David H. Lipman wrote:
> From: "Ckyp" <ckypper@crew>
>
> |
> | "W. Watson" <wolf_tracks@invalid.com> wrote:
>>> What are some of the better choices (see Subject), free or commercial? Are
>>> there some reviews on this topic?
> |
> | I like the freeware "Comodo" firewall:
> |
> | http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/
> |
> | I do find it necessary to disable it, though, whenever I install a new program.
> | You can "switch to installation mode", but then it will keep nagging you if you
> | want to switch back. Apart from that nagging problem, it seems to work as
> | advertised. And it's a big improvement over previous versions of this firewall.
> |
> | I don't know much about it, but I've read that a hardware firewall is supposed
> | to provide more security, at an added cost.
> |
>
> Hardware based FireWall appliances are far better then software FireWalls and don't hog
> resources.
>
> Even a NAT Router with simplistic FireWall constructs is preferred.

Bingo!

Another solution; acquire a obsolete pc via freecycle, add a spare nic
and cruise on over to ipcop.com and grab the iso.

>
> Such devices can also be monitored with software such as WallWatcher.
> http://www.wallwatcher.com/
>

My minimal experience with wallwatcher has been most positive.