Windows XP and Vista both include a software firewall, but the software is limited in capability. For improved security, you really should install an alternative firewall software solution to make sure both inbound and outbound traffic on your Internet connection is protected. In addition to software protection, it's smart to invest in a hardware solution, like a router, to add additional security between your broadband connection and your PC. Based on a poll comprised of readers from 31 popular tech sites, here are the top 10 free firewall applications:
Reader's Choice: ZoneAlarm While only winning by a narrow margin, ZoneAlarm's free firewall product came in first place with 36% of all reader's surveyed choosing the ZoneAlarm free firewall as their favorite choice. ZoneAlarm offers very basic free protection from both inbound and outbound threats. It also includes a stealth mode designed to keep you invisible to hackers. In this case, I disagree with the readers and find Comodo (#2) to be a more fully featured solution.
Editor's Choice: Comodo Firewall Pro offers comprehensive firewall protection for free, with full inbound and outbound protection. Comodo offered a close second to ZoneAlarm with 34% of all votes making it a solid #2. The interface is easy to understand for novices, although it will frequently ask you about specific apps access permission initially, which might be confusing. If you use Internet Connection Sharing, Comodo is the one free solution that won't give you a headache in continuing to share connections.
3) Windows Built-in Firewall was selected by 10% of readers as their free firewall choice.
4) Sunbelt Personal Firewall - Once known as Kerio Personal Firewall, this firewall from Sunbelt captured 3% of reader votes. The free version includes a 30-day trial of the pay version.
5) AVG Anti-virus free - The AVG bundle with a firewall is decidedly not free, but 2% of readers selected it as their top choice for a free firewall. Linked here is the free AVG anti-virus product.
6) PC Tools Firewall Plus captured 2% of reader votes.
7) Ashampoo FireWall Free also received 2% of votes. They make great free products, but their marketing is a bit aggressive for my tastes.
8) Outpost Free Firewall captured 1% of reader votes.
While Sygate Personal Firewall received 2% of reader votes, since it's acquisition by Symantec a free version is no longer available. There were a total of 61 different firewall applications suggested by readers making up the remainder of entries.
Honorable Mention: Jetico Personal Firewall received high marks from Firewall Leak Tester, which should be solid proof that this is an excellent way to protect your system. The interface is slightly more obtuse than Comodo, giving it a lower ranking on this list. If you want to make sure your data is locked down tight, Jetico offers a highly viable solution for firewall security. It hasn't been updated for a couple of years, but it still stands up to threats.
