Free Firewall Protection

You hear of viruses, hackers and spam constantly on internet service provider commercials. Chances are your ISP (Internet service provider) has spy ware download information and links for downloads. But why do you need a firewall and are they expensive?

A firewall is to protect your computer from hackers seeing you online and being able to hack into your personal information. It also protects from hackers sending you viruses that can completely destroy your computer. Deciding on a firewall can be overwhelming. There's just so many firewall applications out there. How do you decide which one?

When choosing a firewall application you need to make sure your computer has the right components for it to work. What is your operating system, Windows 95, 98, 2000, XP? How much memory is the program going to take up? Do you want automatic updates or manually download updates when needed? Below are free firewall programs that can be downloaded from download.com Each application shows a screenshot, has rating/reviews and can estimate how long your download will be.

Adorons Firewall 1.5- Allows you to decide what programs can be accessed and denied. It comes free of change Adorons Easy Security. The security works to block pop ups, delete cookies, browser cache and website visited. It works with Windows 98/Me/2000/XP.

Jetico Personal Firewall 1.0.1.59 - Has 3 different levels of protection that you control. OS requirements: Windows 98/Me/NT/2000/XP/2003 Server

Omniquad Personal Firewall 1.1 - Has an automatic lock feature that shuts down your internet access after a certain amount of time of inactivity. Might be good or may become frustrating if something comes up and you need to re connect again on dial up.

Securepoint Personal Firewall & VPN Client 3.6.11- Requirements: Windows Me/NT/2000/XP/2003 Server.

WyvernWorks Firewall 2004 5.2 - Requirements: All Windows operating systems allowed. According to their website they even help prevent internal attacks caused by Trojans.

ZoneAlarm 5.5.094 - Requirements: Windows 98/NT/2000/XP and is only free for personal use. It alerts you the second a new program is trying to access the internet.

602LAN Suite 2004.0.05.0509- Requirements: Windows 98/Me/NT/2000/XP/2003 Server. Comes with Anti Virus and Anti Spam protection for your e-mail.

R-Firewall 1.05.43 - Requirements: Windows 98/2000/XP/2003 Server. Protection against Trojans, Spy ware and dangerous components that you may pick up as your surf the web.

SafeZone - Minute Personal Firewall 3.0 - Requirements: Windows 98/Me/NT/2000/XP/2003 Server
Blocks spy ware and adware from giving out personal information.

ZoneProtect Personal Firewall 1.0 - Requirements: Windows 98/Me/NT/2000/XP. Protection from hackers, dangerous e-mail attachments, worms and new Internet threats.

Before downloading any firewall program, keep in mind that many contain spy ware or adware. Every product at download.com gives you information from the publisher of the project. But it's always a good idea to read the bad and good reviews of a product before downloading. Also check if it has an uninstall feature.

Running more than one firewall may seem like more protection, it isn't. The firewall applications are fighting with each other which may result in computer programs. Some e-mail firewall scanning can cause your Outlook Express to not be able to connect to the server to receive your mail. Always read the instructions before configuring a program.