If you want to protect your computer online intrusions and malicious software, you must use a firewall. A good firewall not only blocks intrusion attempts but also keeps your PC safe by keeping preventing download of harmful software such as virus and malware. Looking for a good firewall? Need a free firewall software to protect your system? If yes, continue reading. Technogadge.com presents a list of best free personal firewalls for Windows.
A firewall in general is an application which applies security measures in order to a prevent hackers, viruses and malware. Firewalls monitor network traffic and checks/prevents unwanted incoming and outgoing connections to and from a computer. It allows or denies communications by using security policies. Firewalls can be broadly divided into two categories: personal firewalls and network firewalls. A personal firewall controls security policy for individual computers, while network firewalls are responsible for controlling traffic between connected networks. Find below some of the best freeware personal firewalls.
ZoneAlarm Free Firewall:
ZoneAlarm Free Firewall offers overall solid protection with it’s 2-way (inbound & outbound) firewall. It makes your PC invisible to hackers and prevents outgoing connections initiated by malicious software. It also monitors programs for suspicious behavior and prevents download of malicious software. The automated program security feature of ZoneAlarm firewall generates minimum alerts. Other notable features of this free firewall include full stealth mode, Early Boot Protection, spy/phishing site blocking, private browsing, Facebook privacy scan, do not track, identity protection services, password independent leak test etc. The Community DefenseNet of ZoneAlarm leverages real-time threat data from worldwide users to detect the latest attacks.
ZoneAlarm Free Firewall works with 32-bit Windows XP and both 32-bit & 64-bit versions of Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8 operating system. Minimum system requirement is 1GB RAM (Windows XP) or 2GB RAM (rest Windows OS) and 100MB free hard disk space. ZoneAlarm Free Firewall is compatible with almost all popular antivirus applications. I am using ZoneAlarm since 2006. It never disappointed me. But I must say earlier versions of ZoneAlarm were better than the recent versions.
Download Link: http://www.zonealarm.com/security/en-us/zonealarm-pc-security-free-firewall.htm
Comodo Firewall:
Comodo firewall is powerful and effective against all kinds of intrusions and hack attempts. It monitors incoming/outgoing connections, prevents Internet attacks and ensures safety by stopping viruses and malicious software from entering your computer. Key features of Comodo firewall include HIPS, auto sandbox technology, game mode, cloud based behavior analysis, training mode, cloud based whitelisting, alert system, detailed summary etc. The Default Deny Protection in this firewall ensures that only known and safe applications are allowed to run in your system.
The Comodo Firewall supports Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8. Minimum system requirement is 152MB RAM and 400MB free hard disk space. The installation process is quick and easy. Basically it requires no or minimum configuration, which even novice users can understand easily. But Comodo does has configuration options for advanced users.
Download Link: http://www.comodo.com/home/internet-security/firewall.php
PrivateFirewall:
Another freeware personal firewall for Windows users. PrivateFirewall from Privacyware is a free firewall with multi-layered defense system. It offers protection from online intrusion, malware, phishing and other threats. Key features of Private Firewall include advanced packet filtering, application monitoring, system anomaly analyzer, process monitor, port tracking & monitoring, registry monitor, email anomaly analyzer, stealth mode, anti-logger module, training mode, compact tray alerts etc.
This firewall monitors all traffic to and from your computer. It can detect intrusions and malware based on unauthorized system use behaviors such as attempts to initiate outgoing TCP, DNS requests, control Windows services, access protected objects, access protected registry area, start a foreign process etc. From the control panel, you will be able to control whether or not to allow an application to access Internet. PrivateFirewall also supports application-only or global packet filtering rules and IP/domain based blocking.
PrivateFirewall is compatible with Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8. The program file is small in size (less than 4MB) and installation is easy. The user interface or control panel of this firewall is straightforward and easy to use. With one click, you’ll be able to block/allow all Internet traffic, block outgoing email, and switch your firewall profile. The settings page has various customization options. PrivateFirewall is one of my favorite free firewalls. Simple, easy to use and almost perfect!
Download Link: http://www.privacyware.com/personal_firewall.html
TinyWall:
For Windows 7 and Vista users, there is a nice little firewall named TinyWall, which is both free and powerful. TinyWall basically hardens the security features and rules of default Windows firewall. It is lightweight and comes with features like automatic learning mode, hosts file protection, tempering protection, port & domain blocklist, password lockdown, and more. It can also block most Trojans, viruses and worms. Unlike common firewalls, TinyWall never displays popups asking for user’s action. Instead it uses application whitelisting approach.
TinyWall runs on both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows Vista and Windows 7. For Vista, it requires Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1 or above. This free firewall application has no compatibility issues with popular antivirus and other security software. But as it is a firewall, you must uninstall other firewall applications (if any) before installing TinyWall. Following languages are available with default download package: English, Japanese, Portuguese and French. Some new languages will be added in future releases.
Download Link: http://tinywall.pados.hu/download.php