Comodo Firewall

The Finman · #1 04-11-2007, 05:44 PM

Finally, after all these years I finally have found a software firewall I like.

In debating the pros & cons of a hardware versus software firewall, let's be clear...generally speaking, a hardware firewall is usually superior to a software based one.

The choices if you want a hardware firewall are to buy one (and they are usually outrageously expensive, or if you are up to it...build your own.

The problem for me is I'm cheap and lazy.

Seriously though, for what I and most people use a computer for...a software firewall is more than enough. The problem with software firewalls is almost all of the ones still on the market are junk, and the first person that says "ZoneAlarm" I'm going to slap them.

I'm going to say this one time and one time only. I HATE ZONEALARM.

I've tried ZoneAlarm for years, and I truly hate the thing. I keep reading year after year, of supposed computer "pros" that love the thing. I keep thinking maybe I just got a bad copy, or that I didn't give it long enough before I removed the dang thing.

I keep reading about ZoneAlarm's "learning curve" and that after awhile it quits squawking and settles down. The current version of ZoneAlarm I've had for over a year and it still hadn't shut up.

Anyway, I happened upon a new firewall last week and I love it!

http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/

The Comodo firewall is great, and best of all...it's free! No kidding, it's not only free but blows most costly firewalls out of the water.

Quote:

Features & Benefits of Comodo Firewall Pro

Application Component Authentication - validates all the components of an application before allowing it internet access.
Application Behavior Analysis - analyzes each application behavior and detects any suspicious activity before allowing internet access.
Defense against Trojan Protocols - advanced protocol driver level protection
Smart Alerts - Every alert includes a Security Consideration section with advice to users.
Windows Security Center Integration - Windows XP SP2 recognizes Comodo Firewall Pro
Self Protection against Critical Process Termination - cannot be shut down by Trojans, Spyware or viruses.
PC Security during PC Start Up - includes the option to secure the host while the operating system is booting.
Automatic Updater - includes an interactive automatic updater component so that users can check for updates any time.
Error Reporting Interface - includes an XP style bug reporting interface.
Firewall Logging - reveals all the activities with detailed descriptions of the events.
Security Rules Interface - combines with an easy to use GUI.
Application Activity Control - watches each application in detail by showing addresses, ports and amount of traffic.
Graphical User Interface - enables or disables any part of the firewall with one click
Application Recognition Database - recognizes over 10000 applications and determines their security risks.

http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/benefits.html?currency=USD&region=North%20America& country=US

And like ZoneAlarm, the Comodo Firewall not only watches what comes into your computer, but what goes out as well, such as programs trying to "phone home" without asking for permission. But unlike ZoneAlarm, the Comodo Firewall does stop chattering quickly (1-2 days).

Good stuff...I just can't believe it free.

RandomNY · #2 04-12-2007, 09:11 AM

I'm going to have to try it. The only problem I have ever had with ZoneAlarm was that it has to be installed pretty much before anything else in the system, or it would act like a spoiled child that wasn't given ice cream. So it I restored my software, installed my anti-virus, games, and other utilities, then relized that I forgot ZoneAlarm and it got installed last, it would bug the crap out of me, knocking me offline eventhough I told it what programs to allow access and what to block...

It would work perfectly if I installed it right after installing Windows, and then installed all the rest of my software. Once I got my router(Netgear) with firewall built in(eventhough they say you should still use a software based firewall), I stopped using ZoneAlarm...

Windows firewall is crap...

The Finman · #3 04-12-2007, 01:32 PM

All I can say is that Comodo is not olny quieter than ZoneAlarm, but it's also a lot smarter than ZA.

Even when it does ask you what you want to regarding a program or attempted intrusion...it even asks nicer than ZoneAlarm. I know that sounds silly, but when ZoneAlarm pops up, it always made my teeth grind in irritation. I haven't really studied the wording & difference in approach...but the Comodo firewall doesn't irritate me like ZA did, even when alerting or asking about a program or situation. Also, like I said...it's a lot smarter and really seems to quickly adapt to your personality (mine is usually grouchy), as well as to your computer skill level.

AnthonyR · #4 04-12-2007, 09:32 PM

Comodo pro is an excellent firewall. Its better then some paid programs like Zone Alarm and others. One great way to check you firewall security is by going to shields up

http://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?rh1dkyd2

AnthonyR · #5 04-12-2007, 09:35 PM

Zone Alarm is one of the more buggy firewalls I've tested out... Comodo on the other hand was flawless. Hey finman... do you think your uniform can sustain the weight of all those medals?