Firewall software

KidD01 · Post by **KidD01** » Sun Feb 17, 2002 9:54 pm

Since the net is not a safe place to surf around I think it's apropriate if I bring this topic up.

What's the best personal firewall software that you use ? And how many firewall considered safe to avoid hackers attack ?

I used Zone Alarm and I still think it still lack of something

Xandax · Post by **Xandax** » Mon Feb 18, 2002 12:58 am

I've head no problems with Nortons Firewall (unless I wanted to play BG2 over the internet

- wich seems to be one of the few games I can't get to go through it)

Demis · Post by **Demis** » Mon Feb 18, 2002 2:23 am

McAffe VirusScan 6 has a very nice firewall with it. This and the one that Norton provides (my opinion) are the best firewalls for now. I suggest using one of the them.

HighLordDave · Post by **HighLordDave** » Mon Feb 18, 2002 9:41 am

I use ZoneAlarm which I feel is a very good product (especially since it's free). I hear that BlackIce Defender is also good, as are Norton and McAfee's products. I read in PC Magazine about a year ago that rated ZoneAlarm as and "Editors Choice".

My problem with Norton applications (Systemworks, etc.) is that they use more system resources than I think utilities should, and I don't know if Norton Internet Security is any different.

Another option is to buy a router that has a built-in firewall and set it up as your server, so when someone pings your IP, even if they get past the firewall, there are no files for them to access; it's just a router.

KidD01 · Post by **KidD01** » Mon Feb 18, 2002 12:43 pm

A friend of mine just told me about LockDown 2000. He told me that it's a good software. But IMO Zone Alarm interface is more user friendly then LockDown 2000

Rob-hin · Post by **Rob-hin** » Mon Feb 18, 2002 12:45 pm

I also use Zone alarm, but I've been hacked once... I use XP and I've heard somewhere they are not compatable though I have read on the site that they are compatable. Don't trust the in XP build in firewall!

KidD01 · Post by **KidD01** » Mon Feb 18, 2002 1:19 pm

As a passionate Microsoft hater I never trust their products. But due their monoply seems like it's no choice to use Windows as OS.

I've got PM via ICQ from a friend telling me to use 2 firewall sw on. Is it safer ?

Ned Flanders · Post by **Ned Flanders** » Mon Feb 18, 2002 1:20 pm

High Lord Dave has posted the best firewall. Using a DSL router and switching the main TCP port from port 80 to XXXX (pick a number between 1212 and 9999). By switching off of port 80 a lot of attacks will miss you because they are programed to intrude via port 80.

The main drawback with this setup is Internet gaming. You'll no longer be able to host if you privately subnet behind your DSL router. That's ok though because there is someone out there who can host.

Otherwise, I feel that zone alarm is the best (i.e. efficient, secure, user friendly interface).

HighLordDave · Post by **HighLordDave** » Mon Feb 18, 2002 1:37 pm

Originally posted by Ned Flanders
Otherwise, I feel that zone alarm is the best (i.e. efficient, secure, user friendly interface).

And don't forget free.

KidD01 · Post by **KidD01** » Mon Feb 18, 2002 1:43 pm

Originally posted by HighLordDave

And don't forget free.

Yep unless you plan to use ZA Pro

HighLordDave · Post by **HighLordDave** » Mon Feb 18, 2002 2:09 pm

Sure, but most of us here at GB are goof-offs who use our computers for gaming and wasting our time on SYM. Besides, if you do get ZoneAlarm Pro, you can write it off as a business expense.

Ned Flanders · Post by **Ned Flanders** » Mon Feb 18, 2002 3:35 pm

Yeah, I meant Zone Alarm Pro. Anyway, it is a business expense.

HighLordDave · Post by **HighLordDave** » Mon Feb 18, 2002 6:44 pm

@Ned:
Is there a qualitative difference between ZoneAlarm and ZoneAlarm Pro? I have the home use (free) version and didn't pay for the Pro upgrade. Is it that much better? PC Magazine didn't seem to think that the standard ZoneAlarm was deficient in any way.

josh · Post by **josh** » Tue Feb 19, 2002 7:08 am

I use ZoneAlarm mainly because its free.

Xandax · Post by **Xandax** » Tue Feb 19, 2002 4:29 pm

Originally posted by HighLordDave
<snip>
My problem with Norton applications (Systemworks, etc.) is that they use more system resources than I think utilities should, and I don't know if Norton Internet Security is any different.
<snip>

Currently I just run a pure firewall from Norton - I also have systemworks installed - but besides antivirus nothing of it is running.
Of course if you install systemworks and let all the utilities run it will take up system-power - but the firewall and antivirus alone dosen't seem to take up either bandwith or much system-resources

Ned Flanders · Post by **Ned Flanders** » Thu Feb 21, 2002 10:22 am

@HLD,

I haven't used the free zone alarm so I'm not certain of the differences. Are you able to lock down individual ports with zone alarm. I download the free zone alarm and try it out; that way, I be able to elaborate a little more.