Firewall Testing

[Sapient2003]

I am constantly on the internet which is why firewall usage on my computer is a necessity. At first, I visited

http://www.grc.com

and the site recommended ZoneAlarm,

http://www.zonelabs.com.

ZoneAlarm does a poor job at stateful packet inspection. The only feature is its Application Control, which most firewalls have anyway. ZoneAlarm is not very customizable, so if your security needs are specific, use a better firewall. After testing ZoneAlarm I came across Sygate Personal Firewall/Pro. I tested this firewall most thoroughly. Sygate also has Application Control and is somewhat customizable. Again, this firewall isn't very customizable, so if you need specific security needs, do not use this firewall. Sygate, no matter how much you try, wll not prevent access to your NetBIOS Table, which is horrible. The only firewall that I can across that did all I needed was Conceal PC Firewall. Even though it is not longer being made, you can still find version 2.06 in search engines. It is out of date, but it is rock solid. It is very customizable, it has application control, and, for the most part, is simplistic to use. Both McAfee and Norton firewalls are not worth a penny. They too are not customizable, they are unstable, and waste too many resources.

 

[SPYDERIX]

Did you try ZoneAlarm or ZoneAlarm PRO.

ZoneAlarm Pro is better, but costs money.

Hope this helps!

"Quest for the Cup - 2002!"
"Onto the 2^nd round!"
​

 

[Sapient2003]

Yes I tested those firewalls. They contain the same basic security flaws.

 

[MattWray]

Try Cisco Pix.. Matt Wray
CCNA, MCP
mwray77518@yahoo.com

 

[Sapient2003]

I am simply giving a firewall suggestion, not indicating that I myself need help to choose a firewall.

 

[HiyaTiya]

but this waz a question so...what could u expect?

 

[crisc]

If you look again, you'll notice it was not a question. Question threads are marked with a big ? icon, informational threads are marked with a big Lighbulb icon. Sapient2003 just wanted to share his experiences with some different firewall software, not ask about them.

 

[TheOldMan346]

Just to add my two cents.

I tried ZoneAlarm (the free version) and hated it. It kept popping up alerts for rules tyhat I had already approved. Then it started blocking access to programs I had approved with no alerts.

I checked grc.com and several other sources and found Tiny Personal Firewall. Not sure of the exact relationship, but the Tiny fireall was picked up by Kerio and they seem to have forked off separately. I am more comfortable being able to manipulate the rules directly and Tiny/Kerio do this. It is fast, low overhead, very effective and free. I am very happy with it.

The Old Man

 

[HiyaTiya]

Criscs...when i look at the read is IS a lightbulb...