Firewall Reviews

You get what you pay for. You've probably hear that a thousand times from people who invest in quality. However, this may not always be the case when it comes to free firewall software. There are a lot of brands that offer free firewall software, and while you may raise your eyebrows at the competency of these software when it comes to guarding your PC, there are some that have been proven by thousands of users to be effective and safe.

Pros and cons of free firewall

The main advantage to a free firewall is that you do not have to spend a dime to install it. You can also download the software and have it running in minutes. A free firewall is very safe, especially if you choose the free version of a commercial firewall and if you download from trusted sites. Most vendors offer free and commercial versions of their software, and the free versions are usually good enough for personal use.

Top brands for free firewall protection

The top brands for commercial firewall protection software include Comodo Internet Security, PC Tools Firewall Plus Free Edition, Outpost Firewall Free, ZoneAlarm Free Firewall, Private Firewall, and SunBelt-Kerio Personal Firewall. Windows also outfits its computers with a built-in firewall.

With the many expensive choices for Internet security software, there is no use for shelling out cash for expensive firewall software when there are free options that are just as good.

My officemate, Peter, is a computer expert who troubleshoots for people like his wife who are struggling to learn the basics about computers and their accessories. One day, she called him at our office and said that she has a minor PC disaster -- the firewall security system was not working. Instead of giving her the usual instructions on how to properly configure a firewall, he gave her a weird piece of advice. "That's easy honey. Here's what you have to do. Go to the kitchen, put the coffee maker on, and don't touch the computer again until I come home," Peter said exasperatedly.

Calling someone to fix a firewall for you is a waste of time and money. The best thing that you can do is read a book that tackles not only the basics about firewalls but as well as how to maintain them. I think it's better if you buy the helpful book called Firewall for Dummies. It will teach you everything and anything about firewall products. It's very different from a firewall user's manual because the authors took a friendlier approach in discussing what firewalls are about. I think there's no need to explain Dummies further, because for sure, you guys got yourself a lot of self-help books like this in your home library.

The Internet is quintessentially a very good source of useless and nonsense information, as well as various computer diseases; Diseases caused by well-bred and educated bastards who live to create disaster and distress. These computer threats target not only business and personal computers. It also preys upon every system's protective device, making them much harder to eliminate.

3Com Ofc Internet Firewall is a new firewall security software that claims to provide protection for the user and his machine. The product is said to be very ideal for small and medium businesses as it can support 25 computers in a single network. And just like other ordinary firewalls, it blocks malicious programs from penetrating the system while keeping the machine work as normal as possible. The user, probably the employer, can use the product to block access from various non-work-related websites and determine who among his illiterate employees are using the Internet connection for pleasure.

I think this product is good enough as far as security is concerned. Its features are great except the last -- the Internet access thingy-- because I think, responsible employees can't function well if they have limited access in the net. You know, most office workers need to get a daily dose of porn images from the web to inspire them for the long haul.

When it comes to computer security, our trusted firewalls are usually the first line of defense that we put in our machines. If you've forgotten about it, a firewall's function is to enforce security rules and detect who is that stupid outsider that is trying to access your network. There are also firewalls that can check which employee of yours is trying to access outside resources.

There are many factors to consider before buying a firewall security system. Most important is you must assess your needs first before going into a firewall shopping spree. If you have a huge amount of traffic going in and out your gateway everyday, then you must pick one that can provide security to multiple computers. SONICWALL TZ 170 10 NODE is a corporate-focused firewall that I've been using for at least three months. I like it because it is highly scalable and it can manage myriad of clients and network traffic.

This product is among SonicWall's powerful and complex security tools that were tried and tested by many computer wizards. Although it has some features that only networking experts can understand, installing and using it is precisely a no-brainer. And speaking of networking experts, you can ask them for some tips on how to maximize the features that your firewall offers.

Being a computer user for nearly 23 years, I realized that there's actually no perfect computer security product. Most of the security suites that I've tried before are only good in providing superficial protection. They have their own flaws and most of them can't prevent new breed of viruses from penetrating your system.

