PC Tools Firewall Plus is a personal firewall which is free and extremely simple to use. Like any good firewall in its class, it controls the incoming and outgoing traffic on your connection and warns you when it detects suspicious access. Designed by the same publisher as Spyware Doctor, it lets you enjoy a friendly and clear user interface.

Novices are likely to enjoy PC Tools Firewall Plus because it works immediately after installation is complete, without having to configure anything. If you go into expert mode, you get to handle more parameters and receive more detailed messages.

Through the "Applications", it is easy to authorize or block the applications which can access the network. You can also define with a click, advanced rules to manage your traffic. PC Tools Firewall Plus lists all network activity and the number of packets and bytes received and sent blocked.

The only thing missing really with this firewall is the ability to set different security levels.

The free version of PC Tools Firewall Plus makes the junction between ease of use, functionality and overall good performance. All without consuming too many resources.

OS compatible with PC Tools Firewall Plus: Win2000/XP/2003/Vista

Pros

Free
Easy to use
Automatic or configurable

Cons

Only one level of security

Windows 7 Firewall Control is a free firewall program which very easily blends perfectly along with safety tools built into Windows 7. This program lets you control applications that connect to the Internet, either inbound or outbound.

Very simple to install, it alerts every time an application requests a connection to the network or the Web. At the click of a button, deciding which applications are allowed to use the network.

Once the application is approved, it will be allowed forever, which is more comfortable than some applications that require a response to each connection every time. Other than the ease of use, the options are minimal. For more parameters, a commercial version is available.

Despite its name, it is compatible with Windows Vista, just as with Windows 7. It works the same way for the 2 operating systems.

To prevent threats from Internet, Windows 7 Firewall Control is a firewall simple enough but also effective as a tool blend perfectly with the security features installed by default on Windows 7.

Recent changes in Windows Firewall Control 7:

Compatible with Windows 7

OS compatible with Windows Firewall Control 7: WinVista / 7

Pros

Addition to security tools in Windows 7
Simple and effective
Free

Cons

Few options

Kerio Personal Firewall (KPF) is a free firewall program which helps scrutinize and control the exchange of data with other computers connected to the Internet or your LAN. It is designed to protect any PC connected to the Internet via DSL, cable, dial-up, ISDN, WiFi or satellite modems.

The firewall is able to create its own rules to allow automatic configuration of your browser, your email or your P2P software to transfer data between your PC and network. It will release the ports required by these applications and allow them to function normally and safely.

The configuration is done via window-lined tabs. It is very clear, and even novice users can easily adapt to them.

Reliable, lightweight, Sunbelt Kerio Personal Firewall is the direct competitor of ZoneAlarm.

Notes:

This software is free under a personal use, but some of its features will be blocked after 30 days

Limitations:

30 days trial

OS compatible with Sunbelt Kerio Personal Firewall: Win98/98SE/Me/2000/NT/XP

Pros

Free
Light

Cons

Takes lots of resources.

Comodo Firewall Pro is a free firewall, easy to effectively protect your computer from dangers that lurk on the Net.

Viruses, trojans, worms, spyware and other unwanted critters are immediately identified by its powerful detection engine. A clear and accessible description accompanies each alert to help the user make the right decision. Its integrated database of more than 10,000 software, unique in the market, allows for automatic setting for the most common applications.

Advanced users will appreciate its dynamic filtering capabilities and the ability to add rules manually.

Comodo Firewall Pro manages the challenge of providing reliable protection while remaining within the reach of the masses.

About the license:

Simply enter a valid email address during installation to receive a full license for life

OS compatible with Comodo Firewall Pro: WinXP / Vista

GFI LANguard Network Security Scanner (NSS) checks your network using all methods that a hacker might use to attack it. By analyzing the operating system and applications running on your network, GFI LANguard NSS identifies gaps in safety. In other words, the software has put years of skin hack to better alert you to weaknesses before a detected true-pirate discovers and exploits them. A favorite with the pros.

Recent changes GFI LANguard Network Security Scanner:

GFI LANguard NSS 8 now uses the security definitions Open Vulnerabilities Assessment Language (OVAL), this new feature gives GFI LANguard NSS 8 over 2,000 new methods of verification of vulnerability to ensure that your system has no weaknesses.
Other new features: an engine for improved scan performance, a function of patch management and a graphical indicator of the level of threat intuitive. This gives you a full estimate of the vulnerability of the entire network.

Limitations:

10 days trial
The download is a FULL version of the product that will expire after 10 days, unless you enter the key measure of 30 days or have purchased the license key.

OS compatible with GFI LANguard Network Security Scanner: Win2000/XP/2003/Vista

NetBrute Scanner Suite is a package comprising of three network security tools. NetBrute lets you scan a computer or multiple IP addresses for Windows file sharing or printer sharing. This is probably one of the security holes which are most exploitable as it is not uncommon for novice users to share their printer or their entire hard drive without even knowing it.

