Antivirus, Firewall and Spyware Resources
Computer Security Essentials for Everyone

Software Firewalls

A software firewall, also known as a personal firewall - is a software program that installs on your computer. It acts as a guardian of all data that flows in and out of your computer, and protects you from external attacks. Software firewalls do a pretty good job of protecting you from internet security threats, as they block certain types of suspicious data packets and close certain ports that are not commonly used (and not required for regular internet activity). Many software firewalls are available today, like Zone Alarm, PC Cillin, Sygate, EZ Armor, Kerio Personal Firewall, Norton, Lavasoft, Outpost, Black Ice, and Jetico. Information on these products and more is included below.

Most people running Microsoft Windows operating systems now have the Windows Firewall up and running. Is Windows Firewall enough protection? No. Although Windows Firewall helps protect your computer from inbound intruders, it does nothing to protect you from outbound security issues. Much spyware and malware that is already inside your computer can easily get data packets through Windows Firewall and out to the internet. Although Windows Firewall is a bit of help, it does not fully protect you against both inbound and outbound threats. You need a third party personal firewall or hardware firewall to do this. For more information on Windows Firewall, here is an excellent article.

Advantages of Personal Firewalls

The biggest advantage of a software firewall is it's portability. As opposed to a hardware firewall that is an external device designed to protect all the computers on a network, a personal firewall protects the computer it is installed on - no matter who's network it is located on. Useful for traveling users who often access the internet from unsecured hotel and airport internet connections, the personal firewall is an "always with you" firewall. Another advantage of software firewalls is the price. Hardware firewalls can cost hundreds (or thousands) of dollars, and a good personal firewall can be had for well under $50. In addition to protection from intruders, personal firewalls can also include popup blockers, adware protection, spyware protection, cookie blockers and personal data protection.

Disadvantage of a Software Firewall

The biggest disadvantage of a software firewall is that it only protects the computer is is installed on. For a home or small business network with more than one computer, you will need to buy a personal firewall for every computer to ensure that all are protected. For this reason, it is often better (and cheaper) to invest in a hardware firewall if you need to protect several PC's. Software firewalls must also be configured and "trained" to learn what type of personal data to protect (passwords, account numbers, etc...), and what type of internet activity and application data is allowed to and from the internet. If your computer crashes and you need to reinstall the operating system and applications, or if upgrading to a new computer - the personal firewall must be reinstalled and reconfigured.

use a personal firewall and hardware firewall together

For the best possible internet security and computer protection, it's a good idea to use both a software firewall and a hardware firewall. This gives you two good layers of protection, allowing your network (and privacy) to be locked up as tight as possible.

Choosing a software firewall

There are many excellent personal firewalls to choose from, and all offer a decent level of protection. If not using a hardware firewall, or if you need to protect a laptop that is used to access the internet on foreign networks (i.e. hotels, coffee shops, airports, etc...), our recommendation is to buy the most feature-rich personal firewall you can find that is offered by a large, reputable developer. Internet security and protection of your personal information is too important to risk jeopardizing by saving a few dollars on a personal firewall that does not offer a complete blanket of protection.

Free Firewall

There are several good free personal firewall's that you might try, but keep in mind that these may not offer the thorough protection you desire. If you also use a hardware firewall, a free firewall is a good choice for adding a second layer of protection. Beware however, that many websites offering freeware are run by unscrupulous people who disguise adware or spyware as real software. If you want to use a free firewall, please go directly to the manufacturers "official" website to download. See our page on free firewalls for more information or to access safe links to download locations.

Recommended Software Firewalls

Following are some excellent personal firewalls to consider.

Outpost Firewall Pro - Agnitum Outpost Pro firewall effectively protects against hackers and internet intrusions, as well as spyware and identity theft. Award-winning solution provides superior defense against all types of Internet threats. Combines powerful real-time spyware protection with bi-directional firewall filtration so that your online safety is always at a maximum. The easy-to-use program will keep your surfing history private and your critical data tightly secluded from outsiders. The program also displays network connection status in real time and maintains full history log. - “Best of its breed” – PC PRO Magazine

Kerio Personal Firewall - Sunbelt Software - Sunbelt Kerio Firewall was rated "best personal firewall" by PC Magazine. Sunbelt Kerio firewall protects against intruders, offers privacy protection, and is very easy to install and use. Special Offer! Save $5.00 on Kerio Personal Firewall!

AVG Firewall - Grisoft Software offers an AVG Antivirus plus Firewall Edition for superior firewall protection as well as antivirus. Although ABG could be considered an internet security suite, we thought we'd mention this fine product here because of it's excellent reputation. Simple to set up and use, AGV offers effective protection against hackers and network attacks as well as viruses.

Armor2net Personal Firewall 3.12 - Armor2Net Personal Firewall stops hackers and data theft. It includes a spyware remover and is very effective at stopping popup ads. Easy to install and use, it also offers a neat viewer so you can see what kind of data activity is going on. Stealth mode can make your computer invisible to hackers.

eTrust EZ Firewall 5.1 - Computer Associates eTrust Personal Firewall protects your computer from outside intrusions, including hackers. This product is also included as a part of CA's eTrust Internet Security Suite.

Zone Labs Zone Alarm Pro - Zone Alarm Pro is an outstanding personal firewall that includes intrusion prevention, ID theft protection, pop up ad blocking, hacker ID, anti spyware, wireless pc protection and email security.

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Download the new Norton Personal Firewall 2006 today from Symantec Click Here for details. Nortons Personal Firewall provides protection from unwanted intruders, detects internet attacks, and protects your personal information. It also protects against the vulnerabilities of unpatched software and blocks pop ups. This is an excellent software firewall product from one of the most reputable security companies.

Active Shield is an ultimate heuristic screen against trojans and spyware. Don't wait while malicious programs strike roots in your computer. Don't let them ever reach you PC with help of Active Shield! Remember that active defense is more effective than passive. It is your final step on the road to safety and comfort. Please, let professionals guard your security and privacy while you working or entertaining with your PC.

PC-Cillin - Trend Micro's PC Cillin is actually an internet security suite, meaning it also includes other internet protection programs. Pccillin firewall prevents intrusion and blocks hackers, as well as network viruses that target network vulnerabilities.

Tiny Firewall - Tiny Software's Tiny Firewall stops hackers and blocks spyware. Available for PC or Server protection, this product is an excellent value. Available in a Standard and Professional version, the Pro version offers "Track and Reverse", which allows you to "undo" any problems caused by malicious spyware and programs. The firewall protection has been said to be the most advanced there is for a personal firewall, using several types of filtering. Also has a stealth mode, making your pc invisible to hackers.