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- Easy installation
- Excellent protection
- Automatic updating
- Not for novice users
- Pop-up alerts can be bothersome
March 2012: This software is no longer offered by its publisher.
PC Tools Firewall Plus gets some of the highest ratings for firewall effectiveness of any program, free or paid. Despite being freeware, it has features such as auto-updating that are often found only in paid programs. However, reviewers say that PC Tools Firewall Plus does require a more advanced understanding of computer protocols than other security software. Because of its steep learning curve and lack of a training mode, users can get inundated with pop-up alerts they may not understand. Some reviewers point out that, as with other advanced firewalls, its default settings might not provide sufficient protection.
Download.com and FileForum.com have many user reviews posted that give real-world perspective on the pluses and minuses of PC Tools Firewall Plus. We also spotted a review at Gizmo's Freeware, but the site notes that a new review is on the way.
Our Sources
Gizmo's Freeware includes PC Tools Firewall Plus among its list of top free firewalls. The site notes that a new review is being prepared, but it does say that the program is a little lighter on user alerts in its default setting than previous versions, making it easier for novices to use.
Review: Best Free Firewall, Editors of Gizmo's Freeware, April 24, 2011
2. Download.com
Download.com's users provide over 440 ratings of PC Tools Firewall Plus, but the overall score is 3 stars out of 5. That said, the current version seems to be faring much better than its predecessors.
Review: PC Tools Firewall Plus Free Edition, Editors of Download.com
More than 200 users at FileForum.com rate PC Tools Firewall Plus, where it gets an overall score of 3.5 out of 5 stars. Most user reviews express satisfaction with the software, though some mention freeze-ups or complain about other issues.
Review: PC Tools Firewall Plus, Contributors to FileForum.com
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