Updated: list of free firewalls

Sygate 5.6 personal firewall would be my favourite, it was a thorn in
the side of Symantec, so they bought it (!) and discontinued the free
one.
fortunately you can still download it at this mirror:
Code:

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another good free firewall is from Zone-Alarm:

Code:

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the Kerio firewall was bought by Sunbelt, it's sort-of free but after 30 days only has limited features.
read about it here:

Code:

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It's Free. Forever. No Catch. No Kidding

The Award-Winning Comodo Firewall

* PC Magazine Online's Editor's Choice
* Secures against internal and external attacks
* Blocks internet access to malicious Trojan programs
* Safeguards your Personal data against theft
* Delivers total end-point security for Personal Computers and Networks

Install now for out-of-the-box protection against identity theft hackers, Trojans, scripts and other unknown threats.


i'm running it and so far is looking good.
it asks for an e-mail address to send the registration to.
just make sure (if you use msn, hotmail or yahoo) it isn't in your junkmail. (mine was)

download:

Code:
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Arovax Shield


Arovax Shield is a real time monitor which goes beyond what other
security suites offer by adding another layer of protection to your
system proactively. It runs silently in the background, watching for
malware/parasites that try to install on or modify your system.

Arovax Shield will also enable you to continue using detectable
processes through its filtering technology. This is accomplished simply
by switching Arovax Shield to manual blocking mode and then, when
Arovax Shield alerts you about such a process, select the "Allow"
button in the popup warning.

Thus Arovax Shield works in two modes: automatic and manual. When the
first mode is chosen, all attempts to change the registry, system or
browser settings are blocked automatically. However, this may result in
inability to install good, spyware and virus-free software. This is why
there is an option to manually approve or reject software installation
on a case by case basis.

The main benefit of Arovax Shield is:

• Real time protection automatically monitors PC for unwanted malware.
• Enhanced detection and removal engine improves on the thoroughness,
accuracy, speed, and efficiency of detecting and blocking all forms of
spyware parasites.

Arovax Shield will track these stealth software applications and warn
you of their attempts to penetrate your system and will help you to get
rid of them before valuable information passes out of your computer and
into the hands of an intruder.

Arovax Shield does not interfere with any firewall, anti-virus or
spyware remover applications that may be already installed and running.
The program has been designed with the average Joe in mind and requires
no technical savvy whatsoever.

There is nothing to think about, just visit the Download section and
download the latest version of Arovax Shield . Stay Protected!


Code:
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Shields UP! is another good (extensive) test for your firewall.

Code:
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Comodo makes a free one too:

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Softperfect:

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I am pretty sure Ghostwall is still free:

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Jetico:

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Filseclab:

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I don't vouch for any of these products, but they are all basically the TCP Wrapper concept for Winsock.






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