Alternative to windows firewall.
 

I want to turn off Windows firewall and use another bit of software to open specific ports.

For example I want all ports closed except port x, y, z … and I want to specify them in the software.

I am getting all sorts of funny stuff going on using windows firewall to do this, so want to ditch it and experiment with something more basic. i.e. something that simply blocks ALL ports, except those I have told it to open….

Any recommendations?

Free ones obviously (or at least free trial).

Something funkey to monitor port activity would be good too ;)

Re: Alternative to windows firewall.
 

Zone alarm?

Re: Alternative to windows firewall.
 

That blocks programs ... its too compliacted ... I just want a port blocker/opener ...

Re: Alternative to windows firewall.
 

+1 Zone Alarm Pro does a very good job.

Re: Alternative to windows firewall.
 

Use a separate firewall. I wouldn't trust a software firewall running on the machine that it's intended to protect. There are so many vulnerabilities in Windows that it's possible that an attacker could find a way to disable Zone Alarm or other software firewall.

Re: Alternative to windows firewall.
 

Sygate Personal Firewall is a pretty good app - see if it does what you want to do....

Re: Alternative to windows firewall.
 

Downloading Zone Alarm Basic ... does anyone know if it allows me to block ports/name ports??? A few years since I used it and back then I was only blocking programs/urls with it ...

And it was a pain in the posterior.

Re: Alternative to windows firewall.
 

Does your router have a built-in firewall. Many run linux firmware and allow port opening/closing.

caveat - depends how you have it set up!

Re: Alternative to windows firewall.
 

Zone Alarm, Im sure you can block/open ports, I had to set a range of open IP's for my internal Network. MS firewall is rubbish, only blocks inbound connections.
Steve

Re: Alternative to windows firewall.
 

+1.

For personal use, I have a netgear FVS528. But use Nokia hardware with checkpoint for real work
I also rate smoothwall if you want to play with firewalls. but you still should learn how iptables works to ensure you understand the rules the smoothy imposes