Manage updates with the Download AppPC Tools Firewall Plus Free Edition User Reviews
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"Excellent and free software firewall product."
Version: PC Tools Firewall Plus Free Edition 6.0.0.74
Pros
Initial release of ver 7 was buggy. Latest release (direct from PCTools web site) is solid and has enhanced features compared to ver 6. Straightforward to install and use.
Cons
May take several minutes during the installation for it to install its security layers into all of the OS network drivers. Just be patient (up to 5 minutes) since the installer may appear to have frozen, but it has not.
Summary
Definitely one of the top three best free firewalls which you can use. Personally it is my favorite of the free firewalls due to its straightforward configuration interface which also allows for fully customized settings and rules.
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"The finest FREE firewall (Version 7.0.0.123)"
Version: PC Tools Firewall Plus Free Edition 6.0.0.74
Pros
Extremely light on the system
Extremely effective if installed properly
Can monitor the data exchange by each software component
Can control which application can connect or receive data from internet
Password lock toCons
-Will install improperly (ineffective) if any of the system network driver is corrupted.
-No OS/Application HIPSSummary
I recently uninstalled my Norton Internet Security 2011 with 193 days remaining license over fears that Norton has formed a JV with a Chinese company Huawei (51:49) to spearhead the development of computer security. Due to this, many of Norton's core serurity technologies would fall in hands of this Chinese company (reportedly having strong inks with PLA of P.R.China) which would risk all those who use the software in the event PLA would like to launch a cyber strike on any adversary.
Instead, I have now chosen the free firewall from PC Tools Firewall Plus 7.0.0.123 over Comodo Firewall Free (complicated interface and extremely difficult to fully uninstall) and Zone Alarm Firewall Free (the GUI is unattractive, slower browsing with IE9 due to the identity/antI phishing BHO, and no active data exchange module GUI).
I initially had problem with installation as the Norton un Installer corrupted the native network drivers during uninstallation of NIS 2011. Once my drivers were re installed, everything went well.
The PC Tools Firewall Plus uses automatic digital signature verification of applications to allow/disallow internet access hence needs no training as required in traditional firewalls. However, this may not be always good as some malwares using stolen valid signatures may pass the bi directional firewall. Hence, for newbies, this is the safest and best firewall which auto decides on behalf of the user.
There is also an advance user module to set specific permissions for applications.
I also like the live application network access data module where a user can verify which application is accessing the internet and how many bytes have been exchanged.
I n order to enhance the security layer, I have supplemented the firewall with PC Tools Threatfire which is a fantastic 0 day virus/malware detection HIPS.
For an anti virus, I have opted for MSE 2.1 (signature & cloud based) after multiple free AV evaluation and found it to be the lightest anti virus/anti spyware with virtually zero false positive. It may not be the best out in the market but I believe the product efficacy is improving by the day as Microsoft is releasing newer versions of their anti malware engines to become top notch.
This is how I migrated from a paid security suite to a completly free set of multi layered security products.
By the way, I already had Malwarebytes Antimalware Pro pre installed since 2 years which is a fantastic fall back anti malware with a one time lisence fee. -
"Nice GUI but flawed FW hung my P.C and blamed Malware!"
Version: PC Tools Firewall Plus Free Edition 6.0.0.74
Pros
GUI useful and FW picked up a large application list for changing access status. It picked up Cyberlink PowerDVD as an Issue, on closedown it claimed was accessing keyboard? Also claimed it had been intereferred with when system hung - possibly true?
Cons
My PC hung several times within days of install no apps could open. After several power resets I decided to unload (I use XP SP3) problems dissapeared. Perhaps I have malware but AVG didn't find. No Firewall block button.
Summary
I wanted to like PC Tools Firewall Plus, after suffering endless problems with the recently updated Comodo Firewall, which took an age to load and whose GUI kept failing to respond and stopped my PC from closing cleanly (on Vista laptop and XP desktop)! Unfortunately this Firewall is even worse and locked my XP PC solid to the point I struggled to logon. Maybe I have malware as it claimed, but it should have flaged this after I set password enable to make changes, funnily this only seems to apply to app blocking/allowing and not shutting down firewall. Am currently trying Agnitum free which seems FW lite! Can anyone recommend a free firewall that is not compromised by bugs or intelligence service Spyware?
