J
James Truelove
Can anyone recomend a free Vista compatible firewall. I used to use Comodo
but i believe it is not Vista compatible yet?
James
but i believe it is not Vista compatible yet?
James
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J
John Barnett MVP
There is nothing wrong with Vista's own built in firewall. Unlike XP's
firewall, the new Vista firewall scans both incoming and outgoing traffic. I
have always used the free versions of Zone Alarm with previous versions of
Windows, but with Vista I haven't even bothered installing a third party
firewall. I have simply stuck with the Vista firewall. I haven't had any
problems with it.
--
John Barnett MVP
Associate Expert
Windows - Shell/User
Web: http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org
Web: http://vistasupport.mvps.org
The information in this mail/post is supplied "as is". No warranty of any
kind, either expressed or implied, is made in relation to the accuracy,
reliability or content of this mail/post. The Author shall not be liable for
any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages arising out of the
use of, or inability to use, information or opinions expressed in this
mail/post..
firewall, the new Vista firewall scans both incoming and outgoing traffic. I
have always used the free versions of Zone Alarm with previous versions of
Windows, but with Vista I haven't even bothered installing a third party
firewall. I have simply stuck with the Vista firewall. I haven't had any
problems with it.
--
John Barnett MVP
Associate Expert
Windows - Shell/User
Web: http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org
Web: http://vistasupport.mvps.org
The information in this mail/post is supplied "as is". No warranty of any
kind, either expressed or implied, is made in relation to the accuracy,
reliability or content of this mail/post. The Author shall not be liable for
any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages arising out of the
use of, or inability to use, information or opinions expressed in this
mail/post..
V
Victek
James Truelove said:Can anyone recomend a free Vista compatible firewall. I used to use Comodo
but i believe it is not Vista compatible yet?
James
As John said the Vista firewall includes outbound connection filtering. You
can download an add-on for the Vista firewall called (appropriately) Vista
Firewall Control (there's a free version and a payware version) which
creates an interactive layer that pops up permissions requests for
applications when they first attempt an outbound connection. See link
below:
http://sphinx-soft.com/Vista/index.html
I found this a bit too simple though and am currently using PC Tools
Firewall Plus which is very stable on my system. It is Vista compatible
freeware and is constantly being improved. It supports advanced
"rule-making" which enables you to target and tighten the filtering. I like
the Comodo firewall too, but unfortunately Comodo has not even released a
Vista compatible beta yet (coming in May). ZoneAlarm does have a Vista
compatible beta, but as always you use beta software at your own risk. Hope
some of this is useful to you. Link to PC Tools Firewall Pro below:
http://www.pctools.com/firewall/
J
James Truelove
Thanks for advice
James
James
Victek said:As John said the Vista firewall includes outbound connection filtering.
You can download an add-on for the Vista firewall called (appropriately)
Vista Firewall Control (there's a free version and a payware version)
which creates an interactive layer that pops up permissions requests for
applications when they first attempt an outbound connection. See link
below:
http://sphinx-soft.com/Vista/index.html
I found this a bit too simple though and am currently using PC Tools
Firewall Plus which is very stable on my system. It is Vista compatible
freeware and is constantly being improved. It supports advanced
"rule-making" which enables you to target and tighten the filtering. I
like the Comodo firewall too, but unfortunately Comodo has not even
released a Vista compatible beta yet (coming in May). ZoneAlarm does have
a Vista compatible beta, but as always you use beta software at your own
risk. Hope some of this is useful to you. Link to PC Tools Firewall Pro
below:
http://www.pctools.com/firewall/
G
GTS
The only free firewall out so far for Vista seems to be the one from PC
Tools, and it has been very problematic. I don't know if the latest release
may have fixed the serious bugs it had.
http://www.pctools.com/firewall/
As John Barnett noted Vista's firewall has a 2 way capability. However,
this is disabled by default (a point that MS never mentions when hyping it
as an improved security feature). It is also less user friendly than the
better free firewalls have generally been. See this link for more
information.
http://searchwindowssecurity.techtarget.com/tip/0,289483,sid45_gci1247138,00.html
Tools, and it has been very problematic. I don't know if the latest release
may have fixed the serious bugs it had.
