Jul 28, 2010 05:24 AM
(This post was last modified: Jul 28, 2010 05:28 AM by Eolithic..)
- My other mega threads/compilations/guides.
1. Mega Thread : Compilation of All Free Services On HackForums
2. Mega Thread : Computer Customization
3. Visual Styles For Windows 7 - Constantly Updating
4. Guide Through NeoBux
1. Mega Thread : Compilation of All Free Services On HackForums
2. Mega Thread : Computer Customization
3. Visual Styles For Windows 7 - Constantly Updating
4. Guide Through NeoBux
- Firewalls and other Security & Protection Tools -
Written by Eolithic.
- What is an firewall ?
A firewall is a part of a computer system or network that is designed to block unauthorized access while permitting authorized communications. It is a device or set of devices which is configured to permit or deny computer applications based upon a set of rules and other criteria.
Firewalls can be implemented in either hardware or software, or a combination of both. Firewalls are frequently used to prevent unauthorized Internet users from accessing private networks connected to the Internet, especially intranets. All messages entering or leaving the intranet pass through the firewall, which examines each message and blocks those that do not meet the specified security criteria.
Note : It is essential for your computer security. You may get it builted in antivirus program or you may have it installed on your computer individually.
[img]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5b/Firewall.png[/img]
- What is a spyware and adware ?
Spyware is a type of malware that is installed on computers and collects little bits of information at a time about users without their knowledge. The presence of spyware is typically hidden from the user, and can be difficult to detect. Typically, spyware is secretly installed on the user's personal computer. Sometimes, however, spywares such as keyloggers are installed by the owner of a shared, corporate, or public computer on purpose in order to secretly monitor other users. The term adware frequently refers to any software which displays advertisements, whether or not the user has consented. Most adware is spyware in a different sense than "advertising-supported software," for a different reason: it displays advertisements related to what it finds from spying on the users.
List of Firewalls
- Comodo Firewall
If full featured security is your criterion, then the Comodo Internet Security is the top contender. It has a robust and a very active HIPS or application monitoring feature called "Defense+", which matches or exceeds the security performance of pay products. Its Defense+ also provides image execution control (or a "memory firewall") that seems unique to Comodo. Comodo allows for much control and customization, with a plethora of additional settings to tweak for the curious or for the just plain paranoid. On the minus side, its Defense+ is initially talkative with popup alerts in some configurations, which may annoy or alarm users. During installation, it gives you a choice between three levels of security. The "Firewall Only" mode is discussed in the next section; it disables intrusion protection against outbound malware threats. The default (or middle configuration) uses most Defense+ protection and monitors for common exploits, but it turns off some monitoring (right-click the tray icon > "Manage Configurations" > "Firewall Security" to switch to it at any time). The maximum configuration, "Proactive Security", uses all Defense+ monitoring and increases its aggressiveness (right-click the tray icon > "Manage Configurations" > "Proactive Security" to switch to it). Comodo limits the frequency of alerts by automatically treating some programs as safe and allowing some applications to access the Internet.
[img]http://www.softsia.com/screenshots/Comodo-Firewall_x3g6.gif[/img]
Click here to download Comodo Firewall !
- PC Tools Firewall Plus
PC Tools Firewall Plus Free Edition is a powerful personal free firewall for Microsoft Windows that protects your computer from hackers and intruders. Firewalls control the network traffic in and out of your PC by monitoring applications that connect to the network. Firewall Plus can stop Trojans, backdoors, and keyloggers from damaging your computer and stealing your private information. PC Tools Firewall Plus is advanced technology designed specially for people, not experts. Powerful prevention against attacks and known exploits is activated by default and advanced users can also easily create their own packet filtering rules to customize the network defenses. The program is recommended for use alongside of AntiSpyware and Antivirus software like AVG or Spyware Doctor to protect PC against Spyware, hackers, worms, and viruses.
[img]http://pcwin.com/media/images/screen/74788-pc_tools_firewall_plus.gif[/img]
Click here to download PC Tools Firewall Plus !
- ZoneAlarm Free Firewall
ZoneAlarm Firewall Free 9.2 has gotten quieter and more effective, and should be considered an excellent tool for replacing the adequate default Windows firewall with a stronger option that includes better outbound protection, antiphishing guards, and ZoneAlarm's behavioral detection network. The changes made to improve the default firewall in Windows 7 are impressive, but the newest version of the free ZoneAlarm Firewall argues that Microsoft still has a long way to go. ZoneAlarm 9.2 introduces multiple new features to one of the world's oldest computer security programs including quieter outbound protection, behavioral detection from the ZoneAlarm Internet security suite, automatic Wi-Fi security setting activation, antiphishing protection, an overhauled ZoneAlarm toolbar, and 2GB of online storage for free.
[img]http://www.softpedia.com/screenshots/ZoneAlarm-Free_1.png[/img]
Click here to download ZoneAlarm Free Firewall 2010 !
- Online Armor Free
Online Armor has a professional feel that is typical of freeware versions of advanced security tools, pared down to its firewall options. The installation is blazingly fast, taking less than 30 seconds from double-clicking on the installer to running the firewall. Once installed, Online Armor defaults to running its installation wizard, which it calls a Safety Check. In addition to the firewall, which configures as much as possible during the start-up wizard so you're not bothered later, Online Armor comes with a keylogger guard, tamper protection, malicious script and worm protection, and limited autostart protection. The paid versions offer more, such as antivirus and anti-malware protection, phishing filters, online banking protection, and e-mail filtering. Even with these limitations, if you're not satisfied with the recently much-improved Windows firewall, Online Armor competently defends you from a wide range of sophisticated attacks.
