"W. Watson" <wolf_tracks@invalid.com> wrote in message
news:tNYrj.14714$EZ3.1302@nlpi070.nbdc.sbc.com...
> What are some of the better choices (see Subject), free or commercial? Are
> there some reviews on this topic?
First, software firewalls aren't generally recommended. Seldom is system
security
increased by adding more software. If you like the 'features' that software
firewalls
offer, by all means do use them - just don't get fooled into believing they
make you
safe.
I recommend hardware.
That having been said, try any and all of the free offerings. Some are quite
feature
rich so you can decide which features you like best. Usually, what most of
us would
call internet noise will cause these firewalls to jump to your defense and
thwart the
'attack' - thus giving you the 'warm fuzzies' all over.
I once likened this to a dog that wakes you up late at night by barking at
passing
cars ... nice doggy.
Firewall applications I have tried (although some time ago) include Kerio,
Sygate,
ZoneAlarm, and Tiny. I'm now running McAfee and the one that came with
Vista.
Since this is a notebook computer, the Vista one is good for when I'm not
behind
a router.
HTH