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Here is a small collection of free software firewalls along with one intrusion detection prevention program. Every computer connected to the internet, especially with a broadband or DSL connection should have a software firewall to go along with an anti-virus program and anti-malware program(s). The descriptions, logos and/or pictures for each program are the property of the respective author/programmer.
Please note: if you are using the built in firewall that comes with Windows XP, you may need to disable it if you install a third party firewall application. If you try to use both firewalls at once, it could cause Windows to crash or become unstable.
If you need support for a program, please contact the author, not me. This information is provided for informational purposes only. To learn more about what firewalls are, how they operate and computer security, see the spyware help links page.
Free firewall and intrusion prevention software
SoftPerfect Personal Firewall - http://www.softperfect.com/products/firewall/
SoftPerfect Personal Firewall is a free network firewall designed to protect your PC against attacks from the Internet or via a local area network. SoftPerfect Personal Firewall offers customizable security using user-defined rules for packet filtering. It works at a low level and also allows you to create rules based on non-IP protocols such as ARP.
Main features
SoftPerfect Personal Firewall has a powerful traffic filtering system using user-defined processing rules.
SoftPerfect Personal Firewall supports configuration for multiple network adapters.
SoftPerfect Personal Firewall has a learning mode and comes with a set of predefined rules.
SoftPerfect Personal Firewall filters IP and non-IP traffic.
SoftPerfect Personal Firewall is easy to install. It does not change your Windows system files and does not require any additional libraries (dlls)
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R-Firewall - http://www.r-firewall.com/
R-Firewall is a FREE program comparable with commercial firewalls!
R-Firewall is an effective and easy-to-use solution to secure your on-line activity. It protects a computer connected to a local network and/or to the Internet against any intrusions, attacks, trojans, spyware, and other external and internal threats. R-Firewall also filters out inappropriate Internet pages content and blocks dangerous active components you may get while browsing over the Internet or receiving e-mail massages.
Automatic configuration during setup allows you securely surf the Internet right after the software installation. Mobile users can create multiple and easily switchable configurations for specific network environments (Internet surfing at home, office local networks, or public Wi-Fi spots).
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Zone Labs ZoneAlarm - http://www.zonelabs.com/
Combining the safety of a dynamic firewall with total control over applications' Internet use, ZoneAlarm gives rock-solid protection against thieves and vandals. ZoneAlarm now features MailSafe to stop email-borne Visual Basic Script worms, like the "I Love You" virus, "dead-in-its-tracks", thwarting its spread and preventing it from wreaking havoc on your PC.
ZoneAlarm is an Internet security utility and firewall that allows you to detect all Internet access on your computer and control which programs have access to the Internet. Security Levels allows you to automatically set up and configure the Firewall, and eliminates the risk of improper configuration. ZoneAlarm includes five interlocking security services that deliver easy-to-use, comprehensive protection: a firewall, an application control function, Internet lock capability and dynamically assigned security levels and zones.
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Filseclab personal firewall - http://www.filseclab.com/eng/products/firewall.htm
Filseclab Personal Firewall is a personal firewall that allows you to control which programs can access the Internet and at what times. It offers an automated rules wizard that will prompt you for action whenever an incoming or outgoing connection is detected, that does not match any of the existing rule sets. You can then choose to grant or deny access and automatically create a rule for it. The firewall also allows you to create rules manually and supports rules for applications, intranet, network type and time. In addition to connection filtering, the program also offers browser independent web site access filtering, that allows you to block specified sites or limit access to a list of sites. Additional features include control of ICMP packets, traffic graph display, three security levels and more.
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Sygate Personal Firewall - http://smb.sygate.com/products/spf_standard.htm - Free for personal use
Protects against Trojans, spyware, worms and other known & unknown threats Prevents unauthorized or malicious applications from bypassing the firewall Enables even inexperienced users to easily customize and fine-tune security policies Provides best of breed evidence logs for intrusion analysis Easiest-to-use PC firewall and still free for personal/home use
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Jetico Personal Firewall - http://www.jetico.com/
The Jetico Personal Firewall enables you to:
Protect your computer against hackers and malicious software when networked or connected to the internet. Choose a pre-defined Security Policy. Edit an existing Security Policy (i.e. the firewall rule set configuration). Create your own Security Policy. Monitor running applications that access the network. Monitor selected/all network packets as well as selected network events.
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Kerio Personal Firewall - http://www.sunbelt-software.com/Kerio.cfm
Works as a fully functional firewall for the first 30 days then it becomes the limited free edition. Note that Kerio will stop support for the free version after 2006 but sunbelt software will continue its development and support.