[img]http://www.online-tech-tips.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/onlinearmor.png[/img]
Click here to download Online Armor Firewall !
- Agnitum Outpost Firewall Free
There are three distinctive points that characterize what Outpost Firewall Free really is. First, it's a free product - you essentially download it, install and use, free of charge, no time limitations. Second, it's a better and more robust solution to Windows firewall - the latter lacks outbound filtering at default settings and is clumsy software compared to Outpost Firewall Free. Lastly, it has many advanced features that can surpass even commercial offerings, namely, proactive protection that defends against unknown malware by controlling installed applications' activity; illegal termination prevention capabilities; usability aid tools that automatically assign correct policies for most widely-used applications; and a real-time network statistics monitor. Outpost Firewall Free is based on the award-winning technology utilized in more advanced Agnitum products and is a good starting point to explore the Internet is a safe manner.
[img]http://www.start64.com/images/win64/security/outpost-firewall-free-1.jpg[/img]
Click here to download Agnitum Outpost Firewall !
- PrivateFirewall
Privatefirewall is a Personal Firewall and Host Intrusion Prevention application designed to help individuals and businesses protect Windows desktops and servers from malware and unauthorized use. Privatefirewall addresses the operating system and application level vulnerabilities and intrusion techniques that hackers exploit to gain access and cause damage to private systems and data. Privatefirewall provides an excellent layer of additional protection to the Windows operating system. Beyond unparalleled personal firewall protection, Privatefirewall leverages proprietary HIPS technologies that model and monitor system and application behavior to identify and block activity characteristic of known malware, hacking, phishing and other threat types. Privatefirewall ranks among the best performing desktop defense applications tested against the industry's most rigorous leak, general bypass, spying and termination tests and is among a short list of free personal firewall and host intrusion prevention software (HIPS) products that fully supports Microsoft's Windows 7 Operating System.
[img]http://www.fileguru.com/images/b/privatefirewall_utilities_security-12003.gif[/img]
Click here to download PrivateFirewall !
- Sunbelt-Kerio Personal Firewall
Kerio Personal Firewall (KPF) protects PCs from Internet threats. KPF inspects both incoming and outgoing connections ensuring that only legitimate traffic is allowed. MD5 signatures are assigned to all applications to prevent Trojan horses from posing as a trusted application. Kernel monitoring prohibits installation of potentially dangerous kernel drivers that may bypass the firewall inspection. KPF offers a remote administration, logging of suspicious activities, open connections overview and automated update checker.
Note : Works great with Vipre AV + AS
[img]http://homepage2.nifty.com/security_hikaku/tools/kerio02.png[/img]
Click here to download Sunbelt-Kerio Personal Firewall
List of Anti-Spyware Tools
- McAffee Anti-Spyware
In recent About.com tests, Macafee managed to detect 100% of all spyware infection, and it also shut down nearly 99% of spyware processes running in memory. While you cannot purchase Macafee anti-spyware without also purchasing their antivirus, the bundle is absolutely worth it at $39.99. If you are willing to spend money on your spyware and virus defense, then Macafee and Web Root are the two choices we recommend to everyone. If you are looking to save yourself a few dollars, then Lavasoft/Defender/Spybot can make for a good no-cost combination defense.
Click here to download McAfee Anti-Spyware !
Note: Downloading requests registration. It's easy, don't worry.
- Lavasoft’s Ad-Aware SE, Personal Edition
Lavasoft has been the benchmark spyware-defense tool for years. Their Ad-Aware product has won the trust of millions of users. Although it doesn’t have the nifty shredding and email opt-out lists of Spybot, Ad-Aware does perform realtime protection, and it auto updates its definition lists to remain current. Up until 2006, combining Spybot and Ad-Aware was the smartest (and the cheapest) way to defend your compute against spyware. Things are different now, because Number 1 below has set the high bar even higher for 2007.
[img]http://www.filehippo.com/img/ex/875__adaware6.png[/img]
Click here to download Lavasoft Ad-Aware Tool !
- SpyBot Search & Destroy
Spybot - Search & Destroy has been in the antispyware game for a long time offering features we've come to expect in the best apps in the category, but bugs and false positives make it difficult to recommend.
The program checks your system against a comprehensive database of adware and other system invaders. It also features several interface improvements, including multiple skins for dressing up its appearance. Scan results now appear arranged by groups in a tree, and a sliding panel lets you instantly view information about a selected item to help you decide whether to kill it or not. The Immunize feature blocks a plethora of uninvited Web-borne flotsam before it reaches your computer. Other useful tools, including Secure Shredder, complement the program's basic functionality for completely destroying files. Hosts File blocks adware servers from your computer, and System Startup lets you review which apps load when you start your computer.
[img]http://www.softpedia.com/screenshots/SpyBotSearch-Destroy_2.png[/img]
Click here to download SpyBot Search & Destroy !
![[Image: YZv5T.jpg]](https://i.imgur.com/YZv5T.jpg)
