CNET Editors' review
Comodo Firewall Pro gets a major revision from its publisher, upgrading to Version 3 with some significant changes. Most importantly, user complaints about resource hogging when Version 2 came out have been all but eradicated with the new model.
The program still provides a smorgasbord of information and options for advanced users, but it's simple enough for beginners, and runs smoothly and silently in the background. The most obvious new features include support for Windows Vista at the expense of Windows 2000 support, although the older v2.4 with Windows 2000 support is still available.
The other big change is the new interface. This new UI isn't exactly an improvement on the old one. However, the blue color scheme has been toned down in favor of basic white, and there's more empty space between the various options. Old terminology has been replaced with more intuitive terms. The new main tabs are Summary, Firewall, Defense , and Miscellaneous. In each, though, there are links to relevant security issues so users can drill down to learn more about how the firewall is performing.
There's a new feature called the Host Intrusion Prevention System that supposedly protects against unknown threats. Obviously, it's hard to tell if it works unless an unknown threat gets in, but it didn't seem to affect system performance negatively. Mostly, Comodo rears its head most often soon after installation when Security Alerts ask about new Internet connections as the program "learns" your computer's behavior.
Don't be fooled by the name, either. Comodo is labeled Pro but it offers up its dragon-sized treasure of features for free.
Publisher's Description
From Comodo:
Comodo Firewall Pro - Secure your system against internal attacks such as Trojan viruses / malicious software and external attacks by hackers. Safeguard your personal data through a simple user friendly single click interface offering full immunity to attack. Comodo Firewall Pro helps you connect in a secure way to the internet and global networks.
Version 3 features a new user interface and an addition to the firewall engine that protects against unknown threats.
What's new in this version: Version 3 features a new user interface and an addition to the firewall engine that protects against unknown threats.
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All versions:
3.8 starsout of 1,941 votes
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Current version:
3.7 starsout of 255 votes
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My rating:
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"Extensive Protection w/o annoyances or lags"
Version: Comodo Firewall Pro 3
Pros
Regardless of your experience with firewalls, Comodo FP provides superb protection. You can either select more automated modes (for basic users) or see every detailed action that's happening. Either way, you won't find your CPU usage skyrocketing.
Cons
The install process took two tries for me. I would advise temporarily turning off your anti-virus provider (or uninstalling it completely if you wish to use the Comodo one) before installing --- or maybe everyone already knew to do that except me...
Summary
Overall, Comodo FP is the best firewall I've tried (compared with that of Windows and ZoneAlarm). Its interface is simple, its resource usage minimal (10mb on mine), and its protection so far appears very secure. I especially like the "Traffic" tab on the main page, which quickly shows me what's going in/out of my internet connection.
After using Defense+ for a bit, I have come to thoroughly enjoy it! Its identification of startup processes and application requests for permissions is stellar -- it's like having another layer of anti-malware. Plus, it identified outgoing UDP from the system that -- although typically not a problem -- could be exploited (I blocked the connection just to be safe, as it's unnecessary).
One thing to mention is the Defense+ : unless if you change the default setting, this thing will learn EVERYTHING that your computer does. I really like this feature, but for those who want a completely non-invasive setup, try using a less obtrusive mode (i.e. "Training Mode").
Updated on Dec 24, 2008 -
"Not so sure about newer version."
Version: Comodo Firewall Pro 3
Pros
I 've had COMODO for a few months now and love it.It's strong and does the job it was designed to do. As long as it continues to do so,we will not part.
Cons
I saw there is a newer version and downloaded it. Every thing seemed the same until i checked it with Gibson Research Corp. LeakTest and it penetrated the firewall. So I got rid of it by restoring my computer to an earlier time. It back to normal now
Summary
Great firewall;better than Zone Alarm. Didn't like the results from the GRC LeakTest with the updated version as it made me feel as though it wasn't operating properly.I'm going to stay with the previous version- 3.0.25.378
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"Great and Best Firewall 5 Star"
Version: Comodo Firewall Pro 3
Pros
I thing its batter than ZA Free.
Lot of securities.
Forget forever for furtherCons
My suggession is that download and Installed it, nothing is batter than this.
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"good but needs improving"
Version: Comodo Firewall Pro 3
Pros
This is a excellent program, have seen many tested on a website, and this one and another one were in the top cat. It works very well protecting your pc.
Cons
They need to fix the learning capability, a little really ntrusive, and does not always learn everything correctly and asks over and over the same thing
Summary
Love this program over all.
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"Great so far"
Version: Comodo Firewall Pro 3
Pros
Easy to use interface
Cons
Since installing it I can't seem to eject USB Keys, a bit coinsidental.
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"Simply the Best"
Version: Comodo Firewall Pro 3
Pros
Comes with an amazing database, and performs admirably in my Vista Home Premium, frequently set to Low Energy consumption mode. Nothing is totally new to Comodo, and, during the fast learning stage, it basically asks you to confirm actions for processes it recognizes, which is easy, because you're given info about the programs and the normal context in which they should be operating. Some people seem to forget that sometimes you can't simply say 'yes' when asked about a running process, but there is a small scroll for basic options. The alerts are pretty informative, so there is no room for guessing. Even so, you can easily delete a log and restart the learning of the program in any area of choice. Never had any 'annoying' experience with alerts. Comodo learns fast. Also, Defense + runs perfectly. I'm using its anti-malware scan for a second opinion. Tried it with Firefox and Opera, in all kinds of connections. Smooth. Can't praise it enough.
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"Rock Solid"
Version: Comodo Firewall Pro 3
Pros
Solid protection, included malware scanning (Defense +), easy to use.
Cons
Uninstall doesn't delete security center hook - after uninstall, Windows thinks it still is monitoring your computer
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"Try it, you'll be amazed"
Version: Comodo Firewall Pro 3
Pros
at how often programs are talking over the internet without alerting you. Take back charge of your computer even if you are not worried about trojans and worms.Pretty easy to use. One of the best firewalls and its free....
Cons
latest versions don't support servers. No 2008 x64 support. busy animated system tray icon. If you hit the wrong button on an alert, it can take a while to figure out what you did wrong and fix it, and sometimes a restart fixes an issue.
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"Excellent free firewall"
Version: Comodo Firewall Pro 3
Pros
It allows a degree of configuration and protection offered by no other free firewall that I know of .
Cons
Could confuse a novice - more aimed at someone who knows what they are doing.
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"Great!"
Version: Comodo Firewall Pro 3
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