Windows Firewall: 5 safe alternatives
In addition to the Windows Firewall, there are numerous alternatives that protect you from attacks by hackers or viruses on the Internet, for example. In this practical tip, we present five safe alternatives to the Windows firewall.
Firewall alternative 1: Comodo
The Comodo Firewall is one of the most secure firewalls and also proves to be user-friendly.
- If you have installed the Comodo Firewall, the program blocks applications that the software classifies as unsafe or unknown to the system. You will be informed of this in a pop-up window.
- You can then decide whether you want to run the application or not. If you use some programs more often, you can specify in the settings that the message should no longer appear in the future. The "Zone Manager", with which you can configure access to networks, is also useful.
- The Comodo Firewall is available in German and can be downloaded free of charge. Around 220 MB of free space is required for the download. The firewall is suitable for operating systems from Windows XP.
Firewall alternative 2: Norton Internet Security 2014
With Norton Internet Security 2014, you get a package that includes a firewall.
- With Norton Internet Security 2014 you get a comprehensive package for your PC security. It contains antivirus software and thus offers you protection on the Internet and within your network.
- In addition, you will also find parental controls at Norton, you can block individual pages or set up additional protection against spam mails.
- The Norton Firewall package is available for download in German. You need around 287 MB of free space for this. The package can be installed on operating systems from Windows XP. Norton Internet Security 2014 is only a 15-day demo, however, the full version must then be purchased.
Firewall alternative 3: Kaspersky Internet Security 2014
Kaspersky Internet Security 2014 protects your PC from hackers and viruses with the integrated firewall.
- The Kaspersky security package includes protection against password theft and spy software. In addition, you can restore your PC at any time with the Rescue CD, should the computer be infected by a virus. In addition, your messengers are monitored and your internet services are scanned. Protection against ransomware is also particularly worth mentioning.
- You need around 235 megabytes of free space for the download. Kaspersky Internet Security 2014 is also a demo version. The full version costs around 40 euros.
Firewall alternative 4: Avira Internet Security Suite 2014
Avira Internet Security Suite 2014 is also an alternative to the Windows Firewall.
- Avira offers you all-round protection when it comes to surfing the Internet, online banking and shopping as well as emailing. In addition to the firewall, the package also includes pishing and child protection as well as a root killer. You can also secure five gigabytes of cloud storage with the Avira package.
- Avira Internet Security Suite 2014 is available in German for operating systems from Windows XP. It is a demo version that can be tested for 30 days. If you then choose the security package, you have to pay around 40 euros.
Firewall alternative 5: AVG Internet Security 2014
AVG Internet Security 2014 is another alternative to the window firewall.
- With the AVG security package, you decide whether you want to check the entire computer or just selected directories and folders. The firewall also fends off threats from the network and the Internet. You can define exceptions to this in the settings. In addition to the anti-spam tool, the "Identity Protection" function is also particularly noteworthy, because the tool protects you from identity theft on the Internet.
- You receive the package from AVG in German for all computers that are equipped with an operating system from Windows XP. It is a demo version that you can test for 30 days. If you opt for the full version of AVG Internet Security 2014, it will cost you around 40 euros.
We will explain where you can find the firewall settings in Windows in the next practical tip.