Lavasoft Personal Firewall

CNET Editors' review

This powerful personal firewall from the makers of Ad-Aware offers effective protection, ease of use, and a solid feature set. Based on Agnitum Outpost Firewall s engine, the program boasts a well-designed interface that prominently displays an event log of all activities. The application s left panel contains sections for network activity, open ports, and allowed or blocked processes. Lavasoft Personal Firewall quickly scans your PC to add policies for all found applications and easily adapts to newly installed software. Like any good firewall, this one displays a system-tray icon and notifies you whenever an unapproved process attempts to run. When you first start using the app, you ll need to approve or block programs on your computer, either on a one-time or recurring basis. Configuring global and specific firewall policies is simple enough for novices, while the detailed logs will help advanced users track down network and PC problems. In our tests, Lavasoft Persoanl Firewall demonstrated solid protection against threats, expected from a company best known for its spyware protection. The main downside we see is the short 10-day trial period, which may prevent some users from trying the program, particularly given the amount of quality, free firewalls on the market. Nevertheless, anyone in the market for a reliable personal firewall will find Lavasoft s addition to the category a very positive affair.

Publisher's Description

More Products to Consider

  • Avast Free Antiviru...
    Protect your PC against the latest viruses and spyware.
    Download Or, Learn More About Avast Free Antivirus

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • AVG AntiVirus Free ...
    Protect your computer from viruses and malicious programs.
    Download Or, Learn More About AVG AntiVirus Free 2013

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Malwarebytes Anti-M...
    Detect and quickly remove malicious threats to your computer.
    Download Or, Learn More About Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Hotspot Shield
    Provide secure, anonymous, and private browsing on Wi-Fi hotspo...
    Download Or, Learn More About Hotspot Shield

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Spybot - Search & D...
    Search your hard disk and Registry for threats to your security...
    Download Or, Learn More About Spybot - Search & Destroy

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Avira Free Antiviru...
    Detect and eliminate viruses, get free protection for home user...
    Download Or, Learn More About Avira Free Antivirus 2013

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • AVG AntiVirus 2013
    Download and exchange files safely, enjoy games and Web surfing...
    Download Or, Learn More About AVG AntiVirus 2013

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Free Keylogger
    Record and view every keystroke typed on keyboard.
    Download Or, Learn More About Free Keylogger

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Hotspot Shield Elit...
    Secure your connection to public Wi-Fi networks with premium VP...
    Download Or, Learn More About Hotspot Shield Elite

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • AVG Anti-Virus Busi...
    Keep your business safe when e-mailing or going online.
    Download Or, Learn More About AVG Anti-Virus Business Edition

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Ad-Aware Free Antiv...
    Protect your personal home computer from malware attacks.
    Download Or, Learn More About Ad-Aware Free Antivirus +

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • SuperAntiSpyware Fr...
    Detect and remove spyware, malware, rootkits, trojans, hijacker...
    Download Or, Learn More About SuperAntiSpyware Free Edition

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Kaspersky Anti-Viru...
    Protect your PC against viruses, spyware, Trojans, worms, rootk...
    Download Or, Learn More About Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2013

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Spotflux
    Stay anonymous, change your IP address, and protect your comput...
    Download Or, Learn More About Spotflux

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Avast Internet Secu...
    Protect your Windows PC from online threats.
    Download Or, Learn More About Avast Internet Security

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • PC Tools AntiVirus ...
    Detect and clean thousands of threats.

    This download is served from an external site

    close

    NOTICE: This link will open a connection to a third-party site. CNET cannot ensure the security of software that is hosted on external sites.

    Continue to download

    Sponsored Products

    Download Or, Learn More About PC Tools AntiVirus Free

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Easy-Hide-IP
    Hide your IP address and prevent Internet activity tracking.
    Download Or, Learn More About Easy-Hide-IP

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • AVG Internet Securi...
    Protect your PC from all kinds of Internet threats.
    Download Or, Learn More About AVG Internet Security 2013

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Microsoft Security ...
    Protect your computer with Microsoft's latest security software...

    This download is served from an external site

    close

    NOTICE: This link will open a connection to a third-party site. CNET cannot ensure the security of software that is hosted on external sites.