There's no perfect suite, but there are firewall security suites, antivirus, and antispyware software that are ALMOST perfect. And I put my fingers to keyboard to state happily that SonicWall PRO 2040 firewall is one of them. Considering its present rack of security products, SonicWall now offers a corporate-focused firewall. It has features like privacy settings and spam-blocking capabilities. Configuring it is very easy and I thank the networking expert for teaching me how. It safeguards computers use for businesses against the clutches of filthy, profit-oriented gang of hackers and virus writers. The spam-blocker is quite good though not wholly foolproof.

If you're a broadband Internet user, and you want assurance that no hacker or virus writer can victimize you, then better employ this one. It sits quietly between your system's gateway and the Web wearing a prying eye for malicious traffic. I've tried this product for at least five months. And on that term, the word virus was eliminated from my vocabulary.

Maintaining the security of a personal computer is a whole lot of stress. You have to check that your antivirus and antispyware software are running. You also have to update and manipulate your firewall security system and your antiphising toolbar. See, there's a lot to do to keep your computers secured from most computer threats that roam around the net today.

But thankfully, there are brainy device makers who have invented a new breed of multitasking security programs that will do the tasks of at least three security tools in just one package.
Lucent's VPN Firewall Brick 350 is a built around firewall security system that provides virus scanning, content-level security, and application-layer defense. This tool is a simple security hardware that stops all the threats before they reach your network.

We have this security device in the office, and it's amazing how it gives substantial protection against malicious programs than an ordinary security gateway. It helps computers work smoothly again by filtering objectionable Web content. Installation of this tool is not a plug-and-play thing. However, you won't need a networking expert's brain for you to comprehend the easy user's guide included in its package. The 350 is designed for SMED businesses. There are other VPN firewall varieties that you can choose for your PCs.

Some computer users from the business and personal group think that they are safe from viruses, bugs, or worms even without the use of firewall security systems. Most of them also believe that
the office applications that they are using is not vulnerable to snooping programs like spyware and malware simply because it's created by a multi-billion software company. Believing in these false assumptions is tantamount to drinking cyanide for breakfast.

Even a new supercomputing application can turn into super disaster once they are infected by these evil virtual abusers. Installing a trusted product like Broderbund ZoneAlarm Pro v5.0 in our PCs is a very important fact that all users must put into practice. This firewall security system has a very user-friendly interface that even my sister who can't differentiate a router from a wire can configure it by herself. The product sits between the system's gateway and the Internet blocking any illegal program that tries to penetrate your computer. It also deletes even the sneakiest spyware that resides in your hard drive. Cybersecurity is a very controversial issue today, so users must practice using security products to safeguard their PCs. On the other hand, it is also important for us not to swallow every nonsense advertisement trash that we see on TV or magazines.

If you are searching for a measure to safeguard your personal computers from viruses that do not involve complicated instructions and installations, Netscreen has a very simple solution. Recently, the software developer and security suites vendor launched its Juniper Netscreen 5GT Plus 75MBPS Firewall/20MBPS VPN Device. It claims that it can protect computers, whether it be desktop or portable, from the disastrous attacks by hackers, viruses, spam, and spyware.

The 1.3-inch-tall appliance doesn't eat too much space on your desk and it is a specially created for offices and homes that don't have wide space. The tool serves as a firewall, a pop-up blocker, as well as a spyware and spam filter. This type of device is very ideal for home and corporate PCs because it comes with all the essential features needed from a security suite. Users can install the device between their broadband modem and their router. Aside from that, they can take it to their office or on the road with their laptop. Computer users from the business and personal sectors can configure the security tool in their PCs and use it to manipulate the websites that they want their machines to access. The nice thing about this product is that it doesn't ask users to create decisions on matters that only computer wizards understand.

D-Link is an international company that creates several amazing products ranging from computers to electronic devices. As much as my credit cards will allow me, I got digital cameras, MP3 players, computer cameras, USB cables, and CD/DVD players from them. But what I don't know is that the reputable company also creates security suites just like anti-virus software stuff and firewall security systems.

