free firewall software vs. paid version?

ridindrty

ridindrty

New Member
I have been happily using the free firewall software from zonealarm, which I like because it doesn't have a lot of pop ups - i find those things annoying. My friend said I should upgrade to the firewall pro - but I don't know if it's worth the money. The pro version from zonealarm is only $30 and it comes with antispywear and identity theft protection - but I'm still not sure why upgrading is necessary. Can someone please tell me if any of the features on the pro software are worth the upgrade:

ZoneAlarm Pro Firewall 2010: Web Security with Spyware Removal and Internet Firewall Protection Software
 

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Frankly, I find Windows Firewall completely and perfectly adequate and see no reason to use any 3rd party program (especially one you have to pay to get). Windows Firewall used with the proper security software - and there are excellent options that are all free if you want recommendations there - (as opposed to 3rd party commercial (paid) firewall software with features otherwise available), you can be very well (just as well) protected.

Although I didn't answer your question directly, I think you understand the meaning of the reply.

I hope this helps.

Good luck!
 

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I will second the above suggestion.
I have used the Windows Firewall in conjunction with Security Essentials and have never had a problem. It quietly works behind the scenes. Requires no attention and it is effective. You do have to take about 15 minutes of your time when first installed to set up the defense wall the way that you prefer. It is a simple procedure, however, and I , Lorien and all the other members would be very glad to assist you if you do encounter problems
Good luck
 

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I have recently begun using the native Vista firewall and installed MSE and my machine is running smoother than ever . . . MSE has been effective in catching a baddy or two. MSE is highly underrated, but is really a great product from MS.
 

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I also use MSE and Windows Firewall, both of which are very great tools, and so do many Malware Removal Experts. I am glad that you are yet another user to have benifitted from MSE!
 

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I heard that if you are using free anti-virus, that it is better to use the free Zonealarm firewall then the WinXP firewall.

Why is that? Is it because the Zonealarm firewall is more configurable or user friendly?
 

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Zone Alarm has been know to cause BSOds on Windows
 

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ridindrty said:
I have been happily using the free firewall software from zonealarm, which I like because it doesn't have a lot of pop ups - i find those things annoying. My friend said I should upgrade to the firewall pro - but I don't know if it's worth the money. The pro version from zonealarm is only $30 and it comes with antispywear and identity theft protection - but I'm still not sure why upgrading is necessary. Can someone please tell me if any of the features on the pro software are worth the upgrade:

ZoneAlarm Pro Firewall 2010: Web Security with Spyware Removal and Internet Firewall Protection Software
Click to expand...

Windows Vista and Windows 7 Is a Safe OS Compared to XP So a Light Firewall and AV Is needed unlike XP which would need a Heavy Firewall and Antivirus

Windows Firewall is fine and does the Job Vista Needs
 

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    Foxconn H67MP-S/-V/H67MP
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britbakes said:
I heard that if you are using free anti-virus, that it is better to use the free Zonealarm firewall then the WinXP firewall.

Why is that? Is it because the Zonealarm firewall is more configurable or user friendly?
Click to expand...

ZoneAlarm is okay- but "Windows VISTA Firewall with Advanced Security" is much more configurable than ZoneAlarm FREE. As to the WinXP firewall, I've no experience with it.

Having used ZoneAlarm paid and free they are both demanding on systems and the Vista firewall really does have a lot of configurable options that I never knew about until I read this:
Download details: Introduction to Windows Firewall with Advanced Security
 

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