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I need a GOOD FREEFirewall :o

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by kc0arf

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asked for a good free firewall and the thread already lists a few desktop and perimeter options (see comments from and ). correctly brought up hardware/suite choices, and hit the key point: pick a solution that fits your OS and the services you actually run. Before chasing names, write down the OS, whether the box is a desktop or server, and which ports/services you must expose.

When evaluating a free firewall, focus on features more than brand: clear inbound default‑deny, per‑application outbound control, simple rule editing (by service and by port), reliable updates, and readable logs. Low CPU/memory use and an easy uninstall are important for older machines. For home users, remember a router’s NAT already blocks unsolicited inbound traffic — the host firewall is most useful for controlling apps and fine‑grained rules.

Practical setup steps: enable default inbound deny; add only the minimum allow rules (specific port + source where possible); create explicit outbound rules for programs you trust; turn on logging for a few days and review what’s blocked; test externally with a port check; if something breaks, consult the log and add as narrow an exception as possible. Never run two resident firewalls at the same time and disable one before installing another.

If using Mac or Linux, pick a solution that integrates with that platform’s networking stack (built‑in tools are often safest). Keep the OS and firewall updated, back up your rule set, and tune logging after the initial audit. The next step for : state OS and a short list of services, then try a lightweight, actively maintained option for a week and tighten rules from the logs.

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Member Avatar for Laser

I need a GOOD FREEFirewall :o

Try Zone Alarm .

Member Avatar for 'Stein

Blackice is also supposedly rated pretty well

Also, if ya wanna spend some money, Norton Interet Securty works pretty efficiently...and comes bundled with Norton Anti-Virus...one of the better anti-virus programs on the market.

lastly, a hardware firewall might not be that bad of an idea...

Member Avatar for kc0arf

Hello,

The real question here is what type of service you require with the firewall, along with what OS are you working with. None of those products would work well with my Mac. By service, I mean how flexible do you require your firewall to be. Do you need to open certain ports for services? Do you need to have a DMZ? How about port forwarding?

It has also been my experience that Norton products are getting worse, and are causing significant loads on the the processor. I am seeing more people migrate away from Norton.

Christian

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