Looking For Good Easy-To-Use Firewall for Home PC 1

[JohnBates]

Hi Firewallers,

I'm running Windows 2000 Pro at home. Just 1 machine.
Recently got a Cable modem internet connection.... so I know I need a firewall now.

Looking for just a software solution - no hardware.

Want something that is free or < $60.
Easy to configure.
Compatible with Win 2000.

What do you recommend ? Norton's, McAfee's, ZoneAlarm ??

Thanks for your opinion.
John

 

[jnicks]

ZoneAlarm, and while you are at it pick up web washer

Both have free versions. Unless you are using Outlook or Outlook express you have no need for ZA Pro, as long as you don't manually open the attachments =)

http://www.zonealarm.com

http://www.webwasher.com

 

[JohnBates]

Thanks jnicks.

I DO use Outlook Express... so I guess I will need Zone Alarm PRO ?

John

 

[sleipnir214]

One thing to keep in mind with on-the-machine firewalls. It is possible for malicious code on a web-site to shut down your firewall.

ActiveX code from websites run with the permissions of the user who is logged onto the computer. If you are logged onto W2K as a user who has permission to shutdown the firewall, then an ActiveX app can shut it down for you, leaving you vulnerable.

I strongly recommend that for day-to-day use you log in as a user who does not have administrative privileges. ______________________________________________________________________
TANSTAAFL!

 

[NoDuff]

To add onto JohnBates's question, are there any software firewalls that are worth their weight for servers? I'm running a standalone W2K server with VPN/IIS/Terminal Services. Any advice would be great. Thanks.

 

[JohnBates]

Hi everyone,

I went with Norton Personal Firewall - like it really well.
It integrates with Norton Antivirus for updates etc.

It has intercepted many &quot;trojan horses&quot;.

Anyone who has a constant connection to their ISP needs a firewall.

Thanks to all who replied. John