3rd party firewall recommendations

Rymax99

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Florida
Comodo seems to cause conflict in Windows 8, and that's what I've used since XP. Any recommendations?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom built
    CPU
    AMD FX-6300
    Motherboard
    ASUS M5A97 LE R2.0
    Memory
    2x4(8 GB) G.SKILL Ripjaws
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon HD 6870
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer G245HQ
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    2xWD Black 1 TB
    PSU
    Cooler Master G650M
    Case
    Cooler Master n500
    Cooling
    Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO
    Internet Speed
    60/12(Mb/s)
    Browser
    Chrome
ZoneAlarm works fine for me !
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10.0.10122
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    My Build - Vorttex Ultimate
    CPU
    Core i7 @ 4500 MHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS Z87-Plus
    Memory
    32GB DDR3 @ 1822 MHz (OC)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon R9 280X 3GB @ 1180 / 6800 MHz
    Sound Card
    7.1 HDA
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LCD LG 22" + CRT LG 17"
    Screen Resolution
    1760 x 1320 / 1280 x 960
    Hard Drives
    1 x 240 GB SSD (System)
    3 x 500 GB HDD (Data/Media)
    1 x 2000 GB e-HDD (Backup)
    PSU
    ThermalTake 1000W PSU
    Case
    Corsair Carbide R300
    Cooling
    Corsair H60 (Push-Pull)
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mouse
    Internet Speed
    60 Mbps (Down) 5 Mbps (Up)
    Browser
    IE, FF, Chrome
    Antivirus
    AVG Internet Security 2015
    Other Info
    Some wired stuff
What about a non paid firewall?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom built
    CPU
    AMD FX-6300
    Motherboard
    ASUS M5A97 LE R2.0
    Memory
    2x4(8 GB) G.SKILL Ripjaws
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon HD 6870
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer G245HQ
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    2xWD Black 1 TB
    PSU
    Cooler Master G650M
    Case
    Cooler Master n500
    Cooling
    Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO
    Internet Speed
    60/12(Mb/s)
    Browser
    Chrome
I just use the built in Windows firewall and Windows Defender Anti Virus (what was called Microsoft Security Essentials) that comes with Windows 8. I use the same in Windows 7.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built
    CPU
    i7 6700K
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero
    Memory
    16 Gb G Skill TridentZ DDR4 3400
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel (i7 CPU)
    Sound Card
    RealTek Integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    27" Dell SE2717HR
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1080
    Hard Drives
    500GB Samsung 850 SSD, 3TB for backups
    PSU
    EVGA Supernova 750 G2
    Case
    BeQuiet Silent Base 600
    Cooling
    Deepcool Captain 120EX
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    Cable - 100MB Downlink
    Browser
    Edge/Firefox
    Antivirus
    Microsoft
    Other Info
    Sonar Platinum 64 bit recording studio software with MOTU 896Mk3 Hybrid recording interface unit.
I'm talking about 3rd party firewalls. The build in one has little effect on anything from what I've seen. Of all the applications I've used, I've never had to make exceptions, even weird applications that Windows wouldn't see as trusted. I don't like that in a firewall.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom built
    CPU
    AMD FX-6300
    Motherboard
    ASUS M5A97 LE R2.0
    Memory
    2x4(8 GB) G.SKILL Ripjaws
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon HD 6870
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer G245HQ
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    2xWD Black 1 TB
    PSU
    Cooler Master G650M
    Case
    Cooler Master n500
    Cooling
    Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO
    Internet Speed
    60/12(Mb/s)
    Browser
    Chrome
Comodo seems to cause conflict in Windows 8, and that's what I've used since XP. Any recommendations?

In what way? I've used both Comodo Firewall V5.12 and V6.2 on Windows 8 without any problems. Are you using Windows 8 or 8.1?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8 64-bit

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10.0.10122
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    My Build - Vorttex Ultimate
    CPU
    Core i7 @ 4500 MHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS Z87-Plus
    Memory
    32GB DDR3 @ 1822 MHz (OC)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon R9 280X 3GB @ 1180 / 6800 MHz
    Sound Card
    7.1 HDA
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LCD LG 22" + CRT LG 17"
    Screen Resolution
    1760 x 1320 / 1280 x 960
    Hard Drives
    1 x 240 GB SSD (System)
    3 x 500 GB HDD (Data/Media)
    1 x 2000 GB e-HDD (Backup)
    PSU
    ThermalTake 1000W PSU
    Case
    Corsair Carbide R300
    Cooling
    Corsair H60 (Push-Pull)
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mouse
    Internet Speed
    60 Mbps (Down) 5 Mbps (Up)
    Browser
    IE, FF, Chrome
    Antivirus
    AVG Internet Security 2015
    Other Info
    Some wired stuff
I just use the built in Windows firewall and Windows Defender Anti Virus (what was called Microsoft Security Essentials) that comes with Windows 8. I use the same in Windows 7.

