Three Firewall questions...

(1) I know this has been done before, but I was curious to know whether anyone has any strong views against Zone Alarm (free) or Outpost (free) ?

(2) I also have a firewall built-in to my router, would this have any impact on the choice of software firewall ?

(3) Most importantly, when I am happy with my free firewall I intend to upgrade to the pro version. Since I run 3 PCs on my home network, will I have to purchase 3 separate firewall licenses, or can I do multiple installatrions of the same one?. Is there a common policy on this issue, or does this vary from vendor to vendor?

Thanks in advance for any useful feedback.

 

(1) I know this has been done before, but I was curious to know whether anyone has any strong views against Zone Alarm (free) or Outpost (free) ?
I really don't like ZA because of its' difficulty in removing from one's system. I prefer outpost over ZA any day hands down.

(2) I also have a firewall built-in to my router, would this have any impact on the choice of software firewall ?
Your router is a firewall by default. Anyway, it wouldn't make a difference which software firewall you choose.

(3) Most importantly, when I am happy with my free firewall I intend to upgrade to the pro version. Since I run 3 PCs on my home network, will I have to purchase 3 separate firewall licenses, or can I do multiple installatrions of the same one?. Is there a common policy on this issue, or does this vary from vendor to vendor?
You must purchase a license for each PC you wish to install the software on. 1 lic with multiple installations is illegal.

 

(1) I know this has been done before, but I was curious to know whether anyone has any strong views against Zone Alarm (free) or Outpost (free) ?
I really don't like ZA because of its' difficulty in removing from one's system. I prefer outpost over ZA any day hands down.
Thanks, I heard mixed opinions as regards ZA

(2) I also have a firewall built-in to my router, would this have any impact on the choice of software firewall ?
Your router is a firewall by default. Anyway, it wouldn't make a difference which software firewall you choose.
While it's true that a hardware firewall is very effective at blocking unsolicited incoming traffic, it's less useful (without very tedious manual setup) in blocking illicit outgoing traffic (keyloggers etc.) - that's why I also want the outgoing protection offered by a software firewall


(3) Most importantly, when I am happy with my free firewall I intend to upgrade to the pro version. Since I run 3 PCs on my home network, will I have to purchase 3 separate firewall licenses, or can I do multiple installatrions of the same one?. Is there a common policy on this issue, or does this vary from vendor to vendor?
You must purchase a license for each PC you wish to install the software on. 1 lic with multiple installations is illegal.
I'm well aware that it would be illegal, if the license did not contemplate it (although I doubt that it would be possible to run them all on the same LAN, if the license permits only one instance). I was more interested if any of the vendors offered bundles, or permitted a certain number of intances to run under the same product ID.

I do appreciate your reply; thanks again.

 

(1) I know this has been done before, but I was curious to know whether anyone has any strong views against Zone Alarm (free) or Outpost (free) ?
Thanks, I heard mixed opinions as regards ZA

(2) I also have a firewall built-in to my router, would this have any impact on the choice of software firewall ?

While it's true that a hardware firewall is very effective at blocking unsolicited incoming traffic, it's less useful (without very tedious manual setup) in blocking illicit outgoing traffic (keyloggers etc.) - that's why I also want the outgoing protection offered by a software firewall
Again, that's personal preference. If you router is set up properly then any thing that gets in is either through port 80 or another open port on your router OR through manual intervention , i.e. user installed. Most malware trojans use certain port ranges and if you are blocking those on entry then chances are (if you're a safe surfer and you sound like you are) that you won't get anything.

(3) Most importantly, when I am happy with my free firewall I intend to upgrade to the pro version. Since I run 3 PCs on my home network, will I have to purchase 3 separate firewall licenses, or can I do multiple installatrions of the same one?. Is there a common policy on this issue, or does this vary from vendor to vendor?

I'm well aware that it would be illegal, if the license did not contemplate it (although I doubt that it would be possible to run them all on the same LAN, if the license permits only one instance). I was more interested if any of the vendors offered bundles, or permitted a certain number of intances to run under the same product ID.

I do appreciate your reply; thanks again.

Yes, some companies offer like 5 lic bundles and up. You just have to read their sales pages and find out what they offer. Each company is different.