Firewalls

Warning - No firewall is 100% effective and misconfiguration can lead to poor connection speeds and even connection loss, also multiple firewalls running simultaneously can set each other off serioulsy impact computer performance. A freshly installed firewall will bombard you with pop ups until it gets accustomed to the software that you are running. It is very important to completely read a firewall pop up before clicking on anything or else you may block a program you want or allow one you don't.. These programs are only as good as their last update, so update often, also an expired firewall can stop services from running on your computer or block access to the internet all together.

• BlackICE - (Costs) A comprehensive firewall for intermediate users, includes detailed reporting and a built in intrusion detection system.
• Kerio WinRoute Firewall - (Costs) An advanced firewall for advanced users, detailed reporting and support for VPN's and VoIP, also includes site blocking and built in support for McAfee Anti-Virus.
• Comodo Free Firewall - (Free) An easy to use firewall that offers some features that only some paid-for firewalls have, includes a feature that scans your computer for known good programs which greatly reduces the pop up bombardment when first using the firewall.
• ZoneAlarm - (Free) The free version of ZoneAlarm Pro is an easy to use firewall, but lacks some of the features found in the paid-for version. ZoneAlarm makes your computer invisible on the inernet. Warning - The "invisibility" feature if not properly configured can greatly interfere with online games, peer-to-peer clients, instant messangers and some websites.