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"Where is version 7.0.0.123?"
Version: PC Tools Firewall Plus Free Edition 6.0.0.74
Pros
Passed the symantic security check.
Passed the alken portscan.
Passed the AuditMyPC.com (1-2000 ports/trojans).
If you set the settings right, you can control what is connected to the web.
Supports win7 64bit.Cons
The fact that I am not a cybernetic organism.
Summary
I am reviewing the newer version: 7.0.0.123 (downloaded from their website) and not the cnet version: 6.0.0.74.
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"Best firewall you can own!"
Version: PC Tools Firewall Plus Free Edition 6.0.0.74
Pros
WAY more effective than COMODO! Catches way more intrusions than COMODO does!
Cons
NONE AT ALL!!!!!
Summary
This is the best firewall ever! If you don't already own it, GET IT NOW! YOU'LL LOVE THE PROTECTION IT GIVES!
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"has potentials...."
Version: PC Tools Firewall Plus Free Edition 6.0.0.74
Pros
Easy to use
Cons
mess up the connection, internet,
Summary
m a bit confused, Ive had the PC tools firewall along with Avast AV for over a year now and couldn't really complain but recently Hell's broken lose and Im getting problem left and right. Bad connection and my internet is a mess. Upon disabling the PC firewall, connection is back and no problem thus had to uninstall the PC tools firewall.
I guess it's not compatible with Avast AV ''6.0.11.25'' . -
"firewall , antivirus, security online"
Version: PC Tools Firewall Plus Free Edition 6.0.0.74
Pros
very use to install, works high speed conection,many features,better then the old firewalls
Cons
Doesnt work if you are attacked by keyboard scramblers, loggers, well in my case at least it didn't
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"No bad for Free"
Version: PC Tools Firewall Plus Free Edition 6.0.0.74
Pros
It monitors Network Traffic
Cons
It asks about everything and slows down your computer
Summary
It does what it says on the box
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"Works Awesome"
Version: PC Tools Firewall Plus Free Edition 6.0.0.74
Pros
Works very well alongside Avast, Anti virus, has a pretty good memory capability, Easy to Use and not complicated for beginners.
Cons
No Cons, would like to see spyware protection and updates on it also once in a while.
Summary
I tried Filseclab,, Comodo, Online Armor, Outpost, Private Firewall, and this one is the easiest to configure, less pop ups, and very light footprint also a small download...What else could you want, and it's free...Works very wel alongside Avast with no issues and no exclusion list on niether...,
Update - The PC Tools firewall Plus version 7 is not a bad product. look at Matousec.com tests they have on firewalls Rates at 99% alongside PC Tools security. If you put it with Avast you have very good protection compared to PC Tools Anti Virus or Junk...My only distrust with this software is THE PC TOOLS COMPANY THEMSELF..They have a good product in the FIREWALL ONLY the rest of their products are JUNK,,,Their Support team is Un avvailable unless you have a Purchase ID to email them.Their Forum has so many people with problems and so many that can't get on the Forum.To Create an account to post a question you have to check your email to activate your account and you have to wait to be accepted..Been waiting for a week now to post a question on the Forum and still no reply,,,This company deffinately is the Pros at Self Destruction.At the Avast Forum you create an account activate it and you're on in 2 minutes You post a questions and you have an answer in 3 minutes...TRY IT!! ..
Updated on Apr 29, 2011 -
"It's total JUNK!!"
Version: PC Tools Firewall Plus Free Edition 6.0.0.74
Pros
It didnt work, so I didnt see any
Cons
It didn't work!
it wouldnt initiate correctly
a scan from Gibson Research's security website penetrated the firewallSummary
Don't bother with this product
Im glad I didnt have bigger problems like some other reviews I read...
It hung when installing but not for long
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