Which Firewall?

[Pilgrim]

For a long time I have been using Comodo Firewall Pro, version 2.4.18.184, I have never updated because I did not want the rest of what comes with the later versions.
I know that you can disable things but I prefer not to install things that I know I do not want in the first place.

For a number of reasons I am now looking at changing to another Firewall and I would be interested in the opinion of others about Free ones they might use.
I am looking principally for a firewall not a security suite.
Simply giving a name and/or a link is not what I want but reasons why a product has been suggested.

As I am using XP I do not consider the Windows Firewall an option.

What is top of my list at the moment is Privatefirewall, the main reason being that I used Dynamic Security Agent for a long time before it went out of development as a separate program and found it excellent, it is now incorporated with the firewall.

Until now Comodo is the only firewall that I have used, I installed my original version the first time I went online so all I know about any others is what I have read.

[leofelix]

I would go with PC Tools firewall plus 7.0.0.111

[Ceyfer √]

For automation and ease of use there's PC Tools firewall, for oldies and want more controls there's Privatefirewall. Both candidates are lightweight and easy to configure. Regarding about Windows firewall, it is not really bad ( sometimes, stop listening to competitors marketing gimmicks ).

Options are vast, but prefer the lighter and effective brand. Matousec is not a safe-keeper, it is you.

[Boyfriend]

I will recommend Private Firewall It is rock solid and compatible with vast majority of security solution.

[LizardMan]

I have used Comodo IS with firewall for 5 weeks and I'm very satisfied with it

[johnshaw1917]

I agree with ceyfer, in regard to Windows firewall. I have used it for years and haven't had any problems to date.

[JayCub]

At present im back using windows firewall which is as John and Ceyfer mentioned good enough, i can do without the extra drain on resources..

[Pilgrim]

Thanks to all for the replies.

There was a reason why I never use software from PC tools but I could not remember what, so I looked on their website and as soon as I saw the name Threatfire I knew what it was.
The program itself wasn't the problem it was getting rid of it and then finding the drivers it had replaced and restoring the originals.
I accept that this only applies to one program and one that they took over at that, but it still left a bad impression.

The question of bad impressions I also apply to Comodo from when they were handing out security certificates to anybody and everybody, although that is not the reason that I am looking to change.

Privatefirewall looks to be the one that I shall try, from my experience with DSA I expect it will be 'talkative' for a week or two but to some degree that would apply to whatever I chose.
At least I know with Privatefirewall how to get into the program to edit it so it will be that much easier.
Privacyware actually gave me a license for this before it became free but I never got around to using it.

For those who spoke up in defence of Windows firewall there are two reasons why it is not an option, first, it played havoc with my network and all efforts to shut it up failed, second, I never use programs like WOT or Site Advisor preferring to rely on my security set-up to protect the computer, while Windows firewall might be alright for those who practice safe surfing I prefer something with more options.

As I have said elsewhere that last time I detected malware on my PC was over three years ago and that was an adware cookie.
Either the bugs are avoiding me or my security set-up works.

[luffy]

Have you tried Outpost firewall?

[Pilgrim]

Have you tried Outpost firewall?

No, as I said in my first post I have only ever used Comodo, but if Privatefirewall does not work out I will have a look at it.