Firewall options?

After recently cleaning malware from my Windows 7 Professional system, I tried to install the Comodo free firewall. Things didn't go well at all; the system nearly ground to a halt, and Comodo wouldn't let me uninstall it. I had to boot in safe mode to go back to a system restore point before the install.

But, I still want to improve my firewall security. I gather that the problem with Windows Firewall is that, in its default state, it doesn't do any monitoring of outgoing traffic from the machine.

So my questions are:

-- Among the other third-party firewall programs out there, is there any you'd recommend as being lightweight and unlikely to cause system problems?

-- I've heard it's possible to tweak Windows Firewall so that it monitors outgoing traffic. True? How?

Thanks,

 

http://majorgeeks.com/ZoneAlarm_Free_d388.html
This is my preference,but you can check MGsfor more options. I'm not too sure if you can really tweak Win Firewall.

 

Thanks. I used to use ZoneAlarm with XP and possibly prior Windows versions. I eventually stopped using it because of some performance issue, but I can't remember now what that might have been. I suppose I could give it a try and see how it does on my system.

 

Here are a couple of articles about the Windows 7 Firewall:
An Overview of Windows 7 Firewall
How To Get the Most From Windows Firewall

I used to use PC Tools Firewall Plus which worked very well for me with Windows XP.
I changed to Privatefirewall a couple of months ago because I was worried that the PCTools firewall
was getting out of date.
However, the PCTools firewall was Easier to use and produced fewer popups.
It is still a Major Geeks Pick on the MG Firewall page.
ConsumerSearch: PC Tools Firewall Plus
PC Tools Firewall Plus 7.0.0.123

 

Thanks, good information. PC Tools Firewall Plus seems like the kind of program I was looking for. It's no longer available from the PC Tools website, though; they appear to have wrapped it into a package called PC Tools Internet Security. The download from MG is still functional, though, so I got a copy and will give it a try.

 

Just to let anyone know,,PCTools has ended its freeware suites.

 

That meant to say Free firewall Plus, it is now included in their Internet Security. Sorry for the mix up, looks like I'll be looking for a new info source.

 

I have PC tools firewall plus and like it. However, since they are no longer offering it as a free standalone there will be no updates available correct?

That right there concerns me a little and may look for another free FW....