I am wanting to install a freeware firewall and I have no idea which one to choose: I also don't want to lower my windows firewalls but rather wan't a program that will run in conjuction with them. (Please tell me if these are independent only or can run along with windows firewall) So far I've found three options

pick 1: Sygate Personal Firewall Free 5.6.2808

http://www.majorgeeks.com/Sygate_Personal_Firewall_Free_d3356.html

seems like the most popular and says it is good for novices so thats a plus

pick 2: Comodo Personal Firewall 3.0.14.276

http://www.majorgeeks.com/Comodo_Personal_Firewall_d5033.html

seems a little less popular but none the less I've heard good things

pick 3: PC Tools Firewall Plus 3.0.0.60

http://www.majorgeeks.com/PC_Tools_Firewall_Plus_d5470.html

seems like a nice looking interface but I'm wary of it for some reason

So help me out DLP also when I decide which one I'd be greatful for a walkthrough of what settings to adjust, maintain ,disable ,etc: and how to go about properly download the damn thing.

thanks
madeyemoody

 

I've used Comodo for about a year now and haven't had a single problem with it. The computer isn't slowed down that much, and it's stopped anything that may or may not have attacked me.

The only problem is that its new Defence+ system is constantly popping up to ask you things, but you can turn that feature off.

Comodo's also very good in telling you what's happening in plain English. If an alert comes up asking you if you want to allow or block something, it describes to you what type of file is trying to open, what it's trying to access and what it could potentially do if it were a virus/trojan etc.

 

Sygate is a pretty good firewall. I dunno about the other options.

 

You should only run ONE personal firewall at a time. Yes, you should definitely disable the Windows firewall when running any other personal firewall. I've used Sygate for years. I'm happy with it. I would not say it's good for novices though.

I haven't heard of Comodo or PC Tools Firewall before.

Leak testing on default settings puts Comodo well ahead of most other firewalls. I don't know how much to read in to those results tho, Sygate scored abysmally on those tests and I've never had a problem with it. PC Tools Firewall lies on the better side somewhere between the two.
http://www.matousec.com/projects/wi...-analysis/leak-tests-results.php#result-table

Both PCTF and Comodo have been upgraded since those tests. PCTF was tested at 3.0.0.36, as of three days ago it's 3.0.0.60. Comodo has bumped up from 2.4.18.184 to 3.0.15.277.

I see you've already found the MajorGeeks website. Good choice. They can display their firewalls by popularity.
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?id=34&sort=25
They also have a list of their chosen top freeware firewalls.
http://www.majorgeeks.com/page.php?id=20#firewall
There's lots of other quality freeware on that list too.

Without having tried either one... PCTF and Comodo look like they're similar enough that's it worth trying both and seeing which one fits you best. There's no obvious flaw that sets one above the other. It is very much worth noting that both of them have been updated within the last three days, whereas Sygate is dead and hasn't been touched since 2004.

Comodo is a more popular download than PC Tools Firewall on Major Geeks website, BUT PC Tools Firewall gets a MajorGeeks pick tag. "Pick: Means we use it ourselves and think you should. Highest form of flattery here." - MajorAttitude Co-Owner MajorGeeks.Com

Also PC Tools Firewall may integrate better with a number of other useful looking PC Tools software. They have both freeware and payware. [edit] Comodo also has a bunch of useful looking security software, including freeware.
http://www.pctools.com/
http://www.comodo.com/products/free_products.html [/edit]

I know Sygate quite well and so don't feel a need to change. On top of a NAT router it's probably sufficient for my needs. If I was to start from the beginning again tho... I'd flip a coin. Both PC Tools and Comodo look like worthy choices. If one doesn't suit you, try the other.

[edit] Actually, I think I agree with your wary feeling re. PCTF. I'd try Comodo first whilst keeping PCTF in mind as a valid option. Or, you know, Sygate. [/edit]

Yak.