I m using nod32 smart security version that includes a firewall makes my computer slow at loading.The firewall itself is descent but the time it takes to load is irritating.I ve checked mcafee and kaspersky and they both make suites not just firewalls.I would like to keep my nod32 antiv. and just install a firewall.
Where are the good old days with sygate...
Anyway which firewall would you use under vista?

I personally prefer Comodo Firewall Pro. Don't let the name fool you; its a free (as in beer) download, and it's not a trial - it's the full program.

Right now though, I'm being lazy and running my computer without firewall... I've got a pretty strict firewall set up on my router, so I'm feeling reasonably safe at the moment.

I guess I found the new Firewall built into Vista to be decent.

Yeah Microsoft beefed up the vista firewall but since its integrated into Windows it is more likely to be exploited. Everything can be worked around but I suggest going with a 3rd party vendor for your firewall because most update their products more often then MS.

Also Nod32 is a protection suite so its not just running a firewall on your system even when you disable everything except the firewall. This is the same with Macfee and most other providers that bundle everything together. This is why it is slowing down your system because it hoges system resources while scanning your system and running its little process's.

For a product I would suggest going with what MorphiusFaydal suggested. I have heard some good things about it and its free. If you really want to throw some money down and get a real firewall check out Cisco PIX firewall which I currently run on my network Pix 501. It will cost a good amount of money but they are some of the best out their.

This post has been edited by lockdown: 24 Jan, 2008 - 02:48 PM

I recomend Comodo as well, i tried zone alarm. but that became to much of a problem. Comodo is FREE, simple and powerful. i have the newest version running on my vista machine. that added a new feature called "Defense+" which is helpful, but at times can get a bit annoying. but it is very easy to disable if you dont wish to use it.

+1 for Comodo.

I'm probably about to try and pick up and ASA 5505 to go with my 871W router. Do you like the PIX 501?

We have been looking at the ASA 5000 Series for our office but they were a little to much at the time. They still run the PIX software if I can remember, but Cisco just changed their product name (forget what ASA means). I have not had any problems with my PIX 501. It was just a pain to learn how to configure it properly at the time. I took a Cisco Pix training course 2 weeks after picking it up and I should have just waited to set it up. It would have taken me 2 hours instead of 2 days

This post has been edited by lockdown: 25 Jan, 2008 - 06:36 AM

Adaptive Security Appliance. And yeah, I think you're right on about the software. IIRC, the PIX software stops at what.. 7.0? The ASA 5500 series ships with 7.1 or 7.2 ASA software... So it could well just be a name change.

Windows firewall is the best bet ... works great coupled with a free antivirus program and the windows defender !!

The windows firewall is just rebadged Zone Alarm after MS bought them a couple years back. Windows defender was a premium antispyware app before it got bought by MS but I cant remember who they were.

i'll say use some third party firewal.