geekysteve Posted July 4, 2000 Share Posted July 4, 2000 I'm so mad at BlackICE Defender right now, I've decided to start looking for different firewall programs for my home PC. What type of personal firewall are you using? Like I just mentioned, I've been using BlackICE for almost a year. Never had any problems with it. Then, I upgraded to version 2.1 (BugTraq had been listing a lot of vulnerabilities for 1.9), and ever since the upgrade I get the dreaded blue screen everytime I turn on my PC. I uninstalled 2.1 and installed 1.9- works great... So, I contacted BlackICE- talk about jerks. Per their request, I sent them .dll files, .ini files, .log files, .sys files, and no response. I waited a week and wrote them again- no response. I waited another week and wrote them. They said nothing looked odd to them and that I should just use version 1.9...ahem? 1.9 is vulnerable! So, I started using Zonealarm, but I'm exploring other firewalls...any ideas? ------------------ The ability to speak does not make you intelligent. -- Qui Gon Jinn, Star Wars: Episode One Try the world's greatest search engine: www.google.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seb Posted July 4, 2000 Share Posted July 4, 2000 I'm using version 1.6.8.11 and what I don't know doesn't hurt me... seriously that's a good question, I like blackice but it's got some weaknesses, so if anybody knows of a better program... ------------------ Pump up the BASS!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-dukez- Posted July 5, 2000 Share Posted July 5, 2000 Ive used BlackICE for 5 minutes.. it sucked not much for an interface. and or options. i use AtGuard (by norton utilities) it works well... It can also block website banner ads.. and annoying java popup windows Another i heard is ZOne Alarm.. ive never used that tho.. (edited 07-05-2000).] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seb Posted July 5, 2000 Share Posted July 5, 2000 is atguard included in norton utilities? because i have NU but I've never noticed a firewall program... ------------------ Pump up the BASS!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wingnuts Posted July 5, 2000 Share Posted July 5, 2000 Try Norton Personal Firewall 2000 ive been using it and had no problems so far *knocks on wood* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seb Posted July 5, 2000 Share Posted July 5, 2000 Yes but is it included in Norton Utilities? I don't think so... I wish it was though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hofy Posted July 5, 2000 Share Posted July 5, 2000 Zone Alarm. If it is good emough for Leo Laporte, it is good enough for me.c> ------------------ Mad Scientist at work! Klipschenstein! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Birdman Posted July 5, 2000 Share Posted July 5, 2000 From what I've read,the choice comes down to Zone Alarm or Norton Internet Security 2000. NIS 2000 allows you to tweak the access to individual ports.It also integrates well with Norton System Works and includes a copy of the Norton anti-virus program.Norton is very good at posting new virus definitions and software updates so that would be a big plus. Personally, I try to use freeware when possible but I can see that a firewall might not be the place to save a buck or two! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geekysteve Posted July 5, 2000 Author Share Posted July 5, 2000 Thanks for everyone's input so far. I was really hoping that someone would have some info on the McAfee firewall program... For some reason, I'm not a huge fan of Norton products- I use what I "must", but otherwise I prefer McAfee. So far, Zone Alarm has been working great- it's defended over 20 probes so far (1 day)... ------------------ The ability to speak does not make you intelligent. -- Qui Gon Jinn, Star Wars: Episode One Try the world's greatest search engine: www.google.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wingnuts Posted July 5, 2000 Share Posted July 5, 2000 Personaly I think your best bet is just to buy the Norton firewall and bypass all the other programs (if you already have them) included in NIS2000 you save 30 dollars that way but yea I have no idea about McAfee sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewbieEars Posted July 6, 2000 Share Posted July 6, 2000 Texts>LEO LAPORTE ROCKS!!! So does PATRICK NORTON!!! hehehehehehe (Over-exuberant fan...) ------------------ This Rox!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skonopa Posted July 7, 2000 Share Posted July 7, 2000 There was a recent PC Magazine article about firewalls. They gave an Editor's Choice to Norton Internet Security 2000. I may seriously consider checking that out myself. I have been using Norton products for YEARS (well, actually PC Tools until Symtantic bought out Central Point and killed the product ). I think the Norton products are good. If you don't want to spend the money, then Zone Alarm seems to be your best bet - Hey, like Hofy said - "If it is good enough for Leo Laporte, then it is good enough for me!". BTW, Just how many of you watch the Screen Savers - hey, they are talking about compiling programs right now - something that I went through four years of college to learn to do ! Steven Konopa. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joshua Posted July 7, 2000 Share Posted July 7, 2000 For what it's worth, my experience. I have been using Norton Internet Security and Norton System Works for some time now, and all I can say is that I am a happy man, a satisfied customer. Sure, it doesn't come cheap, but the programs include almost everything you're gonna need. That way there is almost no need to use other programs which can lead to an unstable pc (more programs running=more instability). Norton has very reliable and stable products, support is outstanding. It is very user friendly. What can I say, you got the cash? Buy it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fscroggs Posted July 8, 2000 Share Posted July 8, 2000 I have DSL and just purchased the LinkSys DSL/Cable Router. It provides a hardware firewall with network address translation. Really got it to resolve a problem with the BellSouth PPPoE Software, but this little box turned out to be a real gem!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geekysteve Posted July 10, 2000 Author Share Posted July 10, 2000 I knew there was a reason I didn't like Norton products that much...read this: http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1003-200-2220668.html ------------------ The ability to speak does not make you intelligent. -- Qui Gon Jinn, Star Wars: Episode One Try the world's greatest search engine: www.google.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Birdman Posted July 11, 2000 Share Posted July 11, 2000 geekysteve--Have you been to http://grc.com/default.htm to test your firewall with the Shields Up scanner?Maybe this info will help you or someone else choose an effective firewall. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geekysteve Posted July 11, 2000 Author Share Posted July 11, 2000 Oh yeah. I love the grc website. I own SpinRite 5.0, and I test my 'firewall' there occasionally. I always send friends to his website- it's well done, and grc makes some awesome, awesome products. ------------------ The ability to speak does not make you intelligent. -- Qui Gon Jinn, Star Wars: Episode One Try the world's greatest search engine: www.google.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seb Posted July 12, 2000 Share Posted July 12, 2000 can't wait 'till he makes a free firewall of his own! ------------------ Pump up the BASS!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geekysteve Posted July 12, 2000 Author Share Posted July 12, 2000 He does. GRC is the 'author' of zonealarm from zonelab. ------------------ The ability to speak does not make you intelligent. -- Qui Gon Jinn, Star Wars: Episode One Try the world's greatest search engine: www.google.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seb Posted July 12, 2000 Share Posted July 12, 2000 serious? is it free? cuz he promised to do a free firewall... ------------------ Pump up the BASS!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.