LooknStop v Outpost Pro

I am currently trying to research as much as possible for the actual security programs I am going to install when my computer has been upgraded (don't have it here at the moment)

I ran Outpost Pro 2.7 firewall did not upgrade to the new version as it adds a lot of things which I feel may bloat the firewall. I know it is easy to stay with the firewall I know (may end up doing this) but I have been looking at LooknStop firewall - totally unknown to me until I found a section on another forum.

I would appreciate any advice on this firewall if anyone has used or is currently running it. I hesitated on this one before choosing Outpost due to 'reports' about configuring behind a router which I have NAT+SPI in my router. I have since found out that it can run behind a router and would be attracted as it is light on resources.

I know at the end of the day it will have to be one which works for my setup but I am in a dilemma as I want to start fresh with the firewall but don't know if I would be best just to re-install Outpost Pro

I have asked LnS a few questions but I would also be grateful for unbiased opinions to help me make my mind up, if possible. Thanks

 

I use OP 3.5 and it works a dream but with regards to the extras....if you don't want to use the extras then don't and if you do then do so....entirely your choice; at the end of the day the FW part does its job and does it well.

 

Thanks for the input on Outpost new version.

I was going to move away from it completely but as the time drwas near I have the comfort in the fact I have used the firewall.
LnS is attractive but their rulesets are so different from OP. I know I had to learn OP so will keep my options open at the moment (at least I have some more time beofer my PC is back with me)

 

Thanks Pete, I know my lack of confidence in trying any new security software has made me stop and think again.

LnS has a forum @Wilders for this firewall and it ranks in the firewall leaktests although even this would not help if I found I just wasn't as confident with the actual configurations.

It defaults to standard configs which are not enough but also has an 'enhanced' set of rules which I would definitely employ from the outset.
My 'concerns' were enhanced a little more when I noted another set of rules provided by a competent person who has this firewall & is known for his firewall security knowledge - v6 of his rules are free to download but v7 onwards they have to be purchased but are more automatic than v6 - I don't mind paying for rules as I know the time and effort these take but it did make me think if the firewall was a bit more complex

Look 'n' Stop Firewall

I know OP can be run 'as is' but can be fine tuned when the user is competent. I may just install the version I have as I am behind my router and really just need the outbound control - an application for this only is still not available.

I am trying to make the best decisions for all my security applications which I know and trust to run on my new setup - hopefully all considered at the end of the day I will be secure yet still have enjoyment from using my computer - I was getting to the stage when I worried more than enjoyed which was not the best place to be. I don't want to start out with 'no connection' due to the fact I had a new firewall.

I appreciate the replies to my posts and reading advice in other posts on BBS.

 

HI MiniB,

IMO, once you have a competent firewall, its the browser and how it is configured that is the key to secure surfing.

You write that you are behind a NAT Router, if configured correctly with a software firewall that controls outbound connections, I wouldn't be worried about unsolicited in bound connections which is what firewalls are designed for.

I use ZA Pro and Sunbelt's Kerio FW's, more for the extras than anything else, ie, stripping web pages of scripts - activeX objects and the like.

The other big worry then is behavior of what gets on your system. I see that you've been to this site: http://www.windowsbbs.com/showthread.php?t=52916

Regards - Charles

 

Hi Charles

Browser configuration exactly the settings I am looking at and will definitely be utilising more configurations like this with my new setup.

I know I am a 'safe surfer' as far as anyone can be, alhtough I don't use IE as my main browser now I am still aware of this level of security. I know there are sites which do not work without the use of JS or ActiveX but these can be selected.
Opera is working well for me just now after working out its cookie management

I did read your post which lead me to the LnS etc and all the subsquent researching a friend is trying Jetico although he likes the firewall it is very different to setup which is why I had a look at LnS comparing it to Outpost.

Thanks for confirming the browser configs. as this really has been on my mind too. btw looked at Kerio as I know this is a firewall highly used by members of BBS.