xp's firewall good enough?

[YOO]

i have this computer that is connected directly from the cable modem. this computer is only use to surf the web look up email store pictures buy stuff online etc. nothing too extreme. what are my other options when it comes to a software firewall? any good freebies out there that i dont know about? and that are not annoying?

[87poopcoupe]

I like the AVG profeesional Internet Security suite with its built in firewall

[87poopcoupe]

oh i forgot to add it also has the built in anti-virus and email scanner also built right in with it......

[jhanby]

I use Bullguard. Its not free, but is really good quality.

I know there are a few free ones out there that do the job, but I just wanted something that I know will work. (Also running Vista on it with no problems)

John

[YOO]

what are the other free ones? or am i better off buying one?

[wolfy1220]

I suggest Comodo to anyone looking for a good firewall that is free.

http://filehippo.com/download_comodo/

[I.M.O.G.]

I would recommend comodo also for a free firewall.

However, honestly no one should be running with a PC directly connected to their modem - you are leaving your PC wide open to the internet without any filtering. A windows box without proper updates can literally be pwned before you have time to install service packs or a firewall.

To improve your security, you'd be taking a large step in the right direction by purchasing a router with a built-in firewall. This obscures the open service ports on your PC from botnets and viruses which are constantly scanning for open ports and exploitable vulnerabilities.

[YOO]

I would recommend comodo also for a free firewall.

However, honestly no one should be running with a PC directly connected to their modem - you are leaving your PC wide open to the internet without any filtering. A windows box without proper updates can literally be pwned before you have time to install service packs or a firewall.

To improve your security, you'd be taking a large step in the right direction by purchasing a router with a built-in firewall. This obscures the open service ports on your PC from botnets and viruses which are constantly scanning for open ports and exploitable vulnerabilities.

yeah that is my friends computer that i think is connected to the internet that way. i will let her know.

[YOO]

well i downloaded comodo firewall for my sisters computer and avg found 3 types of malware right after installing and restarting the computer i think im gonna buy one from now on. i didnt mean to offend any one by this post just that i just got done removing a nasty one yesterday and i dont want to do it again.

[I.M.O.G.]

well i downloaded comodo firewall for my sisters computer and avg found 3 types of malware right after installing and restarting the computer i think im gonna buy one from now on. i didnt mean to offend any one by this post just that i just got done removing a nasty one yesterday and i dont want to do it again.

I'm not sure what you mean?

Comodo does not prevent malware from installing, and neither do antivirus products. Many anti-malware products don't prevent installation either, they often just clean it up. Comodo would, if a malware is installed, attempt to block it from communicating over the internet.

It sounds like everything is working as designed?

[YOO]

I'm not sure what you mean?

Comodo does not prevent malware from installing, and neither do antivirus products. Many anti-malware products don't prevent installation either, they often just clean it up. Comodo would, if a malware is installed, attempt to block it from communicating over the internet.

It sounds like everything is working as designed?

well i installed it in my sisters computer wich had these nasty malware
http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=589728

i thought i removed them but i guess i didnt they came back. im afraid i may have to reformat her laptop. im gonna try one more time to remove those things.

see right after restarting the computer avg kicked in scanning outta no where and found one trojan then 3. after removing those with avg i did a malwarebytes scan and only to find out Ms Juan and that track system crap were back.

[wolfy1220]

if they have returned your only viable option is to format the machine. Upon reinstall give comodo another shot as it will help keep the machine cleaner. Comodo did not allow them on the machine as it sounds they were there already and the damage was done prior to install.

[Is_907]

I always suggest running your antivirus or antimalware software in safe mode before formatting/reinstalling. A lot of virus and malware problems can be fixed this way, surprisingly.
Just a thought.

[YOO]

well i ran malwarebytes again and removed the so called ms juan and system tracker. surprisingly they were one with one swipe (under safe mode). i did one scan after that and nothing. comodo didnt find the malware AVG antivirus did right after got done installing comodo. i can give it another try i suppose.

[Mr.Guvernment]

Xp Firewall will block ALL incoming connections so it is fine there, and i do beleive Sp3 added that it will now block everything going out as well... prior it did not, anything could go out that wanted too.. however i do see that outgoing, if it prompts something to be let it, it tends to already work.