Need a temp or perm alternative to ZoneAlarm ?

Hi all,

I know this has been discussed ad nauseum on this board, but I'm looking for some updated opinions.

I've been a loyal ZoneAlarm user since version 1.0, and have been a paying user of ZA Pro since it was first released, even with the annual renewals.

However, the latest version I upgraded to broke compatibility with the apps I use on my system, mainly IIS and mySQL that I use for some web app development. I know from cruising the boards and ZA forums that there are known issues with apps using localhost, it also impeded my ability to use utilities like chkdsk that run at boot time.

I've since reverted back to a previous version after having to do a full de-install, fortunately I back up my settings every now and then and didn't have to re-create my settings from scratch.

However, I'm not happy with reverting and am interested in looking at alternatives for now. I'm not throwing in the towel on ZA, I've been happy with them for years and will give them some slack, but my support contract expired last month and I'm not renewing it until I know that the bugs have been worked out and ZA Pro will work the way I need it to.

So in the meantime, I'm interested in looking at alternatives to see if I've been missing anything with ZA Pro. I should also point out that the biggest reason I switched to ZA Pro from the free version was the ability to add custom rules, so that's a mandatory requirement for me.

I've read positive posts about Tiny Firewall on this board as an excellent free alternative, but when I checked their website, it would appear they're charging for the app now.

I also have the option of using the latest version of McAffee Firewall for free (part of my service provider's service) but I'll probably stick with an obsolete version of ZA Pro before I'll do that.

Anyone have any alternative suggestions to try? I need a FW that has a configurable ruleset, and I would really prefer one that can isolate localhost from internal and external zones (a shortcoming of ZA). I'm not willing to pay for a new app yet, since I'm waiting to see if the ZL boys will get their act together, but at the same time I am a little disappointed with the bloat that has creeped into ZA Pro so may be willing to consider a move down the road if the app works well and the price is right.

Anyhow, thanks in advance for any opinions...

Cheers,
KV

Well, if you're up for it, I can recommend the last stable free v2 Kerio, v2.1.5.

It's rules based and it can support many different kinds of setups, including true loopback. I used it for a while and I liked it alot. I just kind of chickened out that I just was not knowledgeable enough to understand all the intricacies.

The Kerio forum at dslreports here is the best resource I've found and forum member Blitzen Zeus is 'da man on 2.1.5. 2.1.5 is also available for download there too.

Kerio 4 is nice too, once you turn off all the web filtering stuff and bring it back to being just a packet filter. Best bit is that you can do that bit for free. :)

www.kerio.com/kpf_home.html

I use NORTON INTERNET SECURITY 2001
stops all intruders, and the settings should be able to change manually.
Never got a Virus yet, plus NORTON ANTI VIRUS 2001, is a good pair.

I don't know about the Mcfee firewall, but if it's anything like the antivirus....uhg!:(

Norton is a good product, but I don't like the companies ethics, they seem to be against the Right to Bear firearms.:mad: