Gaming Firewall advice

[GeekyGuy]

I recently installed Online Armor in lieu of the Windows (XP) firewall, and ever since I often get mad slowdown when browsing the Web. Was wondering if anyone else has experienced similar issues with this firewall. I was thinking of checking out Outpost instead, but I'm not sure if that would be much better. The only other real-time protection I keep running is AntiVir, and I doubt that's causing my slowdown.

Sites like IGN especially cause major issues. Never had these problems before, though.

 

[UltraMagnus]

just don't use it? windows firewall is good enough for most people, and if you want something better you should be using a hardware firewall.

 

[Deleted member 35947]

Windows firewall is pretty crap. It doesn't really stop outgoing protections.

You could just uninstall the firewall and see if the slowdown continues. If it stops, then get another firewall. Personally I use comodo (just the firewall part), it's free and I find it's pretty good.

 

[GeekyGuy]

...You could just uninstall the firewall and see if the slowdown continues....

Yeah, only problem with that is I wouldn't really feel safe surfing the Web without a firewall turned on. But I agree...it's my understanding that the Windows firewall has a lot of weak points. I guess I can just try Outpost instead to see the difference in performance.

 

[Jakob95]

I surf the web and download shit on my computer with No firewall or Anti virus programs... I don't care about my computer I hope it brakes so my Dad buys me a new one.

 

[Maz7006]

I use the firewall that comes with my anti-virus...that being ESET Business Edition.

Firewall....

well you could do without it, and use the windows firewall instead.

just make sure to update windows if your worried about security issues.

Yeah, only problem with that is I wouldn't really feel safe surfing the Web without a firewall turned on. But I agree...it's my understanding that the Windows firewall has a lot of weak points. I guess I can just try Outpost instead to see the difference in performance.

Use a safe web browser, Firefox.

 

[Lodis]

I recommend Comodo firewall. Note that Windows 7 now includes a real firewall that actually has Outgoing protection so that's also something else to consider.

 

[GeekyGuy]

Thanks, guys.

So, the Comodo is a complete package, but I can just run the firewall element along with AntiVir?

 

[Deleted member 35947]

Thanks, guys.

So, the Comodo is a complete package, but I can just run the firewall element along with AntiVir?

Yes you can. When installing Comodo you have the option to choose 'firewall only' part.

 

[Lodis]

Be careful when you install Comodo because it also has some tough security Application Monitor functions. If you don't know what you are doing and you enable that, you can lock yourself out of your own system and only be able to fix that in Safe Mode.

 

[Deleted member 35947]

Defense+, the application monitor function, isn't installed if you choose to only install the firewall portion of the application.

 

[GeekyGuy]

Yeah, I just installed the firewall, opted out of all the other stuff like the search bar and whatnot. There was an additional security feature it asked me about toward the end of the install, but since it was unchecked by default and I was unsure of its overall function, I didn't mess with it.

Seems to be running okay. It definitely isn't as invasive as Online Armor was, with constant pop-ups asking for clearance.

 

[logical thinker]

What about the slowdown? Is it fixed?

Defense+, the application monitor function, isn't installed if you choose to only install the firewall portion of the application.

Actually, even if you choose only the firewall, you still have to choose between 3 "levels" of Defense+.

 

[Athlon-pv]

Basicly it comes down to this , you use the wrong products (like everything MS) even if you have anti virus adware killers firewalls you still are at great risk.

What might be a better option to look if your router has builtin firewall

.

 

[Deleted member 35947]

Actually, even if you choose only the firewall, you still have to choose between 3 "levels" of Defense+.

That used to be true up until some of the newer releases of Comodo. When you're installing it and choose the firewall part it will also deactivate defense +. If you choose to install comodo + antivirus, it will install the firewall, antivirus, and defense + part.

 

[Lodis]

Basicly it comes down to this , you use the wrong products (like everything MS) even if you have anti virus adware killers firewalls you still are at great risk.

What might be a better option to look if your router has builtin firewall

.

Most Routers do have a built in firewall and they work very well but they only offer inbound protection, not outbound. Since they use stateful packet inspection, anything that initiates outbound access and then follows up with inbound will be allowed through.