TOP 6 best free firewall software for Windows

Firewall - A firewall is a network security system that monitors traffic going to and from devices connected to a network (usually the Internet) and acts as an intrusion detection mechanism to prevent attack. Such technology can exist in the form of a software package that can be installed on personal computer devices or hardware-based walls that often run in specialized systems to protect the entire network. before the hacker.

While the latter usually offers more benefits in intrusion prevention efforts, they are also more expensive and more complex than free firewall software available. In this article, Download.com.vn will introduce you to 6 best free firewall software that you can install on your Windows device.

1. ZoneAlarm

ZoneAlarm is one of the oldest and most popular firewall programs for Windows and comes in two versions. The free version provides most of the basic features that you would expect to have on a modern firewall and the paid version offers many advanced features. The free version comes with the ability to hide open ports and identify as well as isolate suspicious traffic.

The latest version of the software also connects to DefenseNet to receive real-time security updates on new threats. Overall, ZoneAlarm is one of the most comprehensive and customizable third-party firewall programs you can install for your computer.

However, along with the advantages, ZoneAlarm also has its own problems. First, the company gradually trimmed the best features of the program on the free version that no longer came with the HIPS protection system. In addition, the program conflicts with some third-party antivirus programs, but works well with Windows Defender.

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2. Comodo FireWall

ZoneAlarm has really done what it can do so far. However, if you want a full-featured firewall with a free HIPS protection system, Comodo FireWall is the choice you should consider. The software comes with an active Defense + monitor. Comodo also gives users a great level of control over what programs can and cannot access the Internet and comes with a memory firewall feature that seeks protection against buffer overflow attacks. The program also provides sandbox protection, ad blockers as well as custom DNS servers.

Comodo Firewall is probably the best feature-rich free firewall you can use on your computer, but make sure you choose manual settings instead of the default settings to prevent installation. Put all the extra software that comes with the program.

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3. PeerBlock

PeerBlock is a firewall program that works by blocking traffic to and from predefined IP addresses.

The program blocks both outgoing and incoming connections, but the user has the final say in the blocked and unblocked IP range. You can use many free public lists from I-Blocklist, or even create your own IP blacklist that can then be used to block traffic.

Once installed, you will be prompted to configure the software so that it can download multiple lists containing IP addresses of well-known adware vendors, spyware wholesalers, and government agencies. or organized against p2p. When you select your categories, the list will be downloaded and those IP addresses will be added to your blacklist and updated automatically at regular intervals without you having to do anything. .

Although the program itself is not maintained actively, the latest version is still stable, compatible with Windows 10 and can update the filter list periodically. However, given the sensitive nature surrounding peer-to-peer protocols, you should still sign up for a VPN service if you're a heavy torrent downloader.

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4. Tinywall

Tinywall's USP is the program that uses the least system resources on the list, it only takes up about 1MB of your disk space after installation. However, it is not a stand-alone firewall program that is designed to work with the existing Windows Firewall, to control some of its features. Unlike some of the programs mentioned in the list, Tinywall does not use annoying popups that can often disturb your work.

All settings and configuration of the program are accessible from a popup menu that may take some time to get used to.

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5. GlassWire

While the other firewalls on the list are well-known and have been around for almost a decade, GlassWire has been in the market for only a few years. It is essentially a network monitoring tool in some respects, but also allows you to manually block any incoming or outgoing traffic that you feel suspicious.

GlassWire records network activities on computers and creates easily distinguishable graphs that are classified by traffic type, application and geographic location. Although this is a very small tool to monitor your connection for more granular control, it is not a full-featured firewall program and actually relies on Windows Firewall to do all the blocking. .

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6. Windows Firewall

Many people probably don't realize this, but Windows installations come with a built-in firewall from Microsoft. Since Windows XP, this firewall software has grown significantly and is now one of the most effective and least invasive firewall programs available on Windows-based systems. In terms of advantages, the software has passed all open and theft gateway tests and does not bother users with a series of popup alerts like other feature-rich firewall software.

On the downside, outbound protection is often suspected, but unless you have a computer filled with malware that makes all sorts of unauthorized connections steal your bandwidth and potentially push. putting your device at risk, Windows Firewall is all you need.

Firewalls are an important part of computer security and, if used correctly and in combination with anti-malware software, will protect you from a lot of dangerous situations.