Blocks all externally originated IP traffic.
Automatic stealth mode renders the desktop invisible to potential intruders.
Automatically blocks all pop-up windows and banner ads.
Detects break-in attempts by infamous hacker tools.
Connections dialog clearly displays each application's activity at any given moment.
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Prevx Home - The worlds first Host Intrusion Prevention System for the home user - http://www1.prevx.com/routes.asp?R=339
This powerful, host-intrusion-prevention software will protect against malicious intrusions capable of crashing your system, stealing confidential information, tracking your browsing behavior, hijacking your PC, and slowing down your Internet connection. Stops the threats and spyware that anti-virus and firewalls can’t, even new unknown attacks. Prevx uses behavior-blocking technology to protect against malicious spyware, Internet worms, hackers and Trojans.
For a review of the program, read this: http://www.download.com/Prevx-Home/3000-8022_4-10311213.html
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Securepoint Security Solutions Personal Firewall & VPN Client - http://www.securepoint.cc/en/products-pcfirewall.html
The job of your Securepoint Personal Firewall & VPN Client is to protect your PC from unwelcome access from the outside and to protect your personal data thereby. Protecting the PC from attacks from the Internet is the most important field of application today. The Securepoint Personal Firewall & VPN Client represents the intersection between your local PC and the Internet. It also supervises all transfer of data. The Personal Firewall automatically hides your PC. That means it makes the PC invisible for possible attackers and catches suspicious connections. Unnoticed passing-on of personal data will become impossible.
The integrated Securepoint VPN Client is an easy-to-use remote working software based on the latest VPN technology. The software provides smooth integration with a remote network and may be used with the most popular IPSec-compliant gateway - like Securepoint Firewall & VPN server. Securepoint Personal Firewall & VPN Client software provides strong and transparent authentication and encryption to your network traffic. It supports Preshared Key authentication and X509 certificates.
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Comodo personal firewall software - After downloading and installing the firewall, just register with them and you will be sent a free license. After activation, this license will never expire. Other free products include verification engine, anti-virus, anti-spam, backup and a password vault - http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/
Instant defense against hackers and identity theft
Secures against internal and external attacks
Blocks internet access to malicious trojan programs
Safeguards your personal data against theft
Delivers total end-point security for P.C. and networks
As Internet access becomes vital to all business organizations, network security and privacy affects everyone. Comodo, a leading global provider of trust and assurance services for the Internet, provides the highest level of protection for networks and home users alike.
Comodo Personal Firewall is one of the smartest personal firewalls you can ever see. While providing answers to firewall’s questions, users usually do not understand the complex questions which involve complicated connection details like IP addresses, Ports, Application paths etc.
Comodo Personal Firewall helps you to understand what is going on by analyzing each alert and providing you an intuitive, easily understandable Security Considerations section with each question it asks.
With its built-in application database, Comodo Personal Firewall classifies more than 10.000 applications according to their risk level such as SAFE, SPYWARE, ADWARE etc. It is the only personal firewall which has such a big application database and which uses such a database to analyze the security risks.
Comodo Personal Firewall is a complete, easy to manage and effective barrier that keeps hackers out and personal information in.
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PC Tools Firewall Plus - a free personal firewall for Windows XP, 2003 and Vista - http://www.pctools.com/firewall/
PC Tools Firewall Plus is a powerful personal firewall for Windows that protects your computer by preventing unauthorized users from gaining access to your computer through the Internet or a network. By monitoring applications that connect to the network Firewall Plus can stop Trojans, backdoors, keyloggers and other malware from damaging your computer and stealing your private information.
PC Tools Firewall Plus is advanced technology designed specially for people, not experts. Powerful prevention against attacks and known exploits is activated by default while experienced users can optionally create their own advanced packet filtering rules, including IPv6 support, to customize the network defenses. All you need to do is install it for immediate and automatic ongoing protection.
That's why PC Tools Firewall Plus provides world-leading protection, backed by regular Smart Updates, real-time protection and comprehensive network shielding to ensure your PC remains safe and hacker free. PC Tools products are trusted and used by millions of people every day to protect their home and business computers against online threats
PC Tools Firewall Plus feature highlights:
Protects your PC as you are working, surfing and playing.
Intelligent automatic protection without all the questions.
Easy to use. Designed for both, novice and expert users.
Advanced rules to protect your PC against common attacks.
Best of all it's FREE. No catches, limitations or time-limits.
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