least complicated firewall software available?

[sdsumike619]

I need to install a firewall but I want something that isn't complex with options on top of options. Just something to get the job done that isn't a resource hog. What do you recommend?

[Number Six]

I'm probably going to get slammed for this, but I just use the firewall that comes with Windows - it works good enough for me. I have tried different firewall programs in the past, and they were all a pain to configure - at least they were for me. I also use Avast for my AV program - good combo for me.

[edDV]

First, turn on the Windows firewall in XP or Vista.

Second, consider using a router between the internet and your computer even for a single PC. That will offer ~80% the incoming protection of a hardware firewall.

Third, never open links in email messages. Use Google instead.

The remaining major threat is malware sending info from your computer. For protection from that you will need a software firewall and program it to allow only trusted programs to send data.

[t0nee1]

Besides my router's HW firewall, I use Comodo, once configured it works good for me...

[sdsumike619]

I'm using XP and I do have a router Netgear WGR614
Can I just use the content filtering features of my router instead of a software firewall?

[t0nee1]

As stated above, using a SW firewall offers blocking protection from malware sending outgoing PC data or allow only trusted programs to send...

[sdsumike619]

I did a search on lifehacker and in the comments it looks like there's two extremes for Comodo, love and hate. But that's the one everyone is talking about so I'll give it a shot, thanks!

[wtsinnc]

If Comodo doesn't suit your tastes and you are running XP or W2K, try the Sygate firewall (available at www.filehippo.com among other places). Sygate is an older design but still offers great inbound and outbound protection and is lean; it won't slow you down. Sygate isn't compatible with Vista.

If you want something newer and/or are running Vista, try the PC Tools firewall. It too has excellent in and out control and runs fast. You can find it at www.softpedia.com and www.fileforum.com as well as at www.majorgeeks.com and it, as the Sygate firewall, is free.

Be sure to check that the Windows firewall is indeed turned off. Sometimes, a third party FW fails to do this. You can access the Windows firewall control settings via the Windows Security Center.

[MOVIEGEEK]

The old ZoneAlarm firewalls were good but the latest ones don't work well with XP SP3 or Vista,now I just use the Windows firewall and a hardware firewall(router).The biggest threat nowadays for personal computers is from viruses so get yourself a good AV program.

[redwudz]

Comodo is a bit of a pain till it self configures, but after that, no problems. It has blocked quite a few outgoing packets that my other programs missed. Vista doesn't block outgoing packets by default, so it works very well for that OS. Give it about a week and it should switch to normal mode after it learns your habits, then you should be happy with it.

[harrisonford]

Try Sygate. simple and freeware. they have a pay for one also, thats all the time I have sorry

[sdsumike619]

Well I now know where I am on the spectrum for Comodo - haaaaaaaaaaaate it! Computer is running like total crap. I don't have a clue how to run it, there's nothing easy about it, probably the worst software I've ever used, worse than Microsoft!!!!!!!!!

[GKar]

Most software firewalls leak like a sieve on the outbound end. Comodo is pretty good. You may want to give Online Armor free version a shot.

Matousec's Firewall test also lists whether they are free or not:

http://www.matousec.com/projects/firewall-challenge/results.php

[live4fun]

Try this free software. it offers inbound and outbound protection

http://www.snapfiles.com/reviews/NetVeda_Safety-Net/netvadanet.html

[fritzi93]

Another thumbs down for Comodo here. It just wouldn't cooperate on my machines. Dunno why.

I presume there's still a free version of Outpost Firewall available? Nice small footprint. You can either configure it manually or set "Allow Most" mode, which is a reasonable level of protection, and you won't get any more prompts. I've used that, along with a router, for years now.

Good luck.

[wtsinnc]

The free Outpost firewall can be downloaded from here:
http://www.filehippo.com/download_outpost_firewall/

[Phlexor]

When you install comodo, only install the firewall part, and forget everything else. It's all just extra crap you don't need if you just want a simple firewall only.

And if you have ever tried to play a lan game of star trek armada 2 with sygate running, you'll want to burn sygate to the feaking ground (read as it just blocks Armada2 no matter what you do).

[wtsinnc]

I'm unaware the OP stated gaming as a priority; not everyone is a gamer.
The original post stated a desire for something simple and wasn't a resource hog. Sygate and PC Tools FWs both match that profile and are far easier to configure.

As far as gaming is concerned;
Gaming performance is dependent on hardware resources as well as any software resources running in addition to any firewall.
To base an assessment of gaming performance on only the firewall that is employed ignores the larger issue of synergy.

To the OP;
Please supply details regarding your computers' hardware configuration and what you primarily use the computer for.
Also, what antivirus/antispyware application(s) do you currently have installed.

[Phlexor]

That's a bit rude. I'm just pointing out that it isn't perfect. And the fact that it failed with Armada2 wasn't because of gaming performance. You could turn off all the advance attact detection features, open all the needed ports etc and it would still block a lan game of armada2. What I'm trying to say is that it has potential flaws and isnt the be all and end all of lightweight firewalls.

If you install Comodo with the firewall only and dont install the antivirus or antimalware stuff, it runs just like sygate but works.

[Krispy Kritter]

Maybe it's just me, but in all the years I've been using a computer, I've only been "infected" twice. Both times were the result of clicking a link or installing something that I shouldn't have, neither of which would have been prevented by using a firewall. I run AV and I have a router in place, Windows firewall is off.

[isogonic]

Software firewalls can often flood the user with all kinds of prompts, soon you get annoyed then just click right through. The prompts can also be pretty technical. If a FW prompt happens to be malware related then most likely it means the malware is already present on your machine.
Some malware can also easily disable firewalls or launch other Window components. You cant control outbound traffic from a compromised machine. A FW dosnt guarantee security for your computer.

neither of which would have been prevented by using a firewall.

So true, the majority of malware is installed by the user themselves, FW or no FW. Learn how you can get malware and you will help yourself.