[jceac]

Ok I'm planning on downloading a firewall so I can use my computer in the campus network and be safe.
Questions:

What firewall should I get? (Preferably one that won't slow my system down)
Do I even need one?

Also, I usually only use my computer at home behind a router, so will I be able to turn the firewall on and off at will? Should I? Or should I rely on the software firewall more instead?

Will I need to turn off Windows XP Firewall? How good is it anyway?
Or can I leave it on and have double-layer protection?

Windows XP Home, SP2; 2GB RAM; 1.73GHz
Spybot S&D
SUPERAntispyware
AVG Free Ed.
HijackThis
CCleaner

THANKS!!

[TOGG]

It is possible that the security policies at your college/university will dictate what type of software you can or cannot use on their network, so that may be your first point of enquiry.

As for your specific points;

1. Have a look here; http://www.matousec.com/projects/win...ts-results.php Bear in mind that there is no guarantee that the testing methods used here, or on any similar site, can replicate 'real world' situations,

2. If your college uses routers, or allows you to use your own, you may not need a software firewall as well. I have seen numerous opinions to that effect, but there are probably just as many that suggest that, if you have them, you should use both,

3. Software firewalls should be relatively easy to disable if you wish to do so. I don't have a router but, if I did, I would use it and a firewall, but I am paranoid!

3. Don't know anything about the Windows firewall because I have never used it. I thought I read somewhere that the latest (Vista?) version provided two way protection, which the earlier versions didn't. If you did get another firewall you would definitely have to disable the Windows one, as having two running would almost certainly cause conflicts. Someone here will know more about it.

[jceac]

i took a look on that website and the one that i'm considering the most is comodo.

anyone have any unbiased info on it? pros and cons? is it easy to operate? how much resources does it typically use? etc.

thanks again!

[TOGG]

I have used the Comodo firewall without any serious problems and have recently upgraded to version 3, also without problems.
However, a quick search here and in other Forums will produce lots of posts by people having problems with V 3.

It might be an idea for you to try V 2.4, which is less sophisticated than 3, and see how you get on with it. Here's a link to the latest build of 2.4; http://www.filehippo.com/download_comodo/?2252

As with any software it is essential to read all the instructions very carefully, even more so with firewalls, if you don't want to block internet access for good! Setting a Restore point before doing anything would be a good idea, as would disabling the Windows firewall while you are offline and before installing Comodo. You might also want to wait for a few more opinions about Comodo from other users!

[calvin-c]

The biggest shortcoming I've seen with router firewalls is that they can't tell what program is trying to communicate-only what port they're trying to communicate on. A software firewall can tell which program is communicating & gives you a chance to disallow one even though it's using the same port as another program that you allow.

Overall, if the software firewall isn't slowing down your system I don't see any reason to disable it whether you're behind a hardware firewall or not. If it is slowing down your system then the first thing I'd do is try another firewall. If you can't find one that doesn't slow down your system then I'd look at upgrading the system-but that's me.

[Broni]

Comodo has the highest ratings across the board, and I used to use it on my Win 2K machine, but I got tired of its constant pop-ups, caused by its non-ability to remember my OKed settings. I don't know how is the newest version, though.
Now I'm using PC Tools free firewall: http://www.pctools.com/firewall/ on 2K, and Vista, and I'm very happy with it.

Windows firewall is useless, especially regarding its outbound traffic protection. It's close to zero. I ran some "leak" tests on Vista built-in firewall, and it failed most of them.
If anyone interested, the results are here:
http://www.smartestcomputing.us.com/...vista+firewall

[Geminiadam]

Originally Posted by TOGG

I have used the Comodo firewall without any serious problems and have recently upgraded to version 3, also without problems.
However, a quick search here and in other Forums will produce lots of posts by people having problems with V 3.

It might be an idea for you to try V 2.4, which is less sophisticated than 3, and see how you get on with it. Here's a link to the latest build of 2.4; http://www.filehippo.com/download_comodo/?2252

As with any software it is essential to read all the instructions very carefully, even more so with firewalls, if you don't want to block internet access for good! Setting a Restore point before doing anything would be a good idea, as would disabling the Windows firewall while you are offline and before installing Comodo. You might also want to wait for a few more opinions about Comodo from other users!

Online Armor free is also a great one. Just as effective as Comodo V2.4, I find Online Armor free a little easier to use and has less pop ups. I can't comment on Comodo v3, as I have never used it. I hope I have helped a little.

If you are interested, here is the link: http://www.tallemu.com/online_armor_free.html

[jceac]

Thanks To Everyone Who Responded!!!!