CNET Editors' review
This easy-to-use firewall presents itself as a quality option for those seeking protection from the Net nasties. We like Sygate Personal Firewall's handy and clear interface, which lets you quickly disable the firewall and access dialog windows via the system-tray icon.
This application is a good bet for beginners because it's not necessary to configure any settings to get started. When the utility detects a program trying to connect to the Web for the first time, it asks you whether to allow or disallow access and remembers the setting. Advanced users can set permissions manually for any group of applications, such as a range of trusted IPs and protocols. Unfortunately, the current version isn't Vista compatible if you're looking for an alternative to the Windows Firewall.
The app didn't slow down our computer and less than 10 MB of RAM. Password protection guards against other users, such as children or employees, changing settings or turning off the firewall. Whether you're new to firewalls or have used them before, this free option should be on your shortlist.
Publisher's Description
From Sygate Technologies:
Sygate Personal Firewall provides best of breed security in a user friendly interface, protecting your PC from hackers, trojans and DoS attacks. New features include full-ICS support, protocol driver level protection, enhanced logging, and more. Sygate Personal Firewall is a personal firewall to offer protection from malicious code intrusions, keeping the information on your PC safe and private.
What's new in this version: Unspecified updates and/or bug fixes.
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All versions:
3.8 starsout of 198 votes
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Current version:
4.0 starsout of 51 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Doesn't work"
Version: Sygate Personal Firewall 5.6.2808
Pros
None that I can think of.
Cons
If you are still running Windows XP, it might work for you.
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"Reliable Firewall"
Version: Sygate Personal Firewall 5.6.2808
Pros
I like that this firewall is so easy for beginners. Because of the way it works, it wasn't constantly asking me to allow or deny internet access to various programs and services. I also really liked that it isn't a resource hog, as I don't have much memory in the machine it's installed on, only 1G. Very easy to use, and I trust it because of its parent company, Norton. According to the knowledge I have of them, they're reliable.
Cons
Can't think of any.
Summary
An all round good firewall, and the sandbox feature gives peace of mind.
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"Best firewall I have tried."
Version: Sygate Personal Firewall 5.6.2808
Pros
Requires little or no configuration. Doesn't get in the way as some other firewalls do.
Cons
No longer being actively developed.
Summary
Sygate was bought out by Symantec several years ago. Symantec discontinued the product, which is too bad because it is still the best firewall software available.
From time to time I have tried some of the newer ones out there, and I always end up disappointed. The tried-and-true Sygate Personal Firewall does not disappoint. -
"I like it-you get to train it-then it's less verbose-"
Version: Sygate Personal Firewall 5.6.2808
Pros
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Cons
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Summary
good product-with free and paid options
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"I have previously made use of it and Like it.."
Version: Sygate Personal Firewall 5.6.2808
Pros
It is a very easy software to work with and an excellent product in all ways.
Cons
I have always been pleased with it.
Summary
None
I previously used this software and have always been well satisfied with it as my firewall.
Updated on Jun 25, 2011 -
"Good protection"
Version: Sygate Personal Firewall 5.6.2808
Pros
It certainly caught anything trying to access the net.
Cons
pop ups all the time. Like "winamp is trying to access the internet" Even after you click the "dont show this again" it still comes back. Annoying.
Summary
Overall good but takes over the computer a bit. I have gone back to windows firewall (xp) as it just does the job and you rarely see any issues.
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"The best so far!"
Version: Sygate Personal Firewall 5.6.2808
Pros
I have tested 14 free firewall products and this is the best so far. Very easy to install and configure. User friendly interface with a lot of room for tweaking.
Cons
I haven't found any yet
Summary
How can you go wrong with a free firewall made by Norton? It works great, has a sandbox feature, and one right click on the tray icon gives you total control.
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"release date 2004! - nothing more to say"
Version: Sygate Personal Firewall 5.6.2808
Pros
none nope nothing
Cons
- publisher does _not_ exist anymore (bought by another company)
- no root download link (no official link)
- no updates, no support
-no NOTHING!!!Summary
i don't know how people can use software, that are so out of date!!!
nor how they don't try to get reliable information about software they are about to install!!! -
"Excellent product for any personal Desktop/Laptop"
Version: Sygate Personal Firewall 5.6.2808
Pros
(1) Light weight
(2) Simple UI - easy for any level of users
(3) Very easy to operate/manageCons
(1) It still asks for the registration - which is perhaps no longer working (as parent compant has changed)
(2) Under some specific circumstances I have seen this failing to load during startup (& even service fails to start). But this is very rare.Summary
Overall an EXCELLENT, light-weight product to have in your system - particularly if you want to control what kind of traffic comes in or leaves your system.
One issue to be noted: Since the original s/w was released way back around 2004, it doesn't seem to work anymore with latest OS e.g. Win 7
Updated on Jan 9, 2011 -
"top firewall"
Version: Sygate Personal Firewall 5.6.2808
Pros
top firewall eay to install and setup
Has very intuitive interface and gives all the info as to which programs are requesting access to the internet although in a LAN you need to permit the NIC to enable high speed connections between computersCons
None that im aware of
Summary
In the many years ive been using this firewall Sygate personal firewall i have never had any issues that would make me remove this awesome software i use it in both LAN connected with internet and induvidually connected situations with no errors or troubles . this has given me the most secure connections ever, even when tested for leaks on GRC test page. I very highly recommend it .
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