D-Link SecuritySpot Home Security is an effective measure of repelling the attacks of hackers, spyware authors, virus writers. It has a built-in spyware scanning device that easily detects and eliminates any intrusive files that try to penetrate your system. The firewall acts as a guard in the system gateway blocking illegal traffic from entering the system. What's interesting about this product is that it has a parental controlling feature that helps parents limit the sites that they want their children to access. It is very user-friendly. Even my dad who doesn't know anything about firewalls, let alone spyware, finds the product interesting. The box is very ideal for homes and offices because it doesn't eat too much floor or desk space. The updates about newly detected viruses are automatic. Best of all, for a price of $86.48, you'll get maximum protection without spending too much.

Security has always been an issue to any computer machine, operating system, software applications, and hardware products. As consumers become more meticulous and choosy with the computer peripherals that they buy, device makers on the other hand are becoming more aware of the security measures that they have to input in their products. Security for sale is not a bad thing, as long as it makes our precious machines, and our privacy protected from unknown threats.

Webroot Spy Sweeper/Desktop Firewall Bundle is a powerful two-in-one device that detects, blocks, and kills adware, spyware, malware, keyloggers, viruses and Trojan Horses. Digital bugs and worms are lurking around each grassy corner of the digital jungle preparing to attack any vulnerable computer. Unlike other security systems, this new product has a databank of known computer bugs and worms that helps it examine your system and sweep away uninvited disastrous pests.

It's anti-spyware hinders illegal Web traffic from entering your network to help secure your private information. The firewall serves as a gatekeeper checking for legal and illegal traffic inside and outside your system. The best thing about its firewall is that it hides the location of your computer to make it inaccessible from attacks of hackers and port scanners.

Firewalls are created primarily to safeguard the resources of a personal network from being directly attacked by another user from an outside network. Firewalls are most especially used as protection from various Internet criminals. On another angle, users can also be prevented from accessing the networks of external computers. Security systems for computers have been in the shop shelves for a very long time, waiting for computers users from the business and personal group to put them into action.

MX-1000 Mxtreme Mail Firewall by BorderWare Technologies is considerably among the best firewall security systems in the planet. As a matter of fact, it already won several consumer awards. This strong product is a top-of-the-line business-class electronic mail security and privacy solution. It helps various firms and companies to block inbound and outbound threats. It also manages mails. With the current increase in the computer and Internet hazards, users are knowledgeable enough to choose the brands that they can trust when it comes to securing not only their machines, but also their personal and corporate files. Thankfully, BorderWare consistently provides powerful remedies to the various ailments of our PCs. Their firewall products are so easy to install and use. They also provide multi-tasking performance in blocking unwanted parasites while ensuring that the machine works normally.

I did a quick Internet search last night to see if there's a lot of articles written about the FIFA World Cup. I was amazed because I got 40 articles written within that date posted on the Internet. I indulged in an immense reading about the ins and outs of the popular sports event of the year to check if the US team is doing a fair job in the said game. Surfing for more articles, I saw a particular report in Excel format, which sells tickets for the World Cup and provides access to files regarding the various teams competing in the said game. Thankfully, I'm slightly knowledgeable about computers and I instantly detected that this is a virus disguising as sports news report.

Virus writers have gone a long way in proliferating distress and damage to our computer machines. It's a good thing that we have InterScanVirusWall from Trend Micro that can detect and delete even the most highly-complicated viruses. It serves as a police checkpoint blocking any suspecting criminal from entering your network. I hate to say that this is the best anti-virus cum firewall to date, because some of you may not agree. But, I still recommend this tool for users who want to give their PCs the maximum security unit that they deserve.

Firewall security systems have been around in town for several years now. Yet the protection they provide can't be considered ancient. With the modern breed of viruses, hackers, spyware, and malware, device makers are continually upgrading the security products that they are selling. But I think there's one that's an exception to this statement: Kaspersky Anti-Hacker (KAH) firewall. Although it came from a company that makes good products, this one is a bit lousy than its predecessors.

KAH is included in Kaspersky Personal Security suite line, but it's not as great as the other products produced by the company. It protects the computer from attacks of hackers and blocks malicious programs from penetrating the system. Unlike other firewalls, this tool unfortunately does not have a database of legal programs. Thus, you still have to click a tray icon to allow or stop access of a program. This means that you have to stay all night beside your computer to let every other program access your network. On the plus side, this product works at its best if you use it along with the whole Kaspersky suite. However, I honestly don't recommend this tool because there are far more better firewalls that can work on their own without disturbing us users.

