Good business class software firewall.

[Poppa_Meth]

We've been running a Linksys WRT54GS V5 flashed to DD-WRT firwmare as our main firewall and Kerio personal firewall to control outbound traffic on three PCs here at work. One of the computers has some major issues though which seem to come from Kerio. Once a week I come in to find the PC locked up tight with no network connectivity and no way to open any programs. All access is being denying to everything. Sometimes I can get into task manager and when I can I shut down all Kerio processes and connectivity returns so I'm assuming Kerio is the culprit here. A restart of the system fixes things for another week.

So I think it's about time to more to a different software firewall. The tech guys who set up the register system for us say we don't need one. The router and windows firewall will suffice, but I'm not sure I agree with that since neither provide outbound protection. So I'm looking for some options for other software firewalls. ZA has been problematic in the past for me so I'd rather avoid it. I have Trend Micro Security Suite on all three PCs but find its firewall sucks. It asks every time a connection attempt occurs with no option to remember the choices. I've heard McAfee actually makes a very good firewall. I don't like McAfee or Norton overall, but have only had experience with their AV products. I've also heard Outpost is good but the full version is heavy on resources. Any suggestions and input would be appreciated.

[GKar]

If it's the same computer that locks up everytime I would look at that computer and not Kerio as the culprit. You didn't provide much information though.

[jsmithepa]

"Business" really should be using a hardware firewall. Software FW uses resources on the PC, increases its complexity, and it interfere with other applications.

I notice linksys got FW boxes now but I haven't use them and can't comment further.

I myself use an "Internet appliance" Sonicwall FW since 2000, honest-to-God FW. U can get one relatively inexpensive from eBay if u know what to look for.

[MOVIEGEEK]

If it's the same computer that locks up everytime I would look at that computer and not Kerio as the culprit. You didn't provide much information though.

I agree,it might be time for a clean install.
I also think you should use a hardware FW.

[Poppa_Meth]

Hardware would be the way to go I agree. Unfortunately my employer is rather cheap when it comes to something he actually needs. Has to save money for the next ball game he goes to.

Problem is this is a relatively clean install. This computer was newly set up in march and has had very little added to it in the interim. I think the problem is related to one of two things. One, it's running Veritas Backup Exec which has it's own accounts calling different portions of the machine to backup. Two, it's running Microsoft Retail Management point of sale system, which is nothing but a pain IMO.

I'm thinking of uninstalling Kerio for a while and seeing how it runs without it. If the lockups are gone then at least I'll know the firewall has something to do with it.

I'm not sure what other info you need really to try and diagnose it. I've talked to sunbelt about it and sent them my error logs, but all they want me to do is uninstall and reinstall the newest version, which I've done countless times already.