Firewall Brands and Links

Online security 101

If you need comprehensive security software, Internet security suites include firewall, antivirus, anti-spyware, anti-spam and parental-control components. See the ConsumerSearch report on Internet security software. Also see our reports on separate antivirus, anti-spyware, anti-spam and parental control software.

The National Cyber Security Alliance offers tips for online security.

It can be confusing when a firewall asks permission to let