Firewalls today are comparable to Oscar award-winning actors, because all of them have become multi-talented appliances. Since they are the first "toll gate" for incoming data from outside networks, most modern firewalls have malware and spam filters included in their package. The Firebox X8000 from WatchGuard is a perfect example of these versatile firewall security systems. It secures your PC through an integrated packet inspection firewall, intrusion prevention, spam Blocker, and 40 filter categories.

Businesses especially those that depend on the Internet a lot need fast security solution for their numerous networks. But with ten interfaces on this superb gateway device, it effectively supports complicated deployment scenarios and centralizes traffic management. It monitors Internet traffic and discards any data that has been tainted by spam and malicious bugs. Installing this device is a no-brainer because of its detailed and easy to follow manual.

However, because of its superb features, the price of this tool is a bit hefty. In fact, that only few small and medium-size companies will be able to afford it. But there's no need to worry because although it doesn't have a free trial download, WatchGuard will be launching more products that will not burn holes in your financial vaults. X8000 is expensive, yes, but the quality of the protection it can give is priceless.

In the ever-changing security industry, motherboard chips do not usually attract much attention. But NForce 4 by Nvidia, turned out to be an exception to the rule. The company that first wowed consumers with graphics chips is back with a motherboard controller. The said motherboard controller can make the installation of hardware firewalls within your PC easier. This cutting edge PCI-based chip set works with Sempron processors, 64 FX, and some higher end applications.

It's ActiveArmor protection engine protects a computer against known abusers without slowing the machine's performance. Like an updated co-processor, it enhances by processing the network traffic.
The firewall includes port filtering, hacking-buster features, and packet inspection that is a must-have for all Internet-based and computer companies

Another plus factor in this amazing product is the Intelligent Application Manager feature that filters applications, stops Trojan Horses from attacking PCs, and monitors outbound and inbound apps traffic. The product now has three versions including "Ultra"; all with a plenary firewall included. Using this security tool does not require a high level of security know-how because it's as user-friendly as the Harry Potter keyboard. A motherboard and a firewall in one affordable price is very rare, so grab this product now.

The constant threat coming from numerous computer criminals, which I need not enumerate, are growing and sprouting everywhere like poisonous mushrooms. Even if we think we are geared with the right protection, our PCs are still infected by the latest virus which knows no bounds in wreaking havoc and distress. I don't know where these stupid and nasty viruses came from, and I'm half-curious how virus-writers look like, although I would not necessarily want to meet them.

For the record, I think we already have a hundred of digital virus detected by our trusted computer experts, and the latest is the World Cup virus trying to lure soccer fans. I just don't know how many of these computer pests have already been destroyed so as not to damage more network and system of computers use in home and businesses. But the blame on the proliferation of viruses lie on virus writers or anyone possessing computer knowledge and bad intentions. And before I'll continue what I have to say, I need to make immediate arrangements for a 24 hour bodyguard and a flight to Tanzania. Why do I need to resort to these miserable measures? Because after you've heard my answer, I know I have to flee for my own safety.

Okay, (takes deep breath), aside from creators of viruses, we should also blame ourselves because we don't take necessary measure in protecting our machines like overly indulging to online shopping sites. If you don't know what harm these shopping web sites can bring, please make a quick Google search. Anyway, since I tainted your pure soul with my last words, giving an information about a new firewall product, can lesser your anger. If you want a software that is an all-in-one package against viruses, hackers, spywares, thieves and computer bugs, you might want to take a look at Primedius Lite Firewall. I haven't tested it yet myself, but my neighbor said that it really works, and by the way, that neighbor of mine works in a computer company so I guess he's a reliable product endorser.

Thank God, device makers are unstoppable in producing products that will counter nasty hackers, ID thieves, virus writers and culprits of computer worms and bugs. I just realized yesterday while I'm in a computer center; despite the fact that we get dizzy in selecting the right security suite for our machines, the good thing about it is that we have a lot to choose from than having nothing at all. The huge supply of these products make users to become worry-free with regards the safeguarding of their precious machines.

