Top five desktop firewall software (continued)

Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security 2006

I have been a big fan of PC-cillin antivirus software. It works well, is light and fast, not annoying. A firewall is part of a large suite of crypto programs, if you don't like this type of integration, you can separate the firewall easily. Most of the remaining ingredients in the package are really useful and well integrated.

Like the antivirus version, the firewall software is light and fast

By default, the firewall is equipped with 4 'profiles': direct connection, home network, office network and wireless network, similar to ZoneAlarm's zone settings. You can choose the program to automatically detect the network you are using and switch to the required profile, or change the request arbitrarily. Each profile allows you to set a large number of access rules for applications, ports, system components, IP subnets, protocol types, etc.

Currently, many security programs also have some types of errors against errors and anti-phishing. PC-cillin has some components like that. It can block the sending of unencrypted personal information such as credit card numbers, passwords (or anything you don't want to send over an open channel). However, it will take time to install for these components to work. It cannot automatically detect everything. PC-cillin can also be set up to block previously defined collections of websites, such as 'Phishing', 'Sex' or 'Gambling' . But it cannot be edited or checked. Check the standards used to define these websites. Incoming e-mails can also be checked for errors as part of the anti-spam mechanism. But this component can only operate at a moderate level.

The remaining components of the security program are somewhat redundant. PC-cillin anti-virus and anti-spyware programs are reasonable. If you only use a single password for all web pages, the IE toolbar can improve access speed. But users of Mozilla or Firefox will have to enter that data manually. PC-cillin can automatically check for updates to track any security issues that occur with Windows or Microsoft Office, and run Microsoft Update if necessary; except that Microsoft Update runs automatically in your area.

Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security 2006
Trend Micro, Inc.
www.trendmicro.com
Price : $ 49.99
Summary : One of the best antivirus products for today's PC series, with good firewall and many other computer and network protection functions.

ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite 6.5

Zone Labs ZoneAlarm is one of the best known personal firewalls. ZoneAlarm defines names through the network-zone mechanism, allowing you to define many different access rules for network segments.

You can share files and printers for home computers when they are not connected to a wide area network. In fact it is a default configuration component.

ZoneAlarm is a good choice for users who want a reasonable, free firewall

ZA's basic version is free, it is the first choice if you want a firewall that is better than the natural Windows Firewall program. But there are still some small issues about costs. If you like, you can pay for the highest upgrade with more extensions. Two major upgrades are ZoneAlarm Pro ($ 39) and ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite ($ 49). The purchase price for each set includes one year of free updates and a lot of price monitoring for later periods.

ZA is one of the first consumer-level firewall programs. It not only blocks incoming attacks but also disables unknown applications using peripheral networks on local machines. At first people didn't like this very much. But most recent versions have become popular with Windows services. You still have to do some testing with the program, but in general it is safe to use this software.

The Atelier test program does not block any vulnerabilities on the free versions of ZA, even if the user denies the network access of a program. But Pro and Suite versions are much better. When ZA is set to 'Stealth' mode (highest mode), DSLReport reviews all the responses in the blue frame.

If there is something wrong or you think you are being attacked, the program's main window has a big red alert button, you can click on it to remove all network access. The rest of the interface is more logical and easier to use, although a large number is hidden behind the 'Advanced Options' button, you don't always know.

The free version of ZA is gradually reducing some features, like a reduced version of the full version. It can only check passwords on eBay while the full version works with many other malicious websites. In the full version, there is also a wireless security protection, advanced security for Instant-message programs.

ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite 6.5
Zone Labs LLC
www.zonelabs.com
Price : $ 49.95
Summary : if the free version of ZoneAlarm is not secure enough, use the full version;It is a popular program with many free additional components.

Conclude

Although Microsoft's Windows Firewall has been attached to the Windows XP operating system, the security situation is still not much better. Many experts even recommend that you replace this firewall software as quickly as possible. McAfee is most attractive to SiteAdvisor, adding a layer of protection programs that work on the head of components you receive. Symantec's firewall is a good choice if you want to integrate it into the existing Synmantec product suite.

If you want free software that works well, you should use ZoneAlarm. You can later upgrade it to a full version. PC-cillin has the best comprehensive protection and a free set of additional tools for users.

Security in Vista: No need for Firewall?

Will Vista not need a firewall?Or does it even need any third-party software?Microsoft will build a new Vista firewall, better with addressing the actual protection barrier from both inside and outside.At the same time, there will be filtering packages for ports and application programs and some utilities such as profiles (home, work, on the road .) and better management programs with Group Policy, Active Directory.

Firewall - Summary • Introduction
• McAfee Internet Security
• Microsoft Windows Firewall
• Norton Personal Firewall
• Trend Micro PC-cillin
• ZoneAlarm Security Suite
• Conclusion • Vista: does not need a Firewall? These components were included in Vista beta in January. But they were criticized for being hard to find and difficult to use. Microsoft dropped Windows Firewall Console. Newer consoles can control all new components, like a two-way filter like a Management Console snap-in. You must set it up yourself if you want to use it. One thing can hope in the final version no longer have to wait any longer.

Along with firewall and network stack, Windows kernel has been changed to protect computers against process-hooking (the main method of viruses and trojans). But kernel-level changes seem to make it harder for third-party developers to create legitimate software. Symantec is the company that reacts the most but doesn't change anything.

There is always scope for Microsoft product upgrade developers.But whether it is in a kernel-level protection barrier or has features like SiteAdvisor (without connecting to the kernel) is still unknown.