http://www.pctools.com/firewall/
As John Barnett noted Vista's firewall has a 2 way capability. However,
this is disabled by default (a point that MS never mentions when hyping it
as an improved security feature). It is also less user friendly than the
better free firewalls have generally been. See this link for more
information.
http://searchwindowssecurity.techtarget.com/tip/0,289483,sid45_gci1247138,00.html
N
nweissma
why did ms disable the 2-way capability of vista' firewall?
how do I enable it? is there a reason why I should not enable it?
in what way is vista's firewall "less user-friendly," and are you saying
that there are better firewalls available? if yes, then how can I disable -
or uninstall - ms's firewall and replace it with another, given that I have
installed ms's onecare package?
I will read your link and ask further.
thanks
how do I enable it? is there a reason why I should not enable it?
in what way is vista's firewall "less user-friendly," and are you saying
that there are better firewalls available? if yes, then how can I disable -
or uninstall - ms's firewall and replace it with another, given that I have
installed ms's onecare package?
I will read your link and ask further.
thanks
R
Rock
James Truelove said:Can anyone recomend a free Vista compatible firewall. I used to use Comodo
but i believe it is not Vista compatible yet?
In my opinion, you don't need a 3rd party firewall in Vista. There are many
improvements to it from the XP firewall.
M
Mike Tullett
On Wed, 18 Apr 2007 19:05:44 +0100, John Barnett MVP wrote in
The Consumers Association ("Which") here in the UK made a similar mistake
in reporting the outbound traffic was being checked. When there is a clean
install of Vista (even an upgrade) the outbound firewall is *not* on by
default. If you load the firewall configuration plug-in at the "Run" box
by typing "wf.msc" this disability can be seen.
There is nothing wrong with Vista's own built in firewall. Unlike XP's
firewall, the new Vista firewall scans both incoming and outgoing traffic. I
have always used the free versions of Zone Alarm with previous versions of
Windows, but with Vista I haven't even bothered installing a third party
firewall. I have simply stuck with the Vista firewall. I haven't had any
problems with it.
The Consumers Association ("Which") here in the UK made a similar mistake
in reporting the outbound traffic was being checked. When there is a clean
install of Vista (even an upgrade) the outbound firewall is *not* on by
default. If you load the firewall configuration plug-in at the "Run" box
by typing "wf.msc" this disability can be seen.
G
GTS
See inline
Probably because it might have been confusing to less knowledgeable users
who are not used to having to manage permissions. There's some truth to
this and it may arguably make sense, but MS misled the public into thinking
it was in fact functional, in order to hype it as a security improvement in
Vista.
That is answered in the second link I provided. You should not enable it if
you are using MS Onecare becasause that includes a firewall with outbound
functionality. (It probably interacts with or is a front end to the Vista
native firewall.)
though there's an ad-in to enable that. Also, it's not all obvious how to
enable it and configure permissions.
Again, if you are using Onecare, don't also add a 3rd party firewall. Use
one or the other.
nweissma said:why did ms disable the 2-way capability of vista' firewall?
Probably because it might have been confusing to less knowledgeable users
who are not used to having to manage permissions. There's some truth to
this and it may arguably make sense, but MS misled the public into thinking
it was in fact functional, in order to hype it as a security improvement in
Vista.
how do I enable it? is there a reason why I should not enable it?
That is answered in the second link I provided. You should not enable it if
you are using MS Onecare becasause that includes a firewall with outbound
functionality. (It probably interacts with or is a front end to the Vista
native firewall.)
As I understand it the Vista firewall doesn't prompt for program permissionsin what way is vista's firewall "less user-friendly," and are you saying
that there are better firewalls available? if yes, then how can I
disable - or uninstall - ms's firewall and replace it with another, given
that I have installed ms's onecare package?
though there's an ad-in to enable that. Also, it's not all obvious how to
enable it and configure permissions.
Again, if you are using Onecare, don't also add a 3rd party firewall. Use
one or the other.
V
Victek
GTS said:The only free firewall out so far for Vista seems to be the one from PC
Tools, and it has been very problematic. I don't know if the latest
release may have fixed the serious bugs it had.