In spite of the myriad threats from computer criminals, we computer driven people are still rest assured that a single or a combination of security tools will give abusers a good fight that they were looking for. Choosing for the right product can be a problem only when you have literally no idea about what you are buying. To supplant your lost of proper knowledge about these things, what you got to do is to check and read technology magazines about the latest trends in computer security. They have product review articles which will give you the idea on what to buy and what to get rid of. It is always best to trust experts about things that we're not aware of that much than taking the research alone.

Among the new products that I've read in these PC mags is the Forum XWall Web Services Firewall
that is as good as old and trusted brands. What I like with this new device is that it can easily detect viruses and nasty software files hidden in attached documents. If I'm not mistaken I think this new product already got an award. You can check it on recent technology papers and web sites to confirm.

Protection or security suites made for desktop and laptop computers are existing in the computer market since time immemorial. I think their evolution started when the first computer virus filled computer machines with devastation. Now, we can choose from a wide array of firewall suites available in software or hardware from the most affordable to the hefty ones.

But since we are now gearing towards what we call the digital era and every computer manufacturer are trying to cram computers into the size of Barbie in the Fairytopia kingdom, most of the computer users I know have what we call pocket sized computers or popularly known as personal digital assistants. They said that they're more comfortable with it than bringing bulky laptops in the office for meetings and conferences. Since everybody is engrossed and wants to be an owner of this Pocket PCs, thus I think it's but right if we also have security suites made for the teeniest and tiniest of these computer gadgets. But do we have a device maker available to do that, since a Pocket PC is also a machine that can be vulnerable to attacks by nasty bugs and hackers?
This question is answered by the ProtectStar Inc., by coming up with an innovative firewall product made for PDAs. Called the ProtectStar Mobile Firewall, it is deemed as the primer security tool for Internet-enabled computers which has the size same as our hands. I haven't tried the product yet but I do hope that consumers get the protection that they need for their gizmo opposite the small size.

As security becomes a necessity thus the price of computer products are becoming higher due to the increasing demand in the computer market. Aside from that, a lot of computer companies are creating stuff like this leading to a wide array of brands to choose from. However, not only those that came from big companies are showing great performance because even those from mushroom like small firms have security suites to boast.

F5 Networks Inc. is still a newbie compared to other companies who are developing computer security suites, but their latest product called the FirePass 1000's works like it has been in the business for a very long time. I was amazed by this product because considering that the company who made it is just a neophyte in the protection business thingy yet it already furnishes a powerful and supple access solution for companies who does not want to use complicated firewall security systems notwithstanding a high price. The said product gives an organized approach to network access depending on the credentials of the client.

Its superb policy engine permits users to determine the various access rights to each group information. Aside from that it permits users to manipulate connection depending on security applied in the client machine. I just don't like its Webifyer because instead of viewing policies by groups, you still have to click it individually. But overall, I guess for a young product like this, I think it will come a long way as far as protection is concerned.

The public Internet users have caused alarming threat that triggered a maelstrom of issues about the security of our network. And no matter what the government does and other concerned business and personal computer users, the vile guys are still on their away to create havoc and distress amongst us. The birth of a wide sort of security tools somehow calmed our nerves like therapeutic scented candles. Like firewalls which were created to serve as a strong barricade against viruses, spyware, malware, adware, hackers, and identity thieves, security devices are expected to provide a maximum protection to our machines.

However, the problem with this tool is that, they don't always work unless you help them monitor the traffic in your system. Although they give you alarm about unknown files trying to penetrate your PC, firewalls can't protect itself from spyware and malware whose purpose is to impair security suites so that numerous malicious traffic can enter our networks. Another thing s that our trusted operating system (OS) vendors have had free malware included in every OS package that we buy, that's why an unending issue on security patches arise.

I think to be able to throttle this network security and computer problems that we're facing now, the best thing that we can wear in our sleeves is awareness and concern for other computer users. I saw a good book in the net about firewall protection and getting rid of cyber criminals, if I'm not mistaken, the title of the book is Firewalls and Internet Security: Repelling the Wily Hacker, by William R. Cheswick, and company. The book provides a breadth of knowledge about configuring and integrating various types of firewall into various network infrastructure. Aside from that, it gives a wide range of security information when implementing firewalls.

