- Quick specs
- Price: Free
- Operating system: Windows XP/Vista
- Date added: September 28, 2009
- Total Downloads: 1,119,227
- Downloads last week: 2,157
- See full specifications
- CNET editors' rating: stars
- Average user rating: stars out of 396 votes
See all user reviews
CNET editors' review
Reviewed by: CNET Staff
This freeware firewall won't replace user vigilance, but intermediate users will appreciate its configurability. From the primary interface to the packet content logs, simplicity is the key to PC Tools Firewall Plus Free Edition.
You don't "set and forget" any good firewall. This application makes it easy to set filtering rules, provided you know what you're doing. That's why we don't recommend PC Tools Firewall Plus Free Edition for novice users. This program expects you know the uses of UDP, ICMP, ARP, TCP, and a few other computer protocols. However, adding a new filter is as easy as answering a few questions in a wizard.
There are numerous filters preset to block many known problems. You'll only find a brief explanation for each, so you'll need to research elsewhere anything you don't understand. This application's Help file is a simple quick-start guide. Novice users will be overwhelmed and advanced users underwhelmed, but intermediate users wanting basic filtering would do well to install this firewall.
Publisher's description
From PC Tools :PC Tools Firewall Plus Free Edition is a powerful personal free firewall for Microsoft Windows that protects your computer from hackers and intruders. Firewalls control the network traffic in and out of your PC by monitoring applications that connect to the network. Firewall Plus can stop Trojans, backdoors, and keyloggers from damaging your computer and stealing your private information. PC Tools Firewall Plus is advanced technology designed specially for people, not experts. Powerful prevention against attacks and known exploits is activated by default and advanced users can also easily create their own packet filtering rules to customize the network defenses. The program is recommended for use alongside of AntiSpyware and Antivirus software like AVG or Spyware Doctor to protect PC against Spyware, hackers, worms, and viruses.
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User reviews
- Average user rating: 3.2 stars out of 396 votes
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
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Showing 5 of 29 user reviewsSee all 29 user reviews
This software version | All versions -
Version: PC Tools Firewall Plus Free Edition 6.0.0.74
"I find it great and non-invasive so far"
Pros: I don't understand all the negative comments. I just recovered from the "Internet Security 2010" virus and had Comodo as my firewall...It installed easily and so far works in the background. I hope it is a better firewall than Comodo.
Cons: None so far
Summary: I am not an advanced use ( or maybe I am and don't know it), but I found this program easy to install and so far easy to manage.
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Version: PC Tools Firewall Plus Free Edition 6.0.0.74
"There's a lot to like in this program"
Pros: 1. PC Tools Firewall is one of the few firewall programs compatible with 64-bit Windows.
2. Does not conflict with the latest version of Avast Antivirus (5.0.396).
3. There is no noticeable drag on system resources.Cons: I haven't discovered any flaws or conflicts to date.
Summary: Security software is a personal choice. There are loads of products to choose from. I like this firewall and will continue to use it as long as it continues to perform as effectively as it does.
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Version: PC Tools Firewall Plus Free Edition 6.0.0.74
Pros: Firewall was easy to install and began to function with minimal disruption(s). Despite the reviews I found it comprehensive to understand and user friendly.
Cons: So far there is no negatives to report. Only thing is that after running for 6hrs or more my system bogs down and apps and programs struggle to open. But I had that problem with ZoneAlarm, in the extreme, Comodo and Filseclab.
Summary: I like Pc Tools Firewall, though after reading the reviews posted I was a bit leary. But the program installed smooth, and when it started to function I expected a lot of pop ups. But Pc Tools has been seemless. Have experienced no conflicts with ot... read more >>
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Version: PC Tools Firewall Plus Free Edition 6.0.0.74
Pros: Installs and runs beautifully
Cons: When removed, it screwed Windows firewall, which is disabled each time I reboot
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Version: PC Tools Firewall Plus Free Edition 6.0.0.74
"PC Tools Firewall Over Comodo Firewall"
Pros: Easy to install, spiffy GUI, doesn't 'bug' me.
A great product...and FREE!Cons: No problems noted after installing on two XP computers.
Summary: I chose PC Tools Firewall over Comodo based on past use of Comodo and this comparative:
Use PC Tools... read more >>
http://www.matousec.com/projects/proactive-security-challenge/results.php
Updated on Jan 31, 2010 - See all 29 user reviews Write review
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