Scan & Fix 50 registry issues FREECNET Editors' review
Online Armor has a professional feel that is typical of freeware versions of advanced security tools, pared down to its firewall options. The installation is blazingly fast, taking less than 30 seconds from double-clicking on the installer to running the firewall. Once installed, Online Armor defaults to running its installation wizard, which it calls a Safety Check.
In addition to the firewall, which configures as much as possible during the start-up wizard so you're not bothered later, Online Armor comes with a keylogger guard, tamper protection, malicious script and worm protection, and limited autostart protection. The paid versions offer more, such as antivirus and anti-malware protection, phishing filters, online banking protection, and e-mail filtering. Even with these limitations, if you're not satisfied with the recently much-improved Windows firewall, Online Armor competently defends you from a wide range of sophisticated attacks.
Publisher's Description
From Emsisoft:
Online Armor is a powerful personal firewall, with HIPS and a host of other security features to keep your PC clear of infections and running smoothly. Online Armor Firewall is designed to be easy to use for beginners and offers powerful performance.
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All versions:
3.6 starsout of 543 votes
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Current version:
2.7 starsout of 50 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"end of the story"
Version: Online Armor Firewall 4.5.1.431
Pros
good memories
Cons
can't trust it anymore
Summary
end of the story
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"my favorite firewall now"
Version: Online Armor Firewall 4.5.1.431
Pros
intuitive easy to setup and use.
Cons
installation took me almost an hour. half an hour the installation itself and another half an hour to get my pc working. After first restart my pc got frozen. after three hard restart it fixed itself and now it works to my full satisfaction :)
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"1 Star, only because CNET doesn't allow 0 stars..."
Version: Online Armor Firewall 4.5.1.431
Pros
Thorough protection, blocked most problem programs
Cons
Automatically blocked Windows Update (Vista SP2), uninstaller would not function unless computer was in Safe Mode. Appeared to slowdown network performance, blocked trusted network connections even after flagging them as "trusted"
Summary
VERY thorough firewall, wouldn't let anything through to my computer. Unfortunately, that includes a lot of things I wanted to download (updates anyone?). The uninstaller would not function until I loaded the computer in Safe Mode, even with Online Armor's drivers all shutdown and blocked from booting. Moving back to Zone Alarm or Comodo.
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"Avoid it! It might be ok, but for me it was a disaster!"
Version: Online Armor Firewall 4.5.1.431
Pros
None at all.
Cons
Requires a shutdown of other firewalls and anti-virus. It checked everything on the computer and found everything ok. On restarting it rejected everything: antivirus, internet connector, start menu, on-off switch, EVERYTHING!!!
Summary
The effect was that of a hijack virus. It took me 20 mins to install and 2 hours to get rid of. I try out a lot of free security products. I didn't like the overbearing Comodo firewall, but this was just a complete disaster. Even if it was the best firewall on the market it wouldn't be worth the risk.
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"Avoid Vista/Win7 Users"
Version: Online Armor Firewall 4.5.1.431
Pros
User interface is acceptable
Cons
Request acceptance of program during installation, blocks browser protocols, can be difficult to uninstall, upgrades require removing previous version prior to install, not optimized for Vista/Win7, not a user friendly program
Summary
Early versions were acceptable. Noticed latest version began to slowly block website ads and sections of website from appearing on 1/31/11. Initially thought DSL service was not functioning. Verizon checked everything-no problems. Chrome, Firefox, et al slowed to a crawl. Did some registry edits that provided temporary relief. However, browsing slowed to a crawl after 3-4 days. Googled "Online Armor Issues" and found several users experiencing similar problems. Used Revo Uninstaller to uninstall program and browsing returned to normal.
IMO CNET does not perform long-term testing on software. As a result, early versions receive high marks yet long-term users experience degraded performance as program gets updated. Program is not optimized for Vista/Win7. Note to Vista/Win7 users: Pay close attention to your web browser(s). Should you see sections of website not loading or error messages about web site(s) have moved then immediately uninstall Online Armor. The program is converting your computer into a brick. Better programs available? Probably. I would rate program as zero (0) stars. -
"the best user friendly firewall"
Version: Online Armor Firewall 4.5.1.431
Pros
this is the best firewall ever. it's easy to control and communicates well with the user. the settings options are great. it is effective and easy to use.
Cons
can't think of any.
Summary
i wouldn't be without it.
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"Dont bother - Junk!"
Version: Online Armor Firewall 4.5.1.431
Pros
found none
Cons
wont initiate even when reinstalled by admin account
Summary
was unable to prevent leaktest from penetrating
unable to initiate the firewall process
changed users to admin account and reinstalled still didnt work -
"fast setup"
Version: Online Armor Firewall 4.5.1.431
Pros
fast works well with windows 7
Cons
get repeate with avast
Summary
very good
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"Crashed my laptop then nightmare to uninstall."
Version: Online Armor Firewall 4.5.1.431
Pros
nothing good
Cons
Everything, caused trouble from the get go. When i logged on in safe mode, would not let me remove in add or remove programs so had to eventually uninstall via device manager.
Summary
I rely on cnet for guidance on care for my computer, 9 times out of ten it has gotten me through many attacks. I decided to work through the security starter kit & came across online armour that way. I have avast & ccleaner, both working great. Online armour did some major damage & practically locked down my laptop, it took nearly 3 hours to get it sorted. I would appreciate any feedback on what might have gone wrong.
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"What a Stinker!"
Version: Online Armor Firewall 4.5.1.431
Pros
Hate to be negative but I can't think of any.
Cons
Can you say sllooowwww! Big convoluted bunch of junk.
Summary
I know from experience there are other more simple free firewalls out there that are just as good or better. So now I'm changing back to one of those!
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