Looking for a good "small footprint" firewall

I have a 400Mhz PII computer with 128MB RAM and a 6GB Hard drive running XP/Sp2. I had sygate firewall until someone suggested it was too outdated and I should go to Comodo. But Comodo seemed to use up too much process memory and was much too cumbersome for me (plus my daughter was always arguing with it). So I just started using XPs built in firewall. My concern it that it doesn't block outbound traffic and we all know that can be a big problem.

So, I went to majorgeeks.com and downloaded Primedius Firewall Lite for now. Is there something better that is small?

I plan on upgrading my RAM in the next month and getting a somewhat larger hard drive (gonna check computer repair shops for a 20 or 40 GB drive) in the coming months.

Until then I need something safe but small.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Mitch

 

PC Tools Firewall

A easy to use is PC Tools Firewall. And don't use too much process memory. How you said "I need something safe but small ".


It's a good option.

 

Kerio is the one I recommend. You can get their free version through Sunbelt.

 

I'm not a guru but personally I also use Sygate ... still. It seems to do the job for me altho I have had suggestions also of it's out of touch condition. Seems fine to me.

 

Yes,PCTools Firewall is OK,but they have some most peculiar clauses in their EULA http://www.pctools.com/info/eula/product/firewall/

They don't say whether it is financially or morally
I know I took this out of context,but I always get a laugh when I read those EULAs

 

The last free version of Sygate works perfectly fine. I have never followed the hoopla of the newest and greatest is needed. If it performs as required it doesn't need to evolve further.

 

I use jetico seems ok too.
hawk22

 

Well, I was real happy with Sygate myself. I think that's the one for me for now.

Thanks for all the suggestions

Mitch

 

Hi Mitch,

I use it on my Laptop and of all the firewalls past and present that I use, I like Sygate the best.

Too bad Symantec devoured it

Regards - Charles

 

I would recommend the Kerio also, I use version 2.1.5 with 98SE and XP SP2, you can get it at the link below. However, it doesn't always play nicely with all network card drivers (about 5% of them), you'll know it when you reboot. Just uinstall it from Safe Mode.
Sygate is also available at this site.
http://oldversion.com/

 

I use an even older version, Tiny Personal Firewall v 2.11.15, but I wonder if I NEED to get something newer in order to be protected. Any input will be appreciated.

 

Several months ago someone on this BBS recommended I check out a site www.grc.com. It has a firewall testing page and a little file called "leaktest" which you can use to test your firewall from your end. There is a lot of interesting info on the site as well.

 

Thanks, MitchellCooley for your reply. I will check out www.grc.com.

Ann

 

I still use Tiny Personal Firewall version 2. I really like it and have not found one that better suits my requirements. The later version got much too complicated.
The problem with it, is hunting down copies of the install program!

 

Nice links Tony. You can google for pf2.exe, but I'd feel nervous using the results. Those look like much better options.