[BC63]

I just removed my Norton spyware and firewall. I loaded Avast for spyware protection and I have Ad-aware and Superanti-spyware and I have not deactivated my SP2 which has it's own firewall I'm told. Sygate was recommended to me but I'm not qualified to download it.Thanks in advance guys & gals.BC

[Wainui]

Avast is not a Spyware program but an Anti-Virus program.Have you got Windows Firewall turned ON ? Control Panel, Security Center. That will protect you from any malicious worm software.

[Trebuchet]

Zone Alarm is excellent; I've used both the free and pro versions for years.I wouldn't trust the Windows firewall, although it's obviously better than nothing.

[TheNameless]

[quote name='Trebuchet']I wouldn't trust the Windows firewall, although it's obviously better than nothing.Same here.Also agree about ZoneAlarm.

[SpiritWind]

{size:18px}[/size]:D Hi BC : Since I am the one who recommended the Sygate Firewall, specifically, HOW are you "not qualified to download it" ? So have you COMPLETELY REMOVED the Norton System Works using the info I sent you ?

[Trebuchet]

I'm currently trying out Comodo Firewall Pro (freeware) and it seems to be doing pretty well. One thing I especially like about it is it gives you a lot more options and a lot more information about what your computer is doing than Zone Alarm Free does.I've been a loyal Zone Alarm customer for years, but I have to admit Comodo is pretty impressive. It passed every security check I threw at it, including stealthing all ports. I'm going to give it a long-term test. One reason I worry about Zone Alarm is that it's become so common and well known it makes an attractive target for hackers to look for holes.http://personalfirewall.comodo.com/EDIT: Just read an article on Dark Reading, an IT security website ( http://www.darkreadi...ocument.asp?docid=111976 ), which rates Comodo as the best firewall available - period.[/code]BTW, the same tests revealed Microsoft's built-in XP firewall to be literally worthless with a score of 0. You read that right: zero!http://www.matousec.com/projects/windows-personal-firewall-analysis/leak-tests-results.php#firewalls-ratings

[techie4fun]

I've used both the free version of Zonealarm and Sygate to protect my computer. They both work exceptionally well-- however, if you choose to run a home network, use Sygate instead of Zonealarm, or else you'll be required to purchase the pro version of zonealarm. I also despise the windows firewall, which is why I always install Zonealarm instead of using the windows firewall.

[ejames82]

are there any firewalls that rate lower in quality than the windows firewall for xp? it doesn't block outgoing connections. if a hacker gets into your computer, he gets to have a field day. i used zone alarm on my win98 with excellent results. with this xp, i had compatibility problems, so i uninstalled it. months later i still get emails from them. zone alarm personal needed a high/medium and a medium/low setting to go with high, medium and low. not enough options.

[Trebuchet]

[quote name='ejames82']are there any firewalls that rate lower in quality than the windows firewall for xp? it doesn't block outgoing connections. if a hacker gets into your computer, he gets to have a field day. > > i used zone alarm on my win98 with excellent results. with this xp, i had compatibility problems, so i uninstalled it. months later i still get emails from them. zone alarm personal needed a high/medium and a medium/low setting to go with high, medium and low. not enough options.Actually, the built-in firewall in XP blocked outgoing connections as of Service Pack 2. It just doesn't work very well in either direction. I would argue that a security measure that doesn't work is probably worse than not having one at all because the owner gets a false sense of security and does stupid things because he thinks he's safe.

[ejames82]

i stand corrected. why would anybody be using windows firewall?

[tibor29]

Definitly ZoneAlarm. Protected me against 3425 attacks in one month!!!

[Cosmo]

Were those attacks or access attempts?

[crimsonkainx]

Are you using cable/dsl? Buy a router, even if you only have one PC. It will serve as a hardware firewall and is a worthwhile investment. You can usually find wireless ones cheaper than wired, but it's relatively simple to deactivate the wireless if you don't need it (so people won't leech)

[satrohraj]

[quote name='BC63']I just removed my Norton spyware and firewall. I loaded Avast for spyware protection and I have Ad-aware and Superanti-spyware and I have not deactivated my SP2 which has it's own firewall I'm told. Sygate was recommended to me but I'm not qualified to download it.> > Thanks in advance guys & gals.> > > > BCZone alarm is Free and excellent..