software on the pc firewall

[Temmu]

q # 2, whaddabout software firewalls?

i've used za for a few years w/no problems, yet i see complaints here and there, and some friends gripe about it.

i've seen some of the posts here, but can some of you summerize your thoughts on the free ones?

[Ghost]

hi Temmu,
ive used sygate (app based fw) for yrs but symantec/norton bought them out recently so when its released again it will be full of bloat and a resourse hog as is all of norton/symantec.
i cant find a d/l link for sygate because symantec/norton has shut down all links for sygate d/l, that i can find, however im sure that someone here has a link for the sygate version 5.5.2710. this version had the least problems but i never experienced any problems with my pc's or other pc's i installed sygate on.
sygate setup:
http://home.bellsouth.net/p/s/community.dll?ep=16&groupid=60610&ck=&userid=1&userpw=.&uh=1,0

at this time im using Kerio 2.1.5 on 1 xp and still using sygate on the other, but kerio 2.1.5 is a pure rule based fw and if your not familiar with local/remote ports, ip addresses, dns, dhcp, loopback, and etc, this fw may not be what your looking for. (very low on resourses)
here is the d/l for kerio 2.1.5:
http://www.321download.com/LastFreeware/page7.html#Kerio%20Personal%20Firewall
instructions for kerio 2.1.5 rules setup:
http://www.urs2.net/rsj/computing/kerio/index.html

if you really liked za, here is a good way to set it up:
http://www.markusjansson.net/eza.html

there is a new version of kerio, its 4.xxx
kerio 4.xxx d/l link:
http://www.sunbelt-software.com/Kerio-Download.cfm
kerio users guide: (pdf)
http://www.sunbelt-software.com/Kerio-Docs.cfm

there are a few other free fw's out there but i dont have any experience with them, however others here have experience with other free/paid fw's but it really boils down to what you like and feel most comfortable with yourself.
there is more info on the above fw's at my site in the firewalls section:
http://www.bbusa.net/ghost1/ghostsmarkers.html

G   

[Temmu]

thanks, ghost, will follow your link.

will also post later with results... :)

[SpiritWind]

 :D  Hi all :

      The Best Sygate "Setup Guide" is at :
      www.kotiposti.net/string/SPF_eng/SPFGuide.html .

      The Sygate Personal Firewall 5.6 can be downloaded from :
      http://www.majorgeeks.com/Sygate_Personal_Firewall_Free_d3356.html .
      ( Just do NOT select the "Author's Site" for download )

[Ghost]

hi Temmu,
dont know if your running any 9.xx or ME, but if you are the 5.6 version may give you problems. for those ms sys's i recommend the 5.5.2710 version. for quite awhile ive used the 5.5.2710 on all machines ive installed a fw on and ive had no call backs.
a link to several sygate fw versions:
http://oldversion.com/program.php?n=sygate
G

[Temmu]

thx, ghost & spiritwind!  - nothing but xp since a couple of years ago.  and now can't go back due to lack of ms support...

[Corrine]

I used ZA for many years -- and likely still would be if I hadn't had the opportunity to receive a license for Sunbelt's Kerio 4.

I'm not one to give carte blanc to a software so always used the "allow this time" with ZA.  With Kerio 4, you can manage or allow Kerio to make the decision for you.  Of course, I elect to decide for myself.  (For example, if I'm playing a CD, why does WMP need access to the internet?  Just because its a known software, doesn't mean it needs access.)  Anyway, I like to give a software a few times online before I create a rule.  Kerio sometimes doesn't like that I say "permit" and makes me "permit", "permit", "permit", "permit" . . . and will occasionally result in a crash. 

[Temmu]

...so... kerio, then, is a paid-for firewall?

and i agree, i try not to let too many things have access to the internet...  even browsing with ff is a bit scary! :)

[Ghost]

hi temmu,
Kerio 2.1.5 is free and Kerio 4 is a paid fw. Kerio 4.xx is $19.95 for 1 yr and $9.95 each yr after that but Kerio 4.xx also has a 30 day 'evaluation download' thats free. im not sure about what part of the fw is available after the trial period is over, if any, but im checking into that at this time.
im sure no matter what fw you chose you will get good support here;-).
here is Sunbelts own support site for Kerio 4.xx, however its email support:
http://www.sunbelt-software.com/Support-HomeOffice.cfm
ill get back to you as soon as i find out what happens after the 30 day trial of Kerio 4.xx.

G

[Corrine]

Thanks, Ghost.  I thought I had replied to Temmu.  Guess not.  :smash:

[mitch]

sunbelt's firewall is in two flavors like ewido
and like ewido the free is forever but the download is the $ version for a short period of time
some of the $ would be nice to have but you can live without ;-)
and is close to ZA as the free vs the $ version   


this is from their page
http://www.sunbelt-software.com/Kerio.cfm

the major differences


Product:     SKPF 4 - free     SKPF 4 - full
NETWORK SECURITY
Packet filter    YES    YES
File integrity control    YES    YES
Application communication control    YES    YES
Application launch control    YES    YES
Network Intrusion Prevention System    YES    YES
Host-based Intrusion Prevention System    NO    YES
CONTENT FILTERING
Advanced Identity Theft Protection    NO    YES
Script blocking (JavaScript, VB script)    NO    YES
Referrer and Cookies blocking    NO    YES
Ad blocking    NO    YES
Pop-up windows blocking    NO    YES
STATISTICS, LOGGING
Statistics of attacks and blocked ads    YES    YES
Automatic update checker    YES    YES
Extended logging    YES    YES
Syslog    NO    YES
Runs as Internet Gateway    NO    YES

[Ghost]

hi mitch,
thanks for the info :D

hi corrine,

Thanks, Ghost.  I thought I had replied to Temmu.  Guess not.  :smash:

no problem :thumbsup:

G

[Temmu]

thx, mitch!