- Quick specs
- Price: Free
- Operating system: Windows 2000/XP
- Date added: April 18, 2007
- Total Downloads: 1,309,288
- Downloads last week: 3,275
- See full specifications
- CNET editors' rating: stars
- Average user rating: stars out of 640 votes
See all user reviews
CNET editors' review
Reviewed by: CNET staff on September 15, 2009
Ashampoo FireWall Free is an easy-to-use program that lets users to their computers from unwanted connections to the Internet. Though it may not be the most robust firewall available, it's a great choice for novice users who know they want protection but aren't sure how a firewall should be configured.
The program's interface is sleek and intuitive, with its functions neatly organized in tabs. Users don't have to do much to configure the program initially; it will automatically notify users when an application attempts to connect to the Internet and ask whether users want to allow this action. Users can also go into the program and manually add rules for various programs. All the basic functions were intuitive and worked well, and the built-in Help file, while a little awkward in style, provides a good overview of the program's features and how to use them. In addition to allowing users to define connection rules for applications, the program lets users view connection statistics and logs of connection activity. The program contains an Internet Cleaner feature that allows users to erase evidence of their Internet activity, although we're not sure this is anything a user couldn't do from within their browser. Overall, we found the program to be a simple way for users to add a basic level of protection to their computers.
This freeware installs without issues but does leave files behind upon removal. We recommend this program to novice and intermediate users who want the protection of a firewall without a lot of hassle.
Publisher's description
From Ashampoo :The Ashampoo FireWall makes it easy for anyone to set up an effective, free firewall. Its Configuration Assistant guides you through every step of the the setup process. Easy Mode makes using it a breeze. You dont need any special technical knowledge, and everything is explained clearly. Even with its additional security tools, Ashampoo Firewall is a tiny program that uses very little memory and computer resources. You get heavy-duty protection without a heavyweight load on your system. The Ashampoo FireWall user interface explains itself every step of the way. The information is right there on the screen where you need it so that most users will never need to consult the help files.
Version 1.2 improves multi-language support.
What's new in this version:
Version 1.2 improves multi-language support.
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User reviews
- Average user rating: 3.8 stars out of 640 votes
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
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Showing 5 of 101 user reviewsSee all 101 user reviews
This software version | All versions -
12 out of 13 people found this review helpful
Version: Ashampoo FireWall Free 1.2
Pros: Nice interface. Easy to configure. Light footprint.
Cons: Incompatible with avast! 4.8 antivirus. Nasty conflict - may need to uninstall in safe mode if you are affected.
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6 out of 13 people found this review helpful
Version: Ashampoo FireWall Free 1.2
Pros: Donot go further, Alternative Zone Alarm Firewall will CRUSH THE WINDOW XP, PC Tool Firewall is another option
Cons: Thanke Ashampoo FireWall
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4 out of 5 people found this review helpful
Version: Ashampoo FireWall Free 1.2
"Maybe good for a novice user."
Pros: Seems easy to use.
Cons: Within five minutes i tested a few apps, it came up with a window as i expected asking me if i wanted to let it connect to the internet. So far so good! Then i fired up call of duty and connected to a server. I actually did want this program access to the internet but it never asked me so i unistalled it. All i want is a simple firewall to ask and remember when anything connects. Also to get liscense you have to send two emails to them. It only takes a few minutes and is free but its a hassle worth noting.
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9 out of 10 people found this review helpful
Version: Ashampoo FireWall Free 1.2
"The only Free Firewall good for Novices"
Pros: This only the free firewall I've tried yet that novices can navigate (and I've tried many firewalls, ZoneAlarm, Jetico, Comodo, PC Tools, Lavasoft, Outpost). If you want an easy to use firewall, you just found one.
Cons: The security this offers isn't comparable to more advanced harder to use firewall programs, but it's more effective than windows firewall. If you know how to use a more advanced firewall there are much better free one's out there.
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1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
Version: Ashampoo FireWall Free 1.2
"didn't do anything, just sat in the task bar"
Pros: not much
Cons: no activity whatsoever in the software....no logging, tracking, no nothing. Waste of time, so I got PC Tools Firewall Plus, free and works great.
- See all 101 user reviews Write review
