Which software firewall for XP/Vista?

esuhl

A (non-technical) friend just asked me to recommend a good (ideally free) firewall for her PC. I've used ZoneAlarm and Comodo in the past, but have had problems with both. It looks like Comodo have stopped providing a standalone firewall now anyway.

I'm wondering whether Tall Emu's Online Armor (sic) or Sunbelt firewall might be any better...

So, which firewall would you recommend?

(Oh, and thanks in advance for your suggestions!)

aliEnRIK

Sunbelt

Sunbelt is what I use now and I highly recommend it (Bare in mind, its a 30 day trial then onto the freebie version (which is fine))

Though Comodo DOES do a stand alone firewall (Just disable the DEFENSE mode)

May I ask what problems you had with both Comodo and Zonealarm?

isofa

ZoneAlaram and Comodo are two of the most popular as you mention. Personally I've not had any problem with ZA on XP Pro PCs at home, and have been using it for many years along with many other colleagues (so it gets my recommendation).

antilles

ZoneAlarm

Ditto, I've been using Zonealarm for years, although I've not bothered trying any alternatives.

The only trouble with Zonealarm is that non-techie users who don't understand the security alerts tend to grant access to absolutely every program when asked, so you end up with all kinds of dodgy stuff having internet access.

alanrowell

Where's Sygate?

aliEnRIK

Sunbelt

alanrowell wrote: »

Where's Sygate?

They stopped updating for that MANY moons ago

[Deleted User]

ZoneAlarm

Maybe take a look at this poll: http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=213808

aliEnRIK

Sunbelt

Thing about POLLS are theyre just what people use for whatever reason. Id rather people test the security of the firewalls, wether they conflict with any programs, how user friendly they are and how easy they are to 'uninstall' (Quite an issue with Zonealarm I believe)

colin13

Windows built-in firewall

silly question but ill ask anyway

I am usin windows firewall I am thinking of changing to zone alarm,,do i just turn off windows firwall or can/do I delete it

aliEnRIK

Sunbelt

It will turn itself off when you install

espresso

aliEnRIK wrote: »

It will turn itself off when you install

No Zone Alarm will turn it off when installed.