Gł - Windows > All Platforms + Security: Firewalls

Even if you connect through a router that has a NAT built in you should still use a firewall. Why should you have both? If for no other reason than to be warned when an application is seeking outbound network access and to be given the opportunity to block it. This is not the time and place to get into the specifics of using a specific firewall to the best of its ability. This is the place to give you a list of available free firewalls.

- Outpost Personal Firewall
- Sygate Personal Firewall
- Kerio Personal Firewall

Each offer free versions or trail versions.

XP SP2:
Those who use Windows Firewall, included with XP SP2, are getting moderately adequate protection from inbound threats. However, the outbound filtration is weak at best and nonexistent much of the time. If you're maintaining a clean system, or not technically savvy enough to configure your firewall, or have a system with limited resources you should be "okay" with using just the Windows Firewall. For everyone else, and anyone doing anything they wish to keep secure, I'd recommend a third party firewall such as those listed above.

One thing that's important to mention here is that no matter how many applications you install you will not be properly secured to the best of your ability without taken the time to learn about and configure your firewall properly. All I can say in this short article is test often, configure properly, and if you need any help see us in the G³ Forum.

ZoneAlarm - Comments:
Before you ask, it is simpler to say that I do not recommend ZoneAlarm (www.zonelabs.com) for various reasons. Mostly I do not recommend them because of personal reasons. While I will not say that they're product is not good, indeed it's as good as any other product listed here from the testing, I will say that I strongly disagree with their marketing tactics and their past actions of ignoring some rather serious security issues. As such we will make you aware that the product exists and that it does a decent job at protecting your computer, though we can't recommend it at this time.

OS: All Platforms > Security
Date: 07/27/05