I need a firewall that's compatible w/ BitDefender and Windows 7 x64

Hello. I use BitDefender AV 2011 on a Windows 7 x64. My problem is that not all firewalls are compatible with Windows 7 x64 and BtiDefender is not compatible with any firewall that does anything beyond just being a firewall. I love Zone Alarm but since it has anti-spyware features there are conflicts, same with Comodo, Online Armor, Agnitum Outpost doesn't support systems with x86 process architectures. Sygate doesn't work either.

I am unhappy with Windows Firewall because it lets too many things communicate w/out my permission.

Does anyone have Windows 7 x64 and BitDefender 2011 and a Firewall that doesn't conflict with it?

PS - The conflict is that real time protection gets disabled. This also happens with any anti-malware with realtime protection. BitDefender is great for preventing viruses and there are few false positives but it doesn't like anything else being installed on your computer that aids in security. I am considering switching to F-Secure but I don't know if that program has the same problems. I know Kaspersky has firewall compatibility issues. Not sure about NOD Labs.

 

What are you doing that infects the computer so much? I could go years without an antivirus and firewall and not get infected.

 

You pretty much counted all of the firewall names are you specifically looking for a freeware firewall ? Maybe you can give it a try of Pc Tools Firewall

 

PrivateFirewall's pretty good.

EDIT: it reads like you want to run 100% 64-bit software - you're resricting yourself a lot at this stage. Yes, many software makers are setting their products to complain about/disable other security products.

 

Are you insane? I never said I was doing anything risky. A man wants a good antivirus and firewall....that's all. If you don't have anything good to post then don't waste your and other people's time. Maybe you are projecting. Everyone should have a 3 tier security on their computer. For more information go HERE.
You don't have to be into piracy or porn for the information highway to be a dangerous place.

Thanks to satrow and BoneXXX for your response and for not implying that I am using my computer irresponsibly.

It is a shame that software makers are forcing a monopoly on their products by making all other security products incompatible. I am beginning to think I would be better off with a free AV just so I can use a decent firewall and anti-malware program.

I only have about 130 days left of my BitDefender license. I will research F-Secure to see if they are using the same incompatibility tactics BitDefender uses.

 

Calm down good sir. I was merely curious about your concern.

Companies jumble their stuff together so people don't have to go out and get different software for each tier.

 

My concern is that seemingly good programs and sites attack your computer.

I don't have the bundled BitDefender Security Suite nor would I want it because their firewall stinks.

I think I have found a solution for my problem. You see, Windows firewall is okay but you can't define it's rules so let's say I am installing a product that needs to 'phone home' in order to complete installation, Windows Firewall just let's e.g. setup.exe phone home downloading additional data. A good firewall alerts you to that fact. Solution: Windows Firewall Control.
That will let me control Windows firewall and it will alert me when programs try to phone home.