have diligent members that respond well.

Thankyou.

Which one may I ask?
You do not mean to use two, do you?

So maybe the purchase version is full of repetetive gadget software that I should check out and see if I already have them installed?
Sounds like it.
Free versions, I do have but when it comes to firewalls perhaps I become skittish like my horses when the coyotes come 'round.
just a comment to address my sentiments while i post this reply.
Again thankyou for comments....I am told that regardless of firewalls of whatever variety and combination that if something wants to get in it will??
I would again appreciate opinions!!!

Hi All,

A reply for Gerogia:

I am using Outpost PF (Free) with Spywareblaster, Adaware, Spybot S&D etc and have no problems!

See my last post: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic7572.html



Regards,

Kev'.

Edit: I was running Outpost PF before I came across this Site, and appeared to be quite safe only using this FW! I dl'd the recommended progs. as found in the tutorials and found about 300 spywares that Outpost had not filtered. (Outpost has a limited Ad-blocking facility, but it is badly outdated.)

As I am now using S&D, Spywareguard, spywareblaster, Adaware, A-Squared etc., I have disabled the Ad-blocker in Outpost as I don't think it's really necessary!!

I hope this post helps somebody!!


Again, Regards,

Kev'

You can buy a router for less than the price of two years subscription to a program like ZoneAlarm and get better protection. Just be sure it has NAT. I use EZ Trust firewall (free version) just for the peace of mind in knowing I will be alerted to outgoing packets and programs just in case I do get something. A router will not block any outgoing programs unless you know what they are and set it up that way.