Can Anyone Recommend A Good Free Firewall?
@purplealabaster (22091)
United States
July 28, 2009 7:22pm CST
My computer died, and I have been having issues replacing it. Right now I am staying with my parents, because they are having health issues and I am helping them out. Unfortunately, my husband is stuck at home, and we won't be able to see each other for quite a while. My husband's cousin took pity on us and put together a computer that he can hook up with a WebCam, so we can video conference. Before we do that, though, I want him to install a firewall and anti-virus software.
I don't want something where you have to buy a subscription. The only thing my husband is going to use the computer for is to talk to me, so I don't think we need to spend money on software if there is a good product out there for free. Besides, this is not going to be our family computer - it is just a substitute at the moment.
I know there are a lot of knowledgeable computer people out there, so I am asking for your help. Could you please recommend a free firewall and anti-virus software, so I can see my husband's gorgeous face again soon? We have Windows XP and use RoadRunner.
5 responses
@Ayoosh16 (194)
• India
28 Sep 09
Well, if you have windows XP, then you already have a firewall. Windows Firewall. But it can block some application of normal use too. Thats why its not so popular. I would call it an un customizable and interfray firewall. Well, Comodo Firewall. Its very good and also very easy to customize thats why i would recommend it to you. It also has a good UI
1 person likes this
@purplealabaster (22091)
• United States
28 Sep 09
Thanks for the information and recommendation, Ayoosh16. I do not like or trust the firewalls built into the Windows operating system, and I can understand why it isn't popular. I believe that RoadRunner has one, too, but I wouldn't use that one, either. We did go with Comodo, and everything has been working fine. I am not home to customize it, but it must have a fairly easy GUI, because my husband didn't have any problems installing or using it.
@purplealabaster (22091)
• United States
28 Oct 09
Thank you for the suggestion and the information, Vonmac. We have been using Comodo without any problems, but when I get a couple extra minutes I will check into your husband's suggestions. They must work really well, since I remember from our previous conversation that he wouldn't allow you to install some questionable gadgets on your computer, so they are definitely worth trying.
I am a bit of a contradiction, I suppose. I want to save money, but I don't trust a lot of the free software, because there is usually a "catch" to it being free. I will not use anything that allows tracking or records personal data, and it seems like a lot of the free stuff wants to do that. On the other hand, if you have been using it for years without an issue, then I don't see the harm in trying it.
I am a bit of a contradiction, I suppose. I want to save money, but I don't trust a lot of the free software, because there is usually a "catch" to it being free. I will not use anything that allows tracking or records personal data, and it seems like a lot of the free stuff wants to do that. On the other hand, if you have been using it for years without an issue, then I don't see the harm in trying it.
@purplealabaster (22091)
• United States
31 Aug 09
Thanks for the recommendation and the link. I went with Comodo Firewall and Anti-virus suite. It is working well so far, which is good. I hope we can get a better computer soon, but what we will have to get by with what we have at the moment.
@KupoSin (680)
• United States
30 Jul 09
try using COMODO Internet Security, it also includes a antivirus program, so it takes two birds with one stone. i find it to be very reliable and hasnt let me down yet. its very customizable to your needs and alertness.
its free by the way, so you wont have to spend any money on getting it.
1 person likes this
@purplealabaster (22091)
• United States
30 Jul 09
Thanks for the input. The fact that Comodo is both a firewall and anti-virus together does make it easier, and I like the fact that you say it is customizable. Perhaps I will go with this instead. Thank you for the recommendation.
@LouieWpHs04 (4555)
• United States
1 Aug 09
Have you tried http://www.snapfiles.com? A bunch of freeware tools can be found there.
@purplealabaster (22091)
• United States
1 Aug 09
Thanks for the link and the information.
1 person likes this
@shav9292 (928)
• India
30 Jul 09
sorry about your parent...
i recommend Zone alarm firewall.it is free to download.
there are other products but choose the basic free firewall.
it is the best i know.it locks all the ports by default and ask you whether to allow any program to access the internet.
using since 3 years..no problem
anti virus i use is avast!!
but whatever the software is installed a small virus infection is evident..especially for bulk downloaders like me....for uses as you mentioned it might not be a problem.
hoping and praying your parents get well so you can be with your husband.!!!!peace!!!
1 person likes this
@purplealabaster (22091)
• United States
30 Jul 09
Thank you so much for your concern about my parents. I hope they will be alright, but the recovery will take a while. A lot of people seem to agree that Zone Alarm is a good product, so I think I might go with that and Avast as an anti-virus. Thank you for your advice and suggestions.
