CNET Editors' review
If you're running a fairly recent edition of Windows, you're probably also using the built-in Windows Firewall. It does a good job, but there's no reason not to take advantage of much more capable (yet just as free) firewalls, especially when they're easier to use and come with significant extras. Take Comodo Firewall: This full-featured, multilayer firewall application uses cloud-based data to analyze new programs and data to prevent attacks, including zero-day attacks. It protects your system from viruses, Trojans, worms, hacker attacks, and other threats. Extras include a Geek Buddy subscription, the SecureDNS network, and a speedy, secure Web browser, Comodo Dragon.
Comodo Firewall's setup includes three network locations, with appropriate security levels for each: Home, Work, and Public. We chose Home. Comodo Firewall's operation is very much like other firewalls we've tried: the first time you use a program or access a Web site with the firewall running, you need to enable it in a pop-up that remembers your choice unless you tell it otherwise. The firewall's system tray icon accesses a menu that let us configure the Firewall and Defense & Security levels, and also its Sandbox feature and Game Mode.
Setup required a reboot, as did some settings, such as the Proactive Security Configuration. A simple, colorful interface gave us quick access to the two main components, the Firewall and Defense+ features. In daily use, Comodo Firewall is every bit as unobtrusive and easy to manage as the most popular free standalone firewalls for Windows, and just as flexible. It also includes lots of help options, such as the Geek Buddy feature and online forums and documentation.
We also like Dragon, which we updated shortly after installing it. Dragon automatically imported favorites, history, passwords, and other data we specified from our default browser (Chrome) including our bookmarks toolbar (thanks). Dragon is Chrome's cousin; it's based on the Chromium engine. Dragon is great for trying SecureDNS without altering your network settings. The SecureDNS network offers various security features, and it didn't slow down our browsing. Comodo Firewall is a top contender among free firewall applications.
Publisher's Description
From Comodo:
Comodo's free Firewall is your first layer of defense against viruses, worms, Trojans, hackers and all Internet threats. Comodo's Firewall uses Default Deny Protection to prevent threats from occurring, rather than just detecting them when it's already too late. Whenever an unknown piece of software is introduced to your system, Comodo Firewall cross-references it with a white-list of over 15 million trusted files and applications. If the file asking for access is on the list, Comodo Firewall can be sure it's safe for your computer to allow it to execute. If not, Comodo Firewall will alert you that a possibly malicious file is trying to enter your PC. The latest version sees a major leap forward in security and usability with the addition of cloud based scanning and behavior analysis of unrecognized files - making Comodo Firewall unbeatable at detecting zero-day attacks. Under default settings, unknown and untrusted files are automatically scanned by our cloud-based virus scanners then, while the file undergoes behavior analysis on our cloud server, it is run in a virtual environment (sandbox) on your local machine so that it cannot modify or affect data on your 'real' system. This ground-breaking method of protecting your PC means that only trusted applications are allowed to run. Malware and untrusted files get nowhere near anything important AND you get to use your computer without interruption from nagging alerts. The software also boasts a powerful packet filtering firewall that helps you securely connect to the internet while blocking hackers from making incoming connections. It's easy to use and features an attractive interface that lets even beginners change settings to their liking. Comodo Firewall comes with automatic updates and is winner of the prestigious Editor's Choice award from PCMag.com. Download it now and find out why prevention-based protection is the security technology of the future. Comodo Firewall is completely free for life.
What's new in this version: Trustconnect - CIS auto-detects unsecured wireless connections and lets you connect using TrustConnect. Faster AV scans with 'Smart Scan' Technology improved. Malware deletion capabilities improved. Dragon browser is included with CIS fixed. Various bug fixes to improve security/performance.
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All versions:
3.9 starsout of 131 votes
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Current version:
4.1 starsout of 25 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"So far, so good"
Version: Comodo Firewall 5.9
Pros
effective
easy to set up
icon shows when activeCons
pops up a little more than I would like sometimes
Summary
My Windows firewall stopped working, so I downloaded this. I like that it shows me when it is active. It seems effective so far at protecting from malware. (I have been using it for about a week.) It is sometimes annoying to have to approve the same program several times because different files in the same program are requesting something. That is getting better as I learn how to use the program better. I haven't used GeekBuddy yet because my husband is a pretty good geek buddy himself. I would recommend this product.
