The PC Utilities Guide to...

Personal Firewalls

Keep your system protected against online threats with the latest freeware firewall applications

Gone are the days when PC users could consider their systems secure armed with just an antivirus application. Each time we go online, we are faced with a frightening range of other malware, from Trojans to keyloggeds, not to mention adware and spyware of various kinds. Add to these threats such as hackers, phishing scams and identity fraud, and it's easy to see why common sense and basic safety habits alone are woefully inadequate.

The only way to stay 100% safe is perhaps to unplug your PC from the Internet, but that's the overly paranoid option. Adding a personal firewall to your computer's security armoury though, is not just sensible but absolutely essential.

A desktop or personal firewall is a software application that monitors network traffic, restricts harmful or unnecessary connections, and alerts the user to attempted intrusions. The secret of an effective firewall is a correct configuration of the rules that filter inbound and outbound traffic, which could range from answering a few simple questions to tinkering with network security configurations, depending on the application used and your personal expertise.

Personal firewalls come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. They are mostly priced reasonably and are often free. This, of course, is not a comprehensive list, but gives an overview of the range of software available.

— Payal Dhar. This article is an excerpt from a larger article in issue 109 of PC Utilities magazine. Each month PC Utilities magazine reviews scores of great new programs. Have you considered taking advantage of our no-risk subscription offer?

This page was last updated on 06 Jun 2009

# Name
1

Ashampoo Firewall Free BUY PIC
Protect your PC against hackers and Trojans, control application access to the Net, and monitor LAN connections

2

Comodo Internet Security PIC USER
Secure your system against hackers and viruses with this combined antivirus and firewall tool - 32-bit version

3

Jetico Personal Firewall PIC
Protect your system from hackers and unauthorised Net activity

4

NetVeda Safety.Net PIC
Protect your system against hackers and Trojans, filter Internet access and protect your email account

5

Online Armor Free PIC
A free personal firewall, with a built-in Host Intrusion Protection System (HIPS)

6

PC Tools Firewall Plus REVIEW PIC USER
Protect your system against spyware, worms and Internet intrusions using easy-to-apply advanced rules

7

SoftPerfect Personal Firewall PIC
Protect your PC against attacks from the Internet or Local Area Network

8

Webroot Desktop Firewall PIC
Safeguard your data and keep hackers away from your system - register online at www.webroot.com

9

ZoneAlarm PIC USER
Protect your system against all types of Internet intrusions and filter application access to the Net - latest 2012 version