[bananas000]

Right now my internet security is maintained by AVG virus protection and the 60 day Norton trial I got. I tried to use Zone Alarm but it didn't work in vista (a few days ago anyway). I use public wireless a good portion of my time though so I know I need a good firewall. Are there any suggestions? I have been recommended "comodo" but I've never heard of it before...

[uhaligani]

You will get a bagful of answers for ths one. I have disabled my forewall and only use the built in one that comes with the router. I have, for a long time, done the same with XP. No problems so far!!...waiting.

[jmwills]

Agreed, if you are behind a router, the Windows firewall is more than adequate.

[halcour]

Found this one, has some good test ratings:

http://www.jetico.com/index.htm#/products.htm

Scroll to "Jetico Personal Firewall for Windows NT/2000/XP, version 2.0.0.30" and click on the link, it will take you to the Vista version.

Harold

[horsecharles]

I agree with most...my main reason is wait until all kinks have been ironed out: Vista is just too new to have a decent choice of fully-compatible programs to choose from.

Further, progamming-wise, some things have been allowed in Vista so that third party apps can initially work in it...with the understanding that meanwhile SP1 is released, coding will be re-compiled...Another uncertainty.....

And Windows firewall has always had a decent rep(after its troubled initial release, that is)., so.....

BTW the following is not a firewall...more like a spyblocker / av-- seems to work seamlessly in Visa: http://www.novatix.com/Cyberhawk/

[Squashman]

I see no issues with using the Builtin Vista Firewall. It should already be turned on by default.

[kiwiguy]

I agree. The built-in Vista firewall is now two-way.

[uhaligani]

Have a look here. I know little about the relative merits of firewalls so follow advice. As I said, I have disabled the Vista Firewall and use the (configured) router firewall.
http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-3513_7-6690672-1.html

[Rich-M]

Don't disable Vista firewall, the hardware firewall really does not do the same thing. It only conceals your ip address. Vista firewall is safe and troublefree and all you really need.

[DesertAngel]

I agree with many above. The Vista Firewall is adequate as long as your behind a router's NAT.

[sync]

I guess most people only think of a firewall as being useful for stopping entry in to your computer. I also find it useful for keeping track of what programs are trying to dial home.

I don't care for how the Vista firewall deals with outbound traffic. I'm currently using PC Tools firewall.

[Squashman]

Originally Posted by sync

I guess most people only think of a firewall as being useful for stopping entry in to your computer. I also find it useful for keeping track of what programs are trying to dial home.

I don't care for how the Vista firewall deals with outbound traffic. I'm currently using PC Tools firewall.

I agree with you on that point. The outbound configuration of the vista firewall is horrible. If there is one thing they really dropped the ball on with VISTA it is the firewall. I know they did alot of good things with Security in Vista but the really missed the most obvious. The firewall.

I personally don't worry about what is going out on my computer because I basically know what not to install on my computer. Nobody else is allowed on my computers.

[Rich-M]

I think all of you worried about who is dialing out are showing lack of faith ion your protection. If you don't have the very best spyware and virus protection, then admittedly you probablyu do need a better more intrusive firewall than Vista firewall.
I run Nod32 antivirus and Superantispyware 24/7. Sas never finds any spyware and same for Nod32 or any online scan you can name. I don't use "Freebie" this and "Freebie" that so I don't have any malware. So use your FREE THIS AND THAT and then you need to live with the annoyance of all those stupid messages and permissions to dial out! Personally I would rather have 4 simultaneous root canals or even the virus, then live with things like Zone Alarm.

[jmwills]

The best things you can do are:

Use NFTS paritions
Remove the Everyone Permission
Turn Off File & Print Sharing
Chnage the Name of the Admin Account and give it a strong password
Give the Account you use a strong password and do not use an Admin Account for your everyday work

[Rich-M]

Originally Posted by jmwills

The best things you can do are:

Use NFTS paritions
Remove the Everyone Permission
Turn Off File & Print Sharing
Change the Name of the Admin Account and give it a strong password
Give the Account you use a strong password and do not use an Admin Account for your everyday work

Of course agree with Ntfs. As for the rest, all of that to avoid buying the best protection you can get? OK some people value their time differently than others. I buy my protection so I have the least inconvenience on my system. I mean turn off file and print sharing? Every printer I own is shared amongst all my systems. Why would I do that to avoid spending $75?
I don't think so.