Anti virus and Firewall
 

I have the Avast (version 5.0.545) and I am wondering if/why I need a firewall program. And if yes which free one works best with Avast.

Many thanks,

Rwy in Sight

ZoneAlarm works fine with Avast on my XP SP2 machine and has done for years.

If you have a laptop that connects to the internet via insecure networks, you definitely need a good S/W F/W - Zone Alarm gets my vote.

If you are always behind a home or corporate hardware firewall, the need for a S/W F/W is questionable. I'm not an advocate - provided other defences are solid, particularly AV, anti-spyware and non-admin user accounts.

SD

Use the built-in Windows Firewall.

Over ~5yrs it's been out, and the hundreds of customers I look after, from corporate clients behind hardware firewalls, to field engineers roaming through lots of insecure networks, I've not had one incident of users being compromised OR of users being hindered by firewall issues.

I agree with Mike-Bracknell.
Although I still use Zonealarm and AVG or Avira on my XP machines, I've been using MS security essentials with Windows firewall on my W7 machines and found them to be both excellent with minimal resource usage.

Thanks fellows,

I will take StaceyF's test and I will see how my netbook performs.

Have a nice weekend.

Rwy in Sight

GRC's leaktest checks only outbound connections. It's been years since I looked at it, but Version 1 simply masqueraded as an FTP client on port 21. Maybe version bazillionty-one does more, but as a firewall test if's not exactly comprehensive.

Same chap, 'Shields Up' is a better test.

Agree with Mike-Bracknell and twiggs

More than adequate for drive-by snoopers

And if you are specifically targeted by someone who really knows what they are doing then they'll probably be able to root you unless you have truly hardened your install.

Mac

SD,

Ignorance is bliss. :cool:

The minute you have more than one device sitting behind your perimeter firewall, the more the reason to have a software firewall. Particularly for the lazy home users who won't have hardened or patched PCs.

Why ?

It helps delay (or in some cases, prevent) the spread of malware within your network which can spread by looking for open ports on other devices.

And anyway, both Mac and Windows come with software firewalls pre-installed, so you don't have to do any extra work or pay extra money apart from occasionally checking to making sure they are still configured properly and no unwanted ports are opened.

Finally, last but by no means least :

Do not forget that on "WiFi" you are not exactly "behind a firewall".

Using Avast anti virus and comodo firewall.....All leak tests (including 'Shields up') confirm I am locked in nicely......
So, to the OP I would recommend both of those.:8

Readers of this hread might find this interesting

Ten unsung tools in the fight against viruses | Security Management | ZDNet UK

Using Avast and the standard windows XP firewall. All clear and secure according to the Shields Up tests.

Apparently my computer has very cool stealth mode ports and is quite advanced. Not bad for a 7 year old lappy.

:ok:

SaabDastard:

You posted in a PM:

"You have been banned for the following reason:

I find your rudeness quite extraordinary. It is not possible to re-instate your posts, as they have disappeared. It is nothing to do with "disagreeing" with them. They have vanished into the electronic ether - as have you for the next 7
days.

Date the ban will be lifted: 11th July 2010, 20:00"

So my posts just disappeared? They weren't deleted then?

You must be very proud of yourself?

Don't worry about a further ban, I won't be back, your sort make a mockery of decent forums (which this is).

Good luck......but I suspect you'll delete this as well to save face.

I will download a free Firewall program in the next few days.


Many thanks to all involved.

Rwy in Sight