CNET Editors' review
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.
More Popular Firewall Software downloads
- ZoneAlarm Free Firewall
6,975 downloads
- PeerBlock
1,925 downloads
- PC Tools Firewall Plus Free Edition
1,516 downloads
- Comodo Firewall
1,209 downloads
- Ashampoo FireWall Free
1,038 downloads
-
All versions:
3.7 starsout of 682 votes
-
Current version:
3.2 starsout of 157 votes
-
My rating:
Write review
-
"Ashampoo will not work on XP Pro SP3"
Version: Ashampoo FireWall Free 1.2
Pros
Easy to install. That's it!
Cons
Disabled my antivirus from updating.
I tried to contact support, but they just ignored me.
No way around it so had to delete.Summary
Went back to Zone Alarm.
Because of my problem with this firewall I wrote to the company. The following is their response.
Updated on Feb 7, 2012
"thank you for your interest in our software. Unfortunately, development and support for your product has been discontinued. Please use a different firewall product." -
"Would not Install under W7U64"
Version: Ashampoo FireWall Free 1.2
Pros
Would not install
Cons
Would not install
-
"Works well with 64bits Windows..."
Version: Ashampoo FireWall Free 1.2
Pros
I switched to a 64bit OS recently, and this was one of the very few Firewalls that was problem free and fully compatible.
Cons
I have no cons... it works well!
Summary
It does what it should... protects my computer from potential intrusions, and I am content.
-
"Easy to setup and use"
Version: Ashampoo FireWall Free 1.2
Pros
Easy setup, just unpack and install...configures basic settings on its own...controls are easy to follow for personalizing on your own system...it learns as it goes, setting rules for your programs that access the net, which you can set each time or every time
Cons
Haven't seen any yet (realistically, there won't be any cons unless I get hacked...)
Summary
Been using it for over a year, upgrading along the way, haven't been hacked yet so I see it as an easy to use free firewall
-
"Junk (is Ashampoo writing CNET's web code?)"
Version: Ashampoo FireWall Free 1.2
Pros
Signalls up front it's junk, which is good.
Cons
Wasted my time.
Summary
Generally, Ashampoo products are crap. That's just my experience having used a good half-dozen or so of their products over the years, in various incarnations. Ashampoo Firewall Free lives down to my expectations. I downloaded the installer and ran it. It have dialup so it took a good while for the installer to download the 10mb worth of data it needed to proceed. When it finished downloading, I got a message asking if I wished to proceed. I shut off the firewall software I'm trying to replace and disconnected from the internet; in my experience, you generally want to at least disable Anti-Virus/Firewall software before you try to install replacement Anti-Virus/Firewall software. And when you disable your firewall, you disconnect from the Internet so you don't drop your security. What could go wrong, right? AFE already had the files it needed, right? Well, I got some idiotic error message from AFE that says it can't install on Windows NT systems beyond version 6 (I'm on XP SP2, don't know if geek speek for XP is NT 7 or what, don't care), and the installer goes kaput and disappears. Then came the fun part. When I re-connected to the Internet and re-started the AFE installer...yep, you guessed it! AFE wants to download the 10mb all over again.
No thanks, that's a pretty clear signal I don't want Ashampoo's devs anywhere NEAR my computer. That would be like letting someone who's afraid of flying objects play outfield. It'll probably be a long time before I try another Ashampoo product, because they were already hanging by a thread. As far as I'm concerned it just broke. -
"Easy to Use But..."
Version: Ashampoo FireWall Free 1.2
Pros
Set up and use is easy.
Cons
Other security programs -- Avast! Antivirus and Spyware Doctor -- were blocked from automatic (and manual) updates, even after Ashampoo asked for allowing their programs to access the 'net. Even after I edited the rules to allow unrestricted access to all connections, it still wouldn't allow updates. Disabling the firewall still blocked updating, too. This firewall is useless to me if it makes my other security programs unable to update.
-
"easy and effective"
Version: Ashampoo FireWall Free 1.2
Pros
easy and effective
Cons
none at this price point
-
"Don't use this firewall unless you are sure you want it"
Version: Ashampoo FireWall Free 1.2
Pros
I tried this on a virtual machine with Windows XP SP2, since i was looking for a light on resources firewall. Also, good simple interface.
Cons
Outdated. Supported Operating Systems are Windows 2000 (Service Pack 4) and Windows XP (Service Pack 2). Doesn't allow AVG 2012 updates.
-
"Oh my god....."
Version: Ashampoo FireWall Free 1.2
Pros
None to speak of at this time.
Cons
Total disaster barely averted with install onto Win XP SP3 machine.
Summary
Not recommended for XP SP3.
Win 7 worked great. -
"Does not configure for antivirus/malware"
Version: Ashampoo FireWall Free 1.2
Pros
Simple, however..
Cons
I've tried this probably on three different computers now, EVERY time it doesn't recognize one AV or malware program (different one each time) and blocks it automatically, even after I manually set the rule, AND when I CLOSE IT!
Summary
.. It also doesn't ask whether to permit some programs access to the internet, but it DOES block them. (like Avast for example) I like some of Ashampoos programs, but this one does NOT work right. I never had this kind of problem with something else like Zone Alarm. Frankly with this many bugs (by the way it pops up with a German screen for the reg code!) I am also thinking CNETs EDITORIAL REVIEW IS A JOKE if they don't catch this kind of bug. It probably amounts to some guy installing it, running it for 15 minutes and then writing a few paragraphs on it instead of actually TESTING it.
