What free firewall does Bleeping Computer recommend.

I know BC used to recommend PC Tools free firewall, but they are out of business now. And I'm not using Zone Alarm free I still remember back in the XP days how I got hit with malware and then the malware uninstalled it. So what would you guys recommend for windows 8.1? Needs to be somewhat easy to use and free if you have any recommendations.

I'm using exactly ZoneAlarm Free Firewall, but for firewall. The best solution from they is Extreme Security.

For malware just I was scanning with Malwarebytes.

Also, if you prefer a good security solution I recommend you Bitdefender Total Security. If you prefer to pay for them you will have extra features built-in.

Try out Tinywall, it has no pop ups whatsoever, relying instead on its learning mode to let traffic trough for the applications youre using, which you can then set it on normal mode.

Edited by EmanuelJacobsson, 27 August 2020 - 02:40 AM.

Using just Windows firewall by itself, with no third party firewall.

I still remember my firewall journey over the years. I started with ZoneAlarm free, at one point I tried Comodo - swore to never use or recommend their products since they issued SSL certificates to known malware distributors - then went to Outpost FIrewall Pro (RIP). I now use GlassWire which I do like. It's still growing, it's no Outpost Firewall Pro, but it works quite well. So much so I've added it to my Anti-Malware Toolkit as a recommended option.

Hello Tarun?

Quote: "at one point I tried Comodo - swore to never use or recommend their products since they issued SSL certificates to known malware distributors"

Could you please elaborate on that?? I never heard this story. I did recently look into antivirus software and I found it a little strange that they are hardly mentioned, and never negatively, just like, neutral. It made me think that they scrubbed their history with some kind of reputation management.

Anyway, if they really did that, how come they are still around? Are there ever consequences anymore when companies do crazy stuff?

Anyway, looking forward to hearing more.

@nevertrouble: Here's some preliminary reading on the Comodo/Sectigo matter.

• Fraudulent certificates issued by Comodo, is it time to rethink who we trust?
• Volume of Signed Malware Increases, CAs Need Better Vetting
• Sectigo Responds to Chronicle's Report About Malware Signed by Their Certs

When you upgrade to Windows 10, that's one less thing you have to worry about.

I have been led to believe that the Windows 10 Firewall is as good as they get and will handle most everything except a Professional Hacker.

I have been led to believe that the Windows 10 Firewall is as good as they get and will handle most everything except a Professional Hacker.

I know you're joking but, such platitudes (which are so common www) make no sense because under the hood, 3rd party firewalls use the same filtering platform that built-in Windows firewall does.

The only difference is they are more user friendly and have a shinny look for obvious reason $$

Those who can break windows firewall, don't need much time learn how to break same thing that just has differently looking user interface.

So what would you guys recommend for windows 8.1? Needs to be somewhat easy to use and free if you have any recommendations.

They will all do the same job, behind the scene, so choose which ever feels easy to you.

However how much secure will be depends on rules that you define.

My recommendation is to find firewall that also has some built in rules (so that you don't have to create your own) in addition to easy of use interface. 

Edited by zebanovich, 07 December 2020 - 08:27 PM.

@nevertrouble:

I used to use Comodo firewall and it was great. Then they started on an expansion program and tried to become all things to all users; they added Antivirus and other utilities and that is when the problems started.

I had so many problems with Comodo I decided to remove it. After I did, it broke my internet connection. Long story short, after 3 weeks of messing around with it, including asking on their help forum, I discovered others were having the same problem. NO word from the Comodo gods on Mount Comodo. I finally had to reinstall Windows fresh, and reinstall all my programs. I never used Comodo again, and judging from what I see on discussion groups I made the right decision.

@ranchhand

"I had so many problems with Comodo I decided to remove it. After I did, it broke my internet connection."

Wow, I'm so sorry to hear that!

When you say you had trouble removing it, are you still referring to the firewall, or did you also install the Antivirus?

i'm no expert but i have been using spyshelter firewall for years nd have had no problems . it just works and can  make custom rules .

used syygate , then outpost pro  which were really good but no longer supported

Edited by jerry6, 26 April 2021 - 11:14 AM.

I still remember my firewall journey over the years. I started with ZoneAlarm free, at one point I tried Comodo - swore to never use or recommend their products since they issued SSL certificates to known malware distributors - then went to Outpost FIrewall Pro (RIP). I now use GlassWire which I do like. It's still growing, it's no Outpost Firewall Pro, but it works quite well. So much so I've added it to my Anti-Malware Toolkit as a recommended option.

GlassWire does firewall blocking/accessing/tunneling and not just surveillance and reporting?

wow , sure enough it is listed on the features but not on the landing page:

GlassWire is a free network monitor & security tool with a built in firewall.

Edited by PacNW, 04 August 2021 - 12:23 PM.

https://www.binisoft.org/wfc

Windows Firewall Control by Malwarebytes

Using just Windows firewall by itself, with no third party firewall.

Totally agree with you but sometimes window firewall are not enough if you Use google a lot. I think AVS firewall is perfect for a safe browsing experience and to keep your data safe.