Dynaverse.net
Off Topic => Engineering => Topic started by: FPF-Paladin on March 04, 2010, 11:37:38 am
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Title says it all.. had weird high cpu usage issues with ZoneAlarm free ( 7% average on both cpus on my dual core system) so I'm looking for something else...
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Which operating system (and version)? Do you use a router? If so, what make and model? What type of connection? (eastlink sb5100?) Using the network or USB port on the surfboard? Got a spare PC?
Here's my approach to your question:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_firewalls
From which I'd look at these:
http://www.tallemu.com/downloads.php
http://free.agnitum.com/
http://www.pctools.com/firewall/
http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Home-Home-Office/Sunbelt-Personal-Firewall/
I'd try Sunbelt's Kerio personal firewall first as I believe it is the most mature of those free alternatives to ZoneAlarm.
But myself, I just use the windows firewall, keep windows updated, and configure my router for minimal exposure of clients on the lan.
P.S. if you have a sb5100 or similar and it is in reach and you are doing some adventurous browsing - that suspend button works really well, stops everything without having to yank a cord. A somewhat drastic measure, but if you are running no servers and are the only user on the lan, you can use it like a routine internet on/off button too, just wake it up when online and suspend it when not (or gone to work, or bed...), thus significantly reducing the possibility of your PC becoming a zombie.
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Eastlink SB5101, win xp pro sp3. I turn my system off when it's not in use. Thing about the router has been that configuring the firewall has been troublesome, and my gf's computer is on the LAN too. Bleh.