Windows Firewall

Ramz_3

I'm running Vista and alot of people have told me how terrible the Windows firewall is, and how I should get a new one, but truth is, i'm not really willing to pay £30-100 for on. So, is Windows firewall alright, or are there any better open source ones?

johngc

Windows firewall is not perfect but its not bad either. I use my Windows firewall along with the built in one in my router.

There are several websites that will test your firewall and tell you if there are any weaknesses ( have a look at http://www.testmyfirewall.com/firewall-test/ for example).

If you still want a free one, I am sure that Zonealarm still provide one (https://www.zonealarm.com)

Ramz_3

Thanks, I performed the open ports scan and it all seemed to be alright. I also have a firewall built into my router (Netgear one which came with Sky) which I think will do, after all, I don't want to slow my computer down with loads of unnecessary security software.

BillScarab

Zonealarm is available for Vista now and won't slow your PC down, it is a replacement for the built in Windows one. It is better than the built in Windows one. Hopefully in the next few months some of the other free firewall providers will have them available for Vista as well.

MrDan

If your using a router i cant see the need for anymore than Windows firewall!

at the end of the day a NAT only allows back in what you request :-)

Cerro

Indeed - if you have a hardware firewall (and use it) there isn't much point in having a software firewall. Any software firewall would allow whatever your hardware firewall allows in anyway - in fact they can sometimes conflict. As long as you use NAT your hardware firewall will meet all your needs.

BillScarab

But a software firewall like Zonealarm will block outgoing traffic as well.