Need some suggestions for freeware firewall

I'm putting together a PC security with all freeware apps. It'll be menu driven and have different sections for virus removal, virus protection, spyware removal, spyware protection, firewalls, etc... I have all the categories filled out (7 apps in each) except for the firewall section. So far, I've chosen these: Zone Alarm Free, Comodo, Online Armor, Outpost Free, AShampoo, and PCTools. So, I need at least one more, maybe two (Comodo has recently combined their AV and FW into a single app). I'm looking at NetVeda, Filseclab, Primedius Lite, and GhostWall. I'm not sure if Sygate is still totally free as there was talk that they were bought out by Norton (???), and Wyvern is garbage IMO. The apps MUST be 100% freeware, no bundled toolbars or adware, and must work with XP, and preferably Vista also, but Vista isn't a requirement. So, let's get some suggestions rollin' :-D

Thanks folks!

[dlb]

 

here is a couple of suggestions for firewalls you can check them out " http://www.filehippo.com/download_sunbelt_personal_firewall/ " and " http://www.filehippo.com/download_sunbelt_personal_firewall/ " check them both out they might be what you are looking for.

 

ooops sorry dlb that sunbelt on is not freeware.

 

geez i am not having a good day today think i might go back to bed and try again i posted the same link twice sorry just skip my suggestions sorry

 

:-o I left out a crucial part... typing too fast.... it should say:
"I'm putting together a PC security CD with all freeware apps"

Oooops.

 

hello dlb. Here are my personal picks(for what its worth). For AV, Avira AntiVir. For firewall, Comodo Personal. Then the rest of the cast is WinPatrol,SuperAntiSpyware,SpywareGuard,SpywareBlaster,Spybot S&D,and MalwareBytes.

 

Went from Comodo to Online Armor in the past few months, both of which you have listed, of the others have tried NetVeda, and used Sygate years ago. Recently went back to Avast from AVG also. The trick is choosing which one is easiest to use while also being worthwhile to have installed, especially if you are installing on someone elses system.

 

Here's a link from Matousec, the firewall testers. As you can see, AShampoo is way down the list and not recommended. I didn't see Zonealarm Free on that list. http://www.matousec.com/projects/firewall-challenge/results.php#firewalls-ratings As you'll know, Online Armor released a new version 3 just recently, so the verdict on that one isn't in yet.

 

Thanks for all the input! Let's keep 'em coming!!!

Since Comodo recently combined their AV and firewall, I'm seriously thinking or moving Comodo from the firewall section of my CD to the AV section. If Sygate is still 100% free I may include it, I may not. I haven't decided. I'm waiting to see what everyone says after this thread has run for a day or two. Then I'll install each suggestion one-by-one and see which I like.... thanks again!

 

I've been using ZA's security suite for several months now. For free! (It's not supposed to be!). I simply use Revo uninstaller to get rid of it when it's time is up and reinstall. Once every 15 days is not too much trouble to go to for me. I run XP SP3 on a 512 meg, 2 ghz machine. I suppose it's somewhat unethical, but not actually illegal.

It is very useful.

GOOD LUCK!!

Pete

 

Thanks Mark... you summed it up better than I could have, and probably with much more tact. LOL
As stated, I don't need work-arounds and hacks to get commercial software for free. I know how to do that, and if it's what I was after, I'd do it.
One more time:
I'm creating a PC security/maintenance CD that will be menu driven. I'm putting it together to give to friends who aren't the most knowledgeable about PC use. I've included web links to how-to sites (including MG!) and have written up extensive guides of my own to include on the CD. The only section left to complete is the firewall section. All software MUST BE 100% FREE!!! If the freeware requires registration, that's OK. It must be XP compatible, and preferably Vista compatible also.

So, for now, I'm going to be looking at Sygate (again) to be sure that it is still freeware. I did some research, and Sygate was indeed acquired by Symantec/Norton back in 2005:

I also found this statement:

So I have to check it out to be sure it is still freeware and if there is any support for it. I'm not interested in using 'last free versions' of any applications. The idea is to use current, up to date freeware that is currently supported by its developers so if anyone using the app has an issue, they have some resources available to solve the problem (besides calling me at 2am). I will also be looking at NetVeda and GhostWall (both available here at MG in the Firewalls section) to see how user friendly they are. User friendliness is of MAJOR importance with this project due to the fact that the CD is aimed at the noob to intermediate user. I may include Arovax Shield in the firewall section. Although it isn't really a firewall, it has some firewall-like features but is more of a browser/startup/registry "firewall" than a true internet firewall, so I'm still trying to figure out where (and if) to include Arovax Shield on the CD.

Thanks again people! :-D

 

Thanks for the input Mark. I was already thinking along these lines, and I don't want to include any non-supported software.
I have been using Dynamic Security Agent off and on for the past 18 months or so, and I'm pretty happy with its performance. However, DSA is already in my Antivirus section.... ahhhh jeeez.... I'm thinking too hard LOL
OK- instead of moving stuff from section to section, I'm just going to continue trying out both NetVeda and GhostWall....

 

Dear Folks,
I am suitably chastened. I apologize to all for the offensive suggestion I made earlier in this thread. I hope you will forgive me. I will try to edit the post to remove it and won't make the mistake again, or any other like it.

Again, sorry.

P O'T :-o:cry

 

Hi peterotooled, Welcome to MajorGeeks

Apology accepted--at least by me. You're hardly the only one that has tried to get around a software evaluation period limit.

When posting just keep in mind that MajorGeeks is committed to abiding by software developer's Terms of Use agreements. It builds trust and cooperation between the developers and the forum.

Continue to follow this thread and you may find a truly free alternative to ZA that works just as well.

 

Hello peterotooled. Do it again, and your wrist may get slapped.( I used to be guilty of that type of thing.No longer).:wave

 

Thanks for the reply. I'm a freqent visitor to this site and I certainly don't want to be banned. I'll reread the public announcements to get a better idea of what's allowed and/or acceptable behavior here. I guess i was just asleep:zzz.

Thanks again.

Sincerely,
Pete

P.S. I have switched to Comodo suite (free version)
P

 

Thanks for the warning! I won't be guilty of that kind of thing again!

Pete

 

Forgiven. Can't condemn somebody for something I used to do myself.:wave

 

Things are not that easy with firewalls... personaly i use Oupost Fitewall Pro but im REALY considering Comodo Firewall... I used it on some computers i do maintenance on and apart from giving many alerts it is solid firewall... at least he make users think what they are dooing... as for antivirus program they implemented.... i would stick to Avira (www.free-av.com)

In my expirience, that with comodo so far, that 2 programs rarely fail if user have at least leiitle idea what is he dooing