PC Tools Firewall Plus 2.X initially had a bug that caused the firewall to
block all traffic when enabled, but that was fixed months ago. There have
been numerous updates since then to improve the firewall, however users
should be aware that this firewall is rules based and requires more user
input then ZoneAlarm to work optimally. For instance, my computer is behind
a router and a cable modem, so I needed to make rules allowing the router
and modem IP's access to the computer. That was easy enough for me, but
someone without basic knowledge of TCP/IP might have a problem. It easy
though, to turn OFF PC Tools Firewall Plus (and turn the Windows firewall
back ON for protection), restore internet access and get support from the PC
Tools forum.
P
PTravel
Mike Tullett said:On Wed, 18 Apr 2007 19:05:44 +0100, John Barnett MVP wrote in
The Consumers Association ("Which") here in the UK made a similar mistake
in reporting the outbound traffic was being checked. When there is a
clean
install of Vista (even an upgrade) the outbound firewall is *not* on by
default. If you load the firewall configuration plug-in at the "Run" box
by typing "wf.msc" this disability can be seen.
Wow! Thank you for posting this. I was also under the impression that
out-bound traffic was blocked but, as you note, it is not by default.
8
8os.8
Wow! Thank you for posting this. I was also under the impression
that out-bound traffic was blocked but, as you note, it is not by
default.
can go to some of the fw test sites and tryout your setup
list . not sure if current
http://www.iexbeta.com/wiki/index.php/Windows_Vista_Software_Compatibility_List#
Firewalls_.2F_IDS.27s
http://www.jetico.com/ [v1 has lots of rules to manage. don't know about v2.]
both jetico's and kis (kaspersky) 6 did well at matousec and firewallleakter (dated
ratings, but has tests). kis is payware.
check fileforum, softpedia, snapfiles, wilderssecurity for user comments. eg,
http://www.google.com/search?q=vista+wilderssecurity+compatibility+firewall+2007
M
mikeyhsd
take a look at Vista Firewall Control from
sphinx-soft
enables the outbound and gives interface to enable/disable as needed.
(e-mail address removed)
can go to some of the fw test sites and tryout your setup
list . not sure if current
http://www.iexbeta.com/wiki/index.php/Windows_Vista_Software_Compatibility_List#
Firewalls_.2F_IDS.27s
http://www.jetico.com/ [v1 has lots of rules to manage. don't know about v2.]
both jetico's and kis (kaspersky) 6 did well at matousec and firewallleakter (dated
ratings, but has tests). kis is payware.
check fileforum, softpedia, snapfiles, wilderssecurity for user comments. eg,
http://www.google.com/search?q=vista+wilderssecurity+compatibility+firewall+2007
sphinx-soft
enables the outbound and gives interface to enable/disable as needed.
(e-mail address removed)
Wow! Thank you for posting this. I was also under the impression
that out-bound traffic was blocked but, as you note, it is not by
default.
can go to some of the fw test sites and tryout your setup
list . not sure if current
http://www.iexbeta.com/wiki/index.php/Windows_Vista_Software_Compatibility_List#
Firewalls_.2F_IDS.27s
http://www.jetico.com/ [v1 has lots of rules to manage. don't know about v2.]
both jetico's and kis (kaspersky) 6 did well at matousec and firewallleakter (dated
ratings, but has tests). kis is payware.
check fileforum, softpedia, snapfiles, wilderssecurity for user comments. eg,
http://www.google.com/search?q=vista+wilderssecurity+compatibility+firewall+2007
8
8os.8
take a look at Vista Firewall Control from
sphinx-soft
enables the outbound and gives interface to enable/disable as
needed.
i saw that (above in thread) but didn't realize the significance. an "addon" for ms
builtin vista fw.
have you tried this?
i'd rather see some feedback or tests before trying (the vista's not mine)
I don't see enough info on the sphinx-soft website to see what kind of rule-edits are
possible (or doably possible!)
http://www.sphinx-soft.com/Vista/using.html
ui is more convenenient for the pay version
and skimming short text,
http://www.sphinx-soft.com/Vista/settings.html
Settings
(Plus version only)
i don't see differentiation between this and the free version.