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"absolutely the best"
Version: Comodo Firewall 5.9
Pros
I only use the firewall, which also includes Defense+. I use another company's AV. Comodo doesn't let much through to the AV software to begin with. I run regular AV scans and in about six years the AV has caught about three malware instances. That means only three instances have slipped through. I happily browse all over the place, knowing I have little to worry about.
Cons
Hmmm...let's see....I occasionally have to think just a little bit.
Summary
It's the best firewall - period.
Comodo lets you look at all kinds of activity on your system, and specify all kinds of behavior, limitations and permissons - and it's not really hard to figure out. I LOVE it!
Updated on May 24, 2012 -
"Seemed good, until I tried to VPN"
Version: Comodo Firewall 5.9
Pros
Not sure, did not get into it enough.
Cons
Crashes when I use Cisco VPN
Summary
It seemed like a good firewall program, it learned programs without much interaction on my part. I didn't have much time to get into it since when I had to use my VPN client, it blue-screened the system. Despite reinstalls to see if that would clear it up, it still blue-screened.
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"LOOKING EXTREMELY GOOD SO FAR (Day 1)"
Version: Comodo Firewall 5.9
Pros
Extremely easy setup with the aid of the best user friendly and comprehensive Help Manual I've ever seen.
Can't really rate it's performance just yet, early days - gave it a 4.5 for now on the basis of ease of installation/setup and the range of tools in Firewall and Defence+. If they all work unobtrusively in the background I think we have a winner here.
Had no trouble evading the Geek Buddy/Dragon downloads on the way in and have set this baby on the "ignore". lists of both AVG and Malwarebytes.Cons
None so far. Its certainly not slowing my computer down - though I wonder just how big it would be if Geek & Dragon were added. Firewall and Defence+ alone weigh in at 120-130 Mb. Not exactly lightweight, but doesn't appear to be sucking up much RAM.
Will be interested to see if it will be friends with poor ole Windows Firewall (which strongly advises you not to run two firewalls in tandem).Summary
Fingers and toes crossed that it does everything it says it will do - that would be a gift - like AVG, Malwarebytes, Glary Utilities, Slimdrivers, and of course my fave rave of the moment POP Peeper.
DAY - 2
P.S. Love the interface layout and functions (black looks cool!)
Updated on May 15, 2012
Hate it when a program this promising defeats me one way or another. Uninstalled after 24 hours due to an eventually noticeable slowdown crept in - and I sacrifice nuthin' for speed.
Also messed with a few items like Do Not Track+ and my indispensable POP Peeper (hands off!)
Despite the fact that the Help menu is superbly laid out , giving you advice on recommended defaults in every tab on the settings window for both Firewall and Defender - there are some ambiguous cues in areas like network setup. Port Stealth settings also a minefield - possibly where I tripped up and gaslighted POP Peeper's routine.
CONCLUSION: if you don't fiddle with advanced settings, I think this one WILL do what it says it will, and very well _ but I'm a demon for speed so will continue to put my faith in Malwarebytes (and finally cough up for the paid version to get the realtime shield) -
"An excellent firewall for your PC."
Version: Comodo Firewall 5.9
Pros
-Doesn't take up a lot of process memory.
-Easy to install
-The optional software are useful.
-Simple to use just leave the firewall and defense+ to its default settings.Cons
-Depending on how many programs installed the intial pop ups for EVERY program you run after you install this program can be a pain.
-I find GeekBuddy to be an unnecessary program for me as I tend find the problem myself.Summary
This software and other popular firewall softwares that I tried worked fine on my 8 year old PC with only 1.256 GB of RAM installed all didn't slow my PC down as I disabled the unnecessary services that Windows XP has running in the background that chew up 400 MB of memory. I simply choose Comodo Firewall because it didn't eat up my memory and with Avast free anti virus plus ThreatFire I haven't had a virus on my PC for 4 years.
