Scan & Fix 50 registry issues FREECNET 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:
3.7 starsout of 182 votes
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Current version:
2.8 starsout of 21 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"I love this firewall."
Version: Comodo Firewall 5.12
Pros
Many more options when compared to windows firewall. Instead of just blocking programs it gives you the option to allow said programs. This is especially helpful when I'm trying to play games.
Cons
Very complicated when you first open it.
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"Crashed my PC"
Version: Comodo Firewall 5.12
Pros
None. It crashed.
Cons
I consider it Malware. Make that Evilware. Full of extra crap.
Must manually uninstall after trying Control Panel.Summary
I tried to avoid installing extra crapware bundled with it and failed. I tried to run it and it crashed my computer. On reboot I
went into control panel hoping for a clean uninstall. No dice. I had
to search for everything myself. There are probably parts of it still stashed on my drive. Very evil of Comodo. Evilware - Avoid. -
"New version is just bloatware, CNET review not updated"
Version: Comodo Firewall 5.12
Pros
None I can identify. The new version is not customizable and you have no activity log so you have no idea of what is doing. I'm not even sure it's blocking anything.
Cons
120Mb of bloatware. The firewall software is not customizable anymore,no activity log is provided, netc. On top of that, additional bloatware (a browser called dragon, a technical support app that is probably a huge security risk and another crap I couldn't understand the purpose) is installed and you have no option to opt out. You will have to uninstall each piece separately after. Classy!
Summary
Do not install. Keep the windows one or try a competitor. Comodo is dead.
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"Good protection, bad for mmo games"
Version: Comodo Firewall 5.12
Pros
no hassle, easy to get up and running
pretty good protection
it's freeCons
Unless your a techie guru, you won't be able to customize it
If you play games which patches often, you will have to download the patch 2x
Allowing programs through the firewall, is difficult at best.Summary
With online games and MMOs, this firewall sucks. Everytime there is a patch, I have to download it twice. First it downloads and Comodo blocks the patching process, which causes it to fail. Then I have to tell it not to sandbox the patch, and download again. I have set the game as a trusted application, making sure that all files were allowed, but every patch, it causes the same issues. I am tired of this crap, and am removing it.
For non-gamers, this is probably a god-send. Unfortunately, I am a gamer. -
"Comodo Firewall is the best the I have used."
Version: Comodo Firewall 5.12
Pros
Better firewall then zone alarm 11 firewall. Doesn't slow your system, very light on resources. Easy install, easy setup. Work very good with avast 8. Zone alarm 11 caused computer to crash with the BSOD. I like that they have a list a trusted vendors, makes it safer to download. I would download it from Comodo's website because this is a outdated version. The new version is Version 6.0.260739.2674: 19 December , 2012.
Cons
None that i see so far. Outed version here. Have to go to Comodo's website for newest version.
Summary
I would say this the best firewall that i have used and works well with avast 8. Very good on system resources, not causing freezing like zone alarm 11. Internet seems more secure with this firewall, especially with the trusted vendors list. Easy install and setup. I would have to say, if you want a great firewall then use Comodo. Get the newest version from Comodo's website.
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"Hijacks your browser and makes annoying noises."
Version: Comodo Firewall 5.12
Pros
It doesn't slow everything down to a crawl like ZoneAlarm does.
Cons
Forcibly changed my default start page and search engine to Yahoo, and it constantly makes beeping noises that repeat until you do something, without an option to disable. Very annoying if you aren't in the room.
Summary
Well, if your firewall acts just as annoying as the malware you're trying to protect your system from, even free isn't woth it.
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"Anouther product that didnt live up to the ratings."
Version: Comodo Firewall 5.12
Pros
It uninstalled ok.
Cons
Things got past it.I run spybot and spybot would find lots of stuff that commodo didnt.
Summary
I wasnt impressed and took it off.
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"What happened?"
Version: Comodo Firewall 5.12
Pros
Might be easy for someone not used to computers, maybe.
Cons
What happened to this firewall?? I tried 6.0.264710etc.
and there where no proper firewall.
You install and run a scan then Comodo decides what is trusted and what is unknown. Unknown is up to you to decide. Trusted (like 90%) is decided and there is nothing you can do about it, it is allowed.Summary
Another sad development of an ok software. Are PC users really that stupid that they cant be trusted to even decide if they want to block a program? If you have not tried the 6.0 it will shock you if you ever used Comodo before. It is dumbed down to nearly nothing, a "modern" interface and no settings. The screenshot above is from the good old one btw.
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"Firewall OK, installation isn't"
Version: Comodo Firewall 5.12
Pros
Firewall works smoothly so far. Unrecognized files are sandboxed until you allow via the popup, connections can be allowed or blocked, "remember my choice" is the default. Passes grc.com leaktest.
Cons
Careful when installing. There are 3 choices you can opt out from, such as accepting Yahoo toolbar and homepage. Then, if you click the fine print that says "customize installation" you can avoid installing GeekBuddy (21MB) and Dragon browser (31MB). The firewall is listed as 40MB but shows as 99MB on my system... I hate installations with tricky extra junk.
Summary
Firewall seems to work well with good simple interface. Watch out for extra junk in the installation.
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"Used to be the best...now just a bug"
Version: Comodo Firewall 5.12
Pros
Used to be an impenetrable wall, with many features and a screen where you could see what programs were accessing the internet, but it is all gone thanks to the new update
Cons
New free version is HIGHLY non stable. I tried re-installing 3 times, scince this was without a doubt the most reliable firewall for free on the market, but the amount of bugs was much too big. It allways reached a point where it crashed, and even clicking the "Fix it" button wouldnt do anything, going to the point where it even cut off my internet access.
Summary
Great firewall, would be the best by a mile leaving the competition behind - if the last update had not ruined it...I highly DO NOT recommend until they fix all these major bugs...
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