List of free firewalls for Windows

Here is a list of free firewalls that can be used with Windows. But Windows already comes with a firewall you say? - well, it's not good enough! If you'd like to know when spyware tries to access the internet - then you need a firewall that will notify you of information like that.

It's become harder finding a free alternative over the years. Tiny firewall is no longer free after CA bought Tiny Software. Also, Outpost cost money as well, in addition to Kerio Technologies' WinRouteFirewall6 - all of which were free previously (or at least had free alternatives).

So, which are still free? Well, here's the list:

• ZoneAlarm Free - this one is given. It's very good, but as I wrote about here, I decided to switch.


• NetDefender - Open source firewall that works with windows 2000 and later.


• Sunbelt Personal Firewall - cripled free version of their full software


• R-Firewall - Ok, this simply doesn't work as you cannot specify software. So if you for example have a bittorrent client you'll have to open for all IPs which try to connect to you.

ZoneAlarm

ZoneAlarm is a well-known free firewall for Windows. ZoneLabs Security have a Pro version of their software called ZoneAlarm Pro, which cost money - but the standard ZoneAlarm is totally free.

It's a bit difficult to find on their homepage - I guess they do it that way to get people to pay ;), but here is a direct-link for your convenience:
ZoneAlarm Free Download Link

I've used ZoneAlarm for years, however I decided to switch recently. You see I wanted to open a specific port in the high-range (45868) for use with my uTorrent bittorrent client, and that was not something that could be done with the free version.

Thus this blog to document my findings :-)