    Continue to download

    Sponsored Products

    Visit Site Or, Learn More About Microsoft Security Essentials
  • McAfee VirusScan De...
    Get the latest antivirus updates.
    Download Or, Learn More About McAfee VirusScan Definition

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Trend Micro Virus C...
    Get updated virus pattern files.
    Download Or, Learn More About Trend Micro Virus Controlled Pattern File

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Norton AntiVirus De...
    Update Norton virus definitions and antivirus products.
    Download Or, Learn More About Norton AntiVirus Definitions Update (i32 Package)

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Protector Plus Wind...
    Check your system for Windows vulnerabilities.
    Download Or, Learn More About Protector Plus Windows Vulnerability Scanner

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • ESET NOD32 Antiviru...
    Protect your system and files from virus and spyware.
    Download Or, Learn More About ESET NOD32 Antivirus 6

    Installed

    Smart Install
All User Reviews
  • All versions:

    3.1 stars

    out of 46 votes

    • 5 star: 11
    • 4 star: 10
    • 3 star: 8
    • 2 star: 7
    • 1 star: 10
  • Current version:

    3.2 stars

    out of 32 votes

    • 5 star: 9
    • 4 star: 6
    • 3 star: 6
    • 2 star: 5
    • 1 star: 6
  • My rating:

    0 stars

    Write review

Results 1-10 of 29

  • 2.0 stars

    "I guess nobody gets it!"

    July 10, 2007  |   By UM Canes

    Version: Lavasoft Personal Firewall 1

    Pros

    This includes "Lavasoft". So, why would I consider shelling out $30 when there are at least 2 better free firewalls? Hell, I wouldn't. I think some software vendors get it and some don't. Two perfect examples of vendors who get it are "Comodo" and "Zone Labs". Why? thats simple. Both have free firewalls that are far better them this one at thirty bucks. At least download.com shows no bias here. I hope "Lavasoft" starts to get it before they go under. Not recommended at all.

    Cons

    This app is 20 months old, comes from a vendor known for poor tech support. Doesn't offer vista support and they want us to pay for it. At this point, I find it amazing this company is still in business. They will once again gain my respect when they update this firewall and offer it free. I think I'll file "Lavasoft" with "PC Tools", under, "another software vendor going in the wrong direction".

    Reply to this review Read reply (1)

    Was this review helpful? (80) (161)

  • 1.0 stars

    "$29.95! Why?"

    April 2, 2007  |   By crash.jenson

    Version: Lavasoft Personal Firewall 1

    Pros

    Why would anyone pay for an average, at best firewall? No pros at all! The poor reviews speak for themselves.

    Cons

    Weak against new types of attacks like DLL injection. The price is rediculas when you can get a free firewall (Comodo) that does pass all known leak tests! Hard to uninstall, short trial, overpriced and poor customer support tops it off as a poor program. Evan if it were free it still wouldn't be a good app! Get a grip "Lavasoft" !

    Reply to this review Read reply (1)

    Was this review helpful? (99) (37)

  • 3.0 stars

    "Mediocre"

    January 7, 2007  |   By heavygear3

    Version: Lavasoft Personal Firewall 1

    Pros

    It has stealth mode and protects both inbound and outbound. It tells u how many intrusions it has blocked (like ZoneAlarm)

    Cons

    The GUI isnt that good. Kinda pricey but after all, it's Lavasoft. Worth a try but I don't think any novice will like it.

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (10) (3)

  • 4.0 stars

    "Definatly One You Can Trust!!!"

    January 3, 2007  |   By aphantomsplanet

    Version: Lavasoft Personal Firewall 1

    Pros

    Despite other reviews I had no problems installing and using this firewall. I run a pretty old computer (Win 98SE & a 7 yr old computer) and it runs perfectly. I put it through all kinds of leak tests, INCLUDING Symantec's security check and it passed with flying colors. I trust this program to do what it has to do, and I would buy it with no doubts. I don't see why I should have to pay the earth for Norton when this is so much cheaper and can do the same job, despite not having as many features!, which is ok, because it does it all for you! it detects everything so its great for people who don't know much about firewalls.

    Cons

    Probably that it doesn't have as many features, and there are a few popups depending on what you are doing, which does make it through, and they can be put away with ease and not seen again with no reason to worry!

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (3) (5)

  • 5.0 stars

    "Nice, little and strong enough."

    December 13, 2006  |   By usewell

    Version: Lavasoft Personal Firewall 1

    Pros

    No fuss. Quite small, advanced and good firewall ( on my computers ). But anything seems to work differently on different computers so make a backup on your system first. Nice interface - simple no mumbo - jumbo. Lagom - as we say in sweden.

    Cons

    A very good start-version on a firewall but 10 days trial? A question-mark icon on my system tray is not the best symbol for security - but hey, its almost okay.. And yes - this is not the original firewall - I think its better.