This utility is here to help you find those resources so you can protect them with a firewall, or tell your users how to configure their shares for better security. PortScan is designed to scan one or IP addresses for the Internet services available. This allows you to identify which TCP ports must be blocked by your firewall so that you can secure them. PortScan also identifies unused services running, so you can stop them. WebBrute, finally is able to scan your web directories protected by HTTP authentication, testing the security of your passwords. A software that is long-standing but simply and correctly fulfills its purpose.

OS compatible with NetBrute Scanner Suite: Win95/98/98SE/Me/2000/NT/XP

Online Armor Free Personal Firewall is a "basic" free program designed to detect and eliminate spyware, Trojans and phishing attempts ( "phishing").

Online Armor Free studies the behavior of programs running on your system, if it finds something abnormal, blocks or warns you of what is happening.

The software compares the behavior with its own database of threats to identify precisely what is the threat. Once a potentially dangerous program is located, Online Armor Free displays a warning message.

Do not worry, you will not be inundated with messages every two minutes, as is sometimes the case with some firewall programs which are too emotional. At first use, you must define a whitelist of programs which are "safe".

In addition to this basic function, the software includes tools for detecting malware and other unauthorized executables.

A free firewall and easy to configure, but that in no case as effective as a paid solution in detecting malware. Those of you who need a high level of protection can decide to buy a professional suite of security applications.

About the license:

Exclusions and security safeguards are not included in this free version.

OS compatible with Online Armor Free: Win2000/NT/XP/Vista

Online Armor Free Personal Firewall

Free
Easy to use

Cons

Basic Protection

Comodo Internet Security is a security suite which includes FREE Comodo AntiVirus and Comodo Firewall which are two good tools to thwart the malicious traps on the Internet.

In addition, the suite includes the "Defense +" application of proactive security that is responsible for protecting files and Windows registry attacks, rootkits, keyloggers, spyware and other Trojans.

By default, Comodo Internet Security opens with a view of "Summary" ( "Summary") that gives you an overall state of system security and network. You can access each part of the suite with large buttons placed very clearly at the top of the main window. You can fine tune and independently adjust the firewall, anti-virus and the Defense + module.

The configuration options and customization options are numerous in each case but they are organized so as not to confuse the novice users, even if the software is in English.

You can import and export your settings, create white lists or black lists to make Comodo Internet Security less intrusive.

This security suite is also banking on its user community to improve its level of protection and responsiveness to new threats. You can witness the existence of malicious files or consult the support forums directly from the interface.

The software takes a little time to be configured correctly. In the early days of use, you may be assailed of warnings until the program learns which are the safe applications. However, this is the case with most firewalls and security suites alike.

The Full and Free version of Comodo Internet Security provides a solution for satisfactory security against malware. To qualify for the elimination of viruses remotely and optimize the system, you must try out its paid version.

OS compatible with Comodo Internet Security: WinXP / Vista

Pros

Clear interface
Advanced Security Tool
Detailed Settings
Functions "Community"

Cons

Configuration takes long

Unlike many firewalls, ZoneAlarm has long been known for effective monitoring of incoming and outgoing connections for personal computers.

A hacker may attempt to access with several ways to a PC connected to the Internet via an attachment, a link included in a fraudulent email, or via a network service automatically installed with the system. Zone Alarm prevents such intrusions by filtering and reporting suspicious communications.

If an intruder manages nevertheless to get to your machine, it is likely that he has installed software designed to capture and transmit your personal data, such as your bank details or other confidential information. ZoneAlarm is also able to identify and block such communications unattended.

Suitable for less experienced users, this firewall is customizable and very simple to use. You can set whether your programs have to "ask" the firewall to authorize access to the Internet, or even set to automatic mode, locking connections if you have to be away from your office for an extended period.

It's simple, efficient, intelligent: we highly recommend ZoneAlarm.

OS compatible with ZoneAlarm Firewall: Win98/98SE/Me/2000/NT/XP

Minimum requirements:
Active internet connection during installation

Pros

Present on all fronts
Meticulous
Dead bolt in the absence of personal attention

Cons

Installation is sometimes laborious

Vista has its own firewall. But it is never too careful, right? The free version of SoftPerfect Personal firewall will protect you from external attacks and intrusion attempts on your PC and LAN. A good way to ensure tranquility and reliability of your computer installation.

SoftPerfect Personal Firewall supports multiple network configurations, allowing the setting of access and the introduction of different rules depending on each type of connection.

You can define an unlimited number of rules and turn them into learning mode. Thus, the program will adapt progressively as along with the establishment of procedures for the current step, and will remember your information for later reprocessing.

Attention:

SoftPerfect Personal Firewall is a program for beginners. It calls for basic knowledge of networks to be configured correctly.

OS compatible with Comodo Personal Firewall: Win98/98SE/Me/2000/XP