Microsoft Security Essentials - Firewall??

Markly Darkly · 13-02-2010, 16:40

Hello

Currently have Kaspersky Intenet Security, but license runs out next month, so thinking of going to Microsoft Security Essentials.

Does MSE include a firewall or do I need to get one separately? I know I can use the Windows firewall, but understand that is only "one way".

So if I should get a separate one - which one (for free) used to have Zone Alarm but understand that has now got a bit intrusive??. What about Comodo?

Zee · 13-02-2010, 16:43

It doesn't come with a firewall.

I would recommend using Norton 360 v3 (3.8) or for a cheaper option Norton Internet Security 2009/2010 (whatever it is at the moment) its very light on resources and comes with everything you need. Another option would be to use Symantec Endpoint Protection 11 (its what im using) it works very well, and im using it because i couldn't afford the Â£64.99 renew fee for Norton.

13-02-2010, 16:59

If you are behind a router and that has a firewall and run windows firewall then you shoudl be fine

Bare in mind Windows 7 Firewall using advanced controls has rules for inbound and outband traffic and if you are on windows Vista you will find that this firewall is also both way but you need to use a control program to unlock it such as Vista firewall control. There is a new version apparently that does the same for Windows 7 and Vista together

http://download.cnet.com/Windows-7-F...html?tag=mncol

XP was the only OS MS shipped with a firewall installed that was only one way. Common misconception shattered lol lol

Dai · 13-02-2010, 17:27

The free Sphinx firewall control adds a 'friendly face' to the Win7 firewall although the paid version is a lot more useful.

So Markly, what OS are you running?

Markly Darkly · 13-02-2010, 17:40

Thanks for stuff so far - I'm on Vista.

So - tell me more about the Windows Firewall actually being two way???

This control thing - don't quite understand

Thanks

Zee · 16-02-2010, 03:00

you can make the windows firewall (in Windows 7, not sure about Vista) outbound too, but its a lot of work to add all the program rules as they are not automatic and you dont get prompted like ZoneAlarm or Norton.

Matty_ · 16-02-2010, 14:36

Currently using Comodo Internet Security Firewall and Defence+ (av disabled) with MSE and all is working fine.

Be prepared for a few pop-ups and a learning phase but if your not the sort who downloads software all the time it`s not a bad set-up.

Good luck with whichever way you go...

oliver1948uk · 16-02-2010, 14:50

For some months I have not run any firewall on my PC. This is because I regularly upload files for websites I run. My hosting provider (Dataflame) changed their security so that I have to upload using active (istead of the more usual passive) ftp. After weeks of nightmare where files would either not upload at all or arrive corrupted or empty I discovered all is well with no firewall (though my Linksys router has one. Strangely this does not interfere with the active ftp upload).

My heavily used PC, running Microsoft Security Essentials, has come to no harm without a firewall running, not even Windows firewall as that interferes with active ftp upload too.

Ben B · 19-02-2010, 22:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by zing

If you are behind a router and that has a firewall and run windows firewall then you shoudl be fine

Bare in mind Windows 7 Firewall using advanced controls has rules for inbound and outband traffic and if you are on windows Vista you will find that this firewall is also both way but you need to use a control program to unlock it such as Vista firewall control. There is a new version apparently that does the same for Windows 7 and Vista together

http://download.cnet.com/Windows-7-F...html?tag=mncol

XP was the only OS MS shipped with a firewall installed that was only one way. Common misconception shattered lol lol

Sorry to hop onto this thread but Zing, should I install a separate firewall when using MSE on XP or should I be fine with my router firewall and Windows Firewall?