http://groups.google.com/groups?q="Vista+Firewall+Control"+|+sphinx-
soft+Firewall+rules+free+%7C+freeware
link from freeware ng
http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-10877_11-6131599.html
http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-10877_11-6098592.html
"But once you discover the secret of accessing its advanced configuration settings via
the MMC snap-in"
maybe if editing via the free version of sphinx is limited, the original ms ui is enough?
edit details in mmc, then use sphinx to toggle fw's modes?
but so far, none of this (Kaspersky or ms fw) is easy enough for "grandmom or
grandad" to use.
http://thevistaforums.com/index.php?act=findpost&pid=60516
http://msmvps.com/blogs/hostsnews/archive/2007/03/07/windows-vista-firewall.aspx
------=_NextPart_000_01F9_01C78CA1.97FC34E0
<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN">
<HTML><HEAD>
snip
M
mikeyhsd
am currently using it.
when a programs needs to go out, a pop up comes to ask you to enable or disable or temp enable the out request.
only thing I have found is you may have to refresh the request that caused the pop up.
like click open a link to get IE to open.
have to close IE and click link again, first time only.
from then only it is approved for out going.
(e-mail address removed)
i saw that (above in thread) but didn't realize the significance. an "addon" for ms
builtin vista fw.
have you tried this?
i'd rather see some feedback or tests before trying (the vista's not mine)
I don't see enough info on the sphinx-soft website to see what kind of rule-edits are
possible (or doably possible!)
http://www.sphinx-soft.com/Vista/using.html
ui is more convenenient for the pay version
and skimming short text,
http://www.sphinx-soft.com/Vista/settings.html
Settings
(Plus version only)
i don't see differentiation between this and the free version.
http://groups.google.com/groups?q="Vista+Firewall+Control"+|+sphinx-
soft+Firewall+rules+free+%7C+freeware
link from freeware ng
http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-10877_11-6131599.html
http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-10877_11-6098592.html
"But once you discover the secret of accessing its advanced configuration settings via
the MMC snap-in"
maybe if editing via the free version of sphinx is limited, the original ms ui is enough?
edit details in mmc, then use sphinx to toggle fw's modes?
but so far, none of this (Kaspersky or ms fw) is easy enough for "grandmom or
grandad" to use.
http://thevistaforums.com/index.php?act=findpost&pid=60516
http://msmvps.com/blogs/hostsnews/archive/2007/03/07/windows-vista-firewall.aspx
snip
when a programs needs to go out, a pop up comes to ask you to enable or disable or temp enable the out request.
only thing I have found is you may have to refresh the request that caused the pop up.
like click open a link to get IE to open.
have to close IE and click link again, first time only.
from then only it is approved for out going.
(e-mail address removed)
take a look at Vista Firewall Control from
sphinx-soft
enables the outbound and gives interface to enable/disable as
needed.
i saw that (above in thread) but didn't realize the significance. an "addon" for ms
builtin vista fw.
have you tried this?
i'd rather see some feedback or tests before trying (the vista's not mine)
I don't see enough info on the sphinx-soft website to see what kind of rule-edits are
possible (or doably possible!)
http://www.sphinx-soft.com/Vista/using.html
ui is more convenenient for the pay version
and skimming short text,
http://www.sphinx-soft.com/Vista/settings.html
Settings
(Plus version only)
i don't see differentiation between this and the free version.
http://groups.google.com/groups?q="Vista+Firewall+Control"+|+sphinx-
soft+Firewall+rules+free+%7C+freeware
link from freeware ng
http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-10877_11-6131599.html
http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-10877_11-6098592.html
"But once you discover the secret of accessing its advanced configuration settings via
the MMC snap-in"
maybe if editing via the free version of sphinx is limited, the original ms ui is enough?
edit details in mmc, then use sphinx to toggle fw's modes?
but so far, none of this (Kaspersky or ms fw) is easy enough for "grandmom or
grandad" to use.
http://thevistaforums.com/index.php?act=findpost&pid=60516
http://msmvps.com/blogs/hostsnews/archive/2007/03/07/windows-vista-firewall.aspx
------=_NextPart_000_01F9_01C78CA1.97FC34E0
<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN">
<HTML><HEAD>
snip