It' sad to say that as technology grows and develop, securing our computer machines means paying a high price with the fact that sometimes the money that we shed doesn't really protect our PCs at all. Although we have brands that we can really put our trust and confidence, there are still some business and personal users who does not what to get in order to have a peaceful mind with regards to the safety of their system . Buying a PC is expensive enough, maintaining it is another financial burden, and protecting it would also give us money headaches. I know we have firewall software products that we can download online for free, but it after a month or so of service, we need to download it again. But as a matter of fact, not all of them are capable of ditching out spam, adware, malware, spyware and nasty virus attacks. As for hardware firewalls, their so bulky and consumes so much space, and aside from that, you still need an efficient network administrator to configure it on your PC and test it if it's still running.

It's a nice thing that we now have the SlotShield 3000 by OmniCluster Technologies Inc., which is a firewall that as sleek as an ATM card. Although I'm not sure about the safeguarding power of this thing, I think this highly recommendable to those who needs to save more space in their office desk or home library. But since the company who produce this had been in the business for so long and had established a good reputation, perhaps we should give this one a try.

I think the need for a better firewall won't stop as long as the many firewall security systems available today will still have their own set of flaws and weaknesses. I think just like portable laptops and notebooks, firewalls also have their imperfections. Ever since maximum security means shedding more dollars became a trend in the computer market, more security suites came out to delight of consumers only to disappointed with the low-class service that they can provide. I think this problem is address to the device makers out there who rampantly uses deception in advertising just to make more profit.

Anyways, I am just thankful that despite the wicked computer companies that bombard the computer industry nowadays, we still have some good companies whose credibility matters more than the money that they can get from people. I won't give their names since this is a personal observation and I might touch a nerve to those who are very loyal to some brands. But with regards to the digital firms I'm talking about, aside from the money back guarantee that they offer, they also got professional technical support representatives that will assist you to the best of their ability.

Norton and Mcafee are amongst those few good companies that we can trust and depend on, since both have establish good reputation despite the many rivals that they've got in this industry. Aside from that their products passed the difficult test of computer wizards from prestigious technology magazines like PC World. Though it may sound like I buy products that are recommended by the magazines, I think it's the best way to make sure that you purchase the right products.

A number of companies these days think that unwanted and unauthorized access is only committed by external forces. It is noted, however, that threats regarding security came from internal parties as well. Of course if the culprit is an insider, it is no longer part of Firewall's protection. With such problem, one doesn't have to be an event guru if there are automatic network-wide security event analysis to straighten things out.

The Latest in security event monitoring is GFI LAN guard S.E.L.M., which logs of all your Windows NT/2000/XP/2003 servers and workstations. GFI is also helpful in providing alerts to possible intrusions or attacks by malicious network users.

Moreover, GFI features back up and clear event logs network-wide, as well it is useful in central database archive. Difficulty in real time monitoring of events and ratio increase in network noise are two of the possible limitations if GFI is not utilized. Another catchy feature of GFI is that it requires no client softwares or agents components. GFI can record and evaluate event logs remotely, which is said to be more secure. With such, administration and maintenance problems by the network owners will surely lessen.

The need for quality protection to safeguard our PC from malevolent attacks of hackers, viruses, spyware, malware and adware is truly becoming a growing concern to computer users. Despite the fact that we are bombarded with firewall products and antivirus software, there still a certain degree of doubt encircling users about the capability of such equipments. Therefore we resort to consulting technology magazines, computer experts and the media about what is in and out in the PC security world.

But sometimes doing these are not assurance enough that the firewall security system products that we buy are trustworthy and dependable products. The features that is listed on package for instance if it's a hardware does not guarantee our satisfaction. I can't blame you guys because sometimes we tend to be like the giant Panda bear in China whose natural instinct is to check everything that surrounds him. And as finicky customers or consumers if that's the proper term to use, we have this meticulous attitude to determine the goodness of things serve in our restaurant plates.

With regards to ensuring that we can trust the firewall products that we buy, the bets thing to do with it is to check it, yes, we can actually examine the reliability of these tools if that's the least thing that we can do. Ftester is a device created to test the filtering ability of our firewalls and detect it's capability to detect invasive malicious files. The tool is actually exclusive for checking Linux firewalls. But this is what I want to leave with you guys, would there be a product that is capable of examining the quality of the tester.