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (1) (5)

  • 1.0 stars

    "Poor"

    October 7, 2006  |   By BobAH

    Version: Lavasoft Personal Firewall 1

    Cons

    The products causes the PC to lockup during the configuration. It also caused the system to have GPFS (blue screen).It did not correctly identify Norton Antivirus correctly causing it to fail. Does not correctly identify the Current AOL software causing this lock up during rules creation. I am using a Dell L866r with 256 meg ram and 40 gig HD and Win98se. I am attached a Novell Network running at 100 mb speed with DSL modem. I have also discovered that to get Tech Support with their company, you have to have registered (purchased) their software. Tech Support does not come with any versions that are free or trialware.

    Reply to this review Read reply (1)

    Was this review helpful? (2) (9)

  • 4.0 stars

    "Good S/W Firewall, I'm buying it."

    September 28, 2006  |   By mfumbly

    Version: Lavasoft Personal Firewall 1

    Pros

    Smooth install. Easy configuration. Small footprint, easy on system resources. Very flexible. A big improvement over my previous firewall (mcafee). I have run the trial and like it enough to buy it.

    Cons

    I little difficult for the novice to understand what it's doing at first. Could use a more in-depth help file.

    Reply to this review Read replies (2)

    Was this review helpful? (3) (4)

  • 5.0 stars

    "The best i've known"

    August 30, 2006  |   By Tackerky

    Version: Lavasoft Personal Firewall 1

    Pros

    It's really light but extremely strong. The others are also strong but it takes the computer's resource much but Lavasoft Personal Firewall doesn't

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (1) (7)

  • 2.0 stars

    "conflicts with McAfee Virusscan"

    August 23, 2006  |   By johnsrinx

    Version: Lavasoft Personal Firewall 1

    Pros

    Easy to purchase and install. The program is fairly easy to understand and does a good job of protecting your computer.

    Cons

    The firewall conflicts with McAfee Viruscan when I open Outlook Express and download my mail. When McAfee email scan starts the firewall tries to block it and locks up the computer, the only way to kill the programs is to hard boot. I have emailed Lavasoft Support 5 times since June 2006 and have not received a response yet. I removed the program from my computer.

    Reply to this review Read reply (1)

    Was this review helpful? (6) (2)

  • 2.0 stars

    "2 me it pointless"

    August 20, 2006  |   By maksic122

    Version: Lavasoft Personal Firewall 1

    Pros

    it protects you but norton personal firewall is much more better

    Cons

    dont like the interface

    i find no point 4 it since i got nortn personal fiewall

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (5) (5)

Results 1-10 of 29

Add Your Review

or Log in or create an account to post a review.
You are logged in as . Please submit your review for Lavasoft Personal Firewall 1
Add Your Review

The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks is prohibited.
Click here to review our site terms of use.

Submit your reply

Submit

The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks is prohibited.
Click here to review our site terms of use.

cancel

E-mail this review

Submit cancel

Report offensive content

If you believe this comment is offensive or violates the CNET's Site Terms of Use, you can report it below (this will not automatically remove the comment). Once reported, our staff will be notified and the comment will be reviewed.

Select type of offense:

Offensive: Sexually explicit or offensive language
Spam: Advertisements or commercial links
Disruptive posting: Flaming or offending other users
Illegal activities: Promote cracked software, or other illegal content
Submit cancel

Previous Versions:

Error

close

ERROR MESSAGE

If you think this is an error, please contact CNET TechTracker Support for further assistance.

Ok

Running Request

close

loading

Smart Install Software

close

CNET TechTracker will now automatically install software without requiring further action by you. (Note: This feature automatically accepts associated EULAs and third party applications on your behalf.)

You have selected the following software to Smart Install:

CNET TechTracker will attempt to install this software without interrupting you again. If an application requires manual installation, CNET TechTracker will download the installer and prompt you to take further action.

Proceed with Smart Install?

Confirm Standard Install Cancel

Submit a problem report for Lavasoft Personal Firewall

close

Please describe the problem you have with this software. This information will be sent to our editors for review.

Problem:

The CNET Installer isn't working as expected

The download link does not work

The software has a newer version

The software contains malware

Other

Description:

Please select a feedback type.

Please enter a description.

Submit Problem Report

Problem Report submitted

close

Thank you for submitting a problem report! The Download team is committed to providing you with accurate software information.

OK

Or, Learn More About Lavasoft Personal Firewall

Installed

Smart Install
Lavasoft Personal Firewall