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"Excellent Program"
Version: Comodo Firewall 5.9
Pros
Maximum Security
Cons
My computer speed reduces
Summary
While googling, I found a review about Comodo Firewall, really informative and trusty. Thanks Google.
http://www.software-latest.com/2011/01/01/comodo-firewall.html -
"conflicts with other prog"
Version: Comodo Firewall 5.9
Pros
to good to work with other malware progams. more than firewall has geekbuddy ,dragon which is like chrome. and internet security.
just want the firewall.Cons
slowed comp down on w7 . conflict with other malware security on comp. geek buddy and dragon are in processes running even though removed from config. if try use custom install unchek those items. dragon left behind alot of registry files after uinstall.
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"Best I have used"
Version: Comodo Firewall 5.9
Pros
Beautiful user interface
Easy installation
No conflicts with other applications in a very dense Win7 x64 envCons
none I am aware of.
Summary
I have been very critical in my choices of firewall in the last ten years or so on my personal computers. Online Armor was my choice until today. Comodo Firewall is a dream to work with. If it keeps me confident that my data is safe in the next month or two with richly populated logs, and graphics I will certainly buy. The free choices have always been the better choices in the past with options like Norton, or McAfee; this software clearly deserves to be paid for. Very well done, thank you!
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"so far so good , could be the best i have used:)"
Version: Comodo Firewall 5.9
Pros
easy install ( click advanced install ) if you do NOT want geekbuddy and comodo dragon.
easy to use and set up
nice learning factor to this prog
easy to use interface
nice pop ups so you can see what is wanting access to the internet or make changes etc (click rem answer) so that you do not end up with same pop ups.
sandbox feat available as well which i like :)Cons
none really just noticed that my cooling fan pops on sooner and for longer this i installed this , do not know if this is the reason as not in my task manager ???.
Summary
over all a good prog i think so far better than avg's firewall and have only been using for a few day now and have noticed better and faster gaming speeds and downloads.
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"Good protection but difficult to use at times"
Version: Comodo Firewall 5.9
Pros
+ Updates
+ Layout/interface
+ Solid firewall if you know the program in and out.Cons
Learning Curve
Summary
Comodo Firewall is solid, but a little bit to much.
Forgot to mention something.
You have control all the time and sometimes it's pretty annoying when you just want to block a program from being connected to internet.
But after blocking program through blocked applications, you get so many different processes you don't know about.
So it's hard to know what you are doing exactly.
So it's a learning curve you have to take time for.
I'm learning through youtube tutorials and google forums to make program work the way i like.
Because the first time using this program became a mess, it blocked applications/programs that i couldn't get back to work.
So had to reinstall the entire comodo firewall.
This is not a user-friendly firewall i think for most people.
I like the interface and the way the program works, but there are so many processes you have to block or allow etc.
If you know a easier free firewall, then let me know please.
I use this one in combo with panda 2012 free anti-virus and MalwareBytes.
This combo is free and all you need for good windows protection. Just disable notifications and auto updates through firewall and copy update.exe from comodo map to desktop.
If you want to use Comodo.
Updated on Apr 18, 2012
During Comodo install you have to select advanced install so you can deselect geekbuddy and comodo dragon.
Yes you can uncheck these optional programs.
Updated on May 12, 2012I encountered something with this firewall.
I experienced black screen with videogames and fullscreen programs during startup or ending game/program.
I had to restart my desktop pc a couple of times and had to power off my laptop because black screen froze up in some other way.
Even alt+ctrl+delete didn't work.
It happened on two different pc's. (one desktop pc and one laptop)
So it's not a system fault, it's the firewall.
And after deleting firewall on both machines, everything worked again for 100% and i'm not afraid to play games anymore.
The firewall is a great product if you use it for the basic stuff like homework, internet and other software programs without fullscreen.
Because once going into fullscreen (with most fullscreen programs), it's impossible to get out because of black screen freeze-up.
I now use windows firewall, emsisoft free emergency kit, hitman pro, malwarebytes free, panda free cloud, ccleaner and toolwiz care. Must be good enough right?
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