Firewalls

[Iain Hogg]

I had originally used ZoneAlarm (free) and been happy with it but when I got a new PC last year it came with a Norton trial version so tried using that.

Recently got pi$$ed off with Norton (no, not you Notatdrop!) so removed it all (?) and went back to ZoneAlarm.

However, yesterday I decided that I was finally going to sort out Internet Connection Sharing with the old PC sitting next to new one only to discover that the root of my problems was that ZoneAlarm (free) doesn't allow ICS

So I've had to re-install Norton for the time being and it all works hunky-dory.

Now for the question. Does anyone know of free firewall software that will allow ICS?

I'm using AVG for virus protection so have no need to fill my HD and registry up with Norton crap!

Iain

 

[BigOz]

I know of a couple of free firewalls Kerio and Sygate personal (registration only). I use sygate but never tried ICS but dion't see why either couldn't as they are both configurable.

 

[cookie]

ZoneAlarm (free) doesn't allow ICS

Iain

hmm, it used to. i suppose they had to do something so people would pay for the pro version.

 

[richie]

Zonealrm does not allow I agree, upgraded to Zonealarm next level up and it all works fine but costs money....

So yes please can anyone answer Iains question a firewall that allows sharing of internet.

I'm using my PC portable as a server for my MAC to connect to the net.... both wi fi. Works fine.... BTW no problems sharing office files whatsoever...

 

[shugie]

If your machine has XP on it, you could put Service Pack 2 on and get the microsoft firewall for, er, nothing.

Seems to work, too well in its default settings!

Note that SP2 is not regarded by many as problem free.

Shug

 

[riverking]

As a complete layman in these matters I can only relate my recent experiences FWIW.
A week ago I lost my entire pc to 'spyware' despite having norton firewall,anti-virus & systemworks (pro versions) installed.
Norton did not even see the problems let alone solve them - result was my pc reloaded to windows 98 not xp pro & would not change back.
AVG was kindly recommended by Fanum, it sorted out several virus's (?) but could not 'heal' two of them even though it did detect them.
Reloading service pack 2 and microsoft anti-virus (beta 1) has solved all problems & it's free!
Not an endorsement, I'm not qualified to give one, but it seems to have worked for me.

Steve

 

[Fanum]

It does allow it through a router.

Don't be cheap Iain....go buy yerself a Belkin Broadband router.....makes life so much easier

 

[Iain Hogg]

Thanks guys, I'll keep serching and let you know.

I am using XP SP2 but the firewall is not as good as ZA etc. so it's only used as a backup while I'm switching between firewalls I'm trying.

Meanwhile, Norton is free financially and does what I want as a firewall - it's just all the other baggage that is entangled with it I object to.

I could, of course, not be a tight git and just buy a modem/router

Iain

 

[Iain Hogg]

It does allow it through a router.

Don't be cheap Iain....go buy yerself a Belkin Broadband router.....makes life so much easier

You posted that while I was posting above!

Going to stick being tight, quit a crap job last week and think I'll go skiing instead - surfing on 2 PCs at once suddenly drops dow the priority list

Iain