I agree with Fireberd. And, if you throw a hardware router (w/firewall protection) in between your PC and the modem, a 3rd party software firewall only serves to waste resources and provides no additional protection.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro Windows 8.1 Preview
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
I tried Online Armor and Private Firewall and found Online Armor to be easier to use.
Both are free.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 & 8.1 64-bit, Kubuntu
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Manufacturer: Me
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 3770K
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8Z77-V PRO
    Memory
    G.Skill ARES DDR3 1600 - 3 x 4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS HD7770-DC-1GD5-V2
    Sound Card
    on board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS PB278Q PLS LED LCD 6ms
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1440
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 500GB SSD 840 EVO
    2 x Seagate SATA3 2TB Barracuda 64mb Cache
    PSU
    Corsair HX-650
    Case
    Cooler Master Centurion 5 II
    Cooling
    Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus
    Keyboard
    Logitech Internet 350
    Mouse
    MS Wireless Laser Mouse 5000
    Internet Speed
    100Mb down /2.4Mb up
    Browser
    IE11, Firefox
    Antivirus
    Norton Internet Security
    Other Info
    Leadtek DTV2000DS Dual HD TV Tuner
    USB3 kit for 2 front panel USB3 ports
Moyeamedia Shield Firewall, which I used for years. Comodo I tried ever, but little puzzle.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8.1 preview
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Browser
    chrome
    Antivirus
    MSE

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 64bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP h8 envy 1534
    CPU
    AMD FX-6200 (3.8GHz)
    Motherboard
    M3970AM-HP (Angelica2) (Gigabyte)
    Memory
    10GB DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Eyefinity Radeon HD 7570
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Kaskersky Internet Security 2016
Private firewall crashed on 8 for me, no indication in the control panel that it's there but the program folder and icons are still active.
Running the program gives an error, running the uninstall program from the program folder says that command is only valid for installed products.

Didn't care for all crap Zonealarm wanted to install with the firewall so I'm running windows firewall but want more control.
I want the control I had with Zonealarm so I can decide what goes out.

I'm going to try Commodo.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    15 (win 7 and 8)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    toshiba
use windows default firewall.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    viktik
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    MSI CR420
    CPU
    Intel i3 330M
    Motherboard
    MSI
    Memory
    4 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    INTEL HD 1ST GEN
    Browser
    FIREFOX
    Antivirus
    F SECURE

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win8.1 Pro, Desktop Mode
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Me
    CPU
    AMD FX-8150
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-890GPA-UD3H
    Memory
    8.00 GB Dual-Channel DDR3 (9-9-9-28)
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon HD 6570
    Sound Card
    Creative X-Fi Titanium
    Monitor(s) Displays
    PX2710MW
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080@60Hz
    Hard Drives
    1x1TB Western Digital WDC WD1001FALS-00J7B1 ATA Device Caviar Black -

    4 x 2TB Seagate ST32000542A -
    1 x 4TB Seagate External
    Case
    Antec
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D14
    Keyboard
    Logitech Illuminated Keyboard K740
    Internet Speed
    60meg cable
    Browser
    Cyberfox
    Antivirus
    AVG Security Suite
Honestly you shouldn't need a 3rd party firewall. The one built in windows is more than enough for most users, especially if you have a router (which is common nowadays).

The main difficulty is to properly set it up. The default settings is allow all outbound (meaning all applications that you use can connect without any check). For proper security you'll have to use a deny all on outbound connections, and create exceptions via rules in the advanced settings : you need a few core networking services, plus windows update and windows time, and then all your internet applications. The UI can be a bit daunting for normal users, and the firewall doesn't give very good notifications when blocking, it does so silently so you'll have to enable logging at the beginning at least, but it is VERY powerful.

But you might ask, why are there 3rd party firewalls if the windows one is so good ?
Well apart from the interface and overall behavior (no popup when blocking) which is I thinks its main fault, when you install malware (meaning you as a user intentionally gave it the administrators right to change your system) it can relatively easily add its own rules to the firewall or even turn it off and then bypass it. 3rd party add protection against that , and when coupled with hips (usually included in all those security suites) it can analyse hostile behavior but then again once a malicious program has been installed even those are poor protection and/or they are very heavy on resource .
With windows firewall, to counter possible malicious tampering, you have to regularly check if the firewall is on (don't rely on notifications, since they can be disabled too I think) and also your rules to see if anything odd has been added or even restrict some of your allowed programs (by specifying an IP/port for example), coupled with a detailed log check if you are really worried. 3rd party automatizes all of this with pop-ups (way too many to my taste).

Anyway just google for tutorials on advanced windows firewall (ex: Windows Firewall or Windows Firewall with Advanced Security (Guide for Vista) - Wilders Security Forums) and you should be good.If that's not enough for you, you can always try TinyWall (Features of TinyWall), which is built on top of the windows firewall and just provides a better user experience and some protection against settings/rules tampering, it's free so nothing to lose by trying it.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 (x64)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
For proper security you'll have to use a deny all on outbound connections, and create exceptions via rules in the advanced settings.

That is good to know. The only outgoing connections I had blocked before were jars. I've now blocked everything and will add things in as required. It's a shame there doesn't seem to anything as simple to use as Little Snitch though.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro Prieview x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    MacBook Pro Core2Duo
    CPU
    T7600
    Memory
    3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon X1600
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Internal
    Screen Resolution
    1440 x 800
    Hard Drives
    40GB
    Keyboard
    Apple
    Mouse
    Apple
    Internet Speed
    Varies
    Browser
    Various
    Antivirus
    Defender
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