Firewall Software Shareware Options:
Products listed by Popularity. Our recommendations are listed with 'pick'.
Product:
Click name for more Info
|
Description |
Platform |
Price |
|
pick -designed to secure your computer from
outside attack |
Windows (All) |
|
|
ZoneAlarm is the award-winning PC firewall that
keeps your personal data and privacy safe from Internet hackers and data
thieves. There are 3 levels of zonealarm.
1) ZoneAlarm
2) ZoneAlarm Plus
3) ZoneAlarm Pro |
Windows (All) |
|
|
places a protective barrier between Internet criminals and the personal
information on your PC |
Windows (All) |
|
|
brought to you by Computer Associates, provides proven security and protection
for your home and small office PC's. |
Windows (All) |
|
What is a Firewall?
A firewall is a piece of software that monitors all incoming network traffic
and allows in only the connections that are known and trusted. Port 80 is open
so that you can browse web pages; port 1863 allows you to engage in instant
messaging with friends; port 443 gives access to secure web pages used by online
merchants to encrypt purchases.
You could manually grant or restrict access to each of the 65,535 ports available
under the Internet Protocol. Every time you add a new program that requires
Internet access, you would need to determine which port(s) it uses, and reconfigure
your computer accordingly. You've likely got better ways to spend your time.
Firewall software takes on this burden for you, allowing access to the ports
you need open, and closing off those you don't. It also makes your computer "invisible" on
the Internet; if hackers can't find you, they will have a hard time attacking
you.
More advanced firewall software also monitors outgoing traffic. This is crucial
since malicious code spreads by accessing the Internet and pushing copies of
itself to other computers (often those of your friends and family!). Outbound
protection can keep even brand-new Trojan horses and spyware from doing their
damaging work. The ultimate protection is program-level control, so that only
those applications that you trust are allowed to access the Internet.
Why do I need a Firewall?
Without a firewall, your computer is operating under an "open door" policy.
Bank account information. Passwords. Credit card numbers. Documents and photos
that you don't want to share with the world. They are all available to anyone
with bad intentions and basic computer skills. Hackers can get in, take what
they want, and even leave open a "back door" so they can turn your computer
into a "zombie" and use it to attack other computers.
Every minute that your computer is connected to the Internet, either through
a dial-up (modem) connection or through a broadband (DSL or cable) service,
it is at risk.
Virus protection is not enough!
Antivirus software comes installed on most new PCs, and most people think that
it protects them completely from Internet-borne threats. But virus protection
is only as good as the latest virus definitions, which are created in response
to the latest viruses. It's a game on one-upsmanship that the hackers always
win, in a sense; someone (potentially many thousands of people) must be infected
before the makers of antivirus software can create a defense. And antivirus
software does nothing to secure your computer against direct hacker attacks.
Why choose a Shareware Firewall?
Shareware lets you demo the software for a period of time. Usually you get to
try all the features. If you decide it suits your needs you have the choice of
purchasing it for a small fee. With this fee you also in most cased receive unlimited
Tech Support, product updates, and other benefits. You are also supporting companies
that are dedicated in making the best possible Firewall for your PC's. Please
see details page for each companies policies.
|
Spy
Software
PC Privacy Software