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 200 votes
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Current version:
3.9 starsout of 53 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Excellent firewall but cannot install on Windows 7"
Version: Sygate Personal Firewall 5.6.2808
Pros
Probably one of the best firewalls around if you want to control the ins and outs of IP communications on your computer.
Cons
No longer maintained. Company was bought out and new company disbanded the software.
Summary
If you have Microsoft XP or Windows 2000, this is the software to have if you want a really good firewall.
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"Installs Sweet spyware"
Version: Sygate Personal Firewall 5.6.2808
Pros
No idea, it never ran.
Cons
Just tried to install Sygate yesterday and only after running installer was I told it would not run on Windows 7. But it DID install Sweetpacks and SweetIM which I have just spent hours trying to remove from my computer. Sweetpacks is a browser hijacker and is hidden in many files in all browsers, so even when you think it is gone it still lurks in corners. Years ago I used Sygate and was happy with it until an update caused me to look elsewhere, but any program that installs junk without my permission is a major fail.
Summary
Avoid at all costs. There are plenty of other excellent firewalls available. If you have to use Sygate, be prepared for a lot of trouble.
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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
----------
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!!!
