Firewall question?

Does anyone know which firewall might be best? I'm wanting something free & not too intrusive. I've been working on getting a friend's desktop HP (WinXP) safe & have been going thru the guides. Now have CCleaner, AVG Antivirus, Ad-Aware, & Spyware Blaster installed -- No major problems with malware seem to be happening, detected, etc... Also installed more RAM, so PC is now actually moving; did critical security updates; & ran ScanDisk & DiskDefrag (Window's versions). I installed Outpost Firewall Free -- & it kept saying it was out-of-date & wanted me to update to the Pro Version that I realize has a fee attached, so I uninstalled it. Chaslang said that Zone Alarm Free now has more baggage, etc... Any ideas? If I have to pay for a good one, which one might be best & how often do you have to pay the fee? My friend runs through a router with WinXP firewall, but I'm understanding that a software firewall is necessary for security. Hope this info is enough & is understandable. Thanks to everyone in advance! Shanrene

 

Oops, forgot to mention that my friend does a lot of online chatting with Yahoo Messenger (not sure if she uses others), a lot of e-mailing, & also downloading of music for a MP3 player. Didn't find a lot of malware in Ad-Remove Programs (read thru whole list posted in sticky thread) & the ones I found have been "removed". Thanks again!

 

Thanks, Halo! I'll give that one a try. Shanrene

 

Ok...downloaded Comodo Personal Firewall Free ... but when installing it, it seems to be free for a 30 day trial only (seems it was actually the "Pro" version)? Does "free for 30 days" mean "freeware"?confused Please help! Thanks so much! Shanrene

 

Thanks, Halo, for the additional info ! Will give it a try ... in fact, I'm installing it on friend's PC right now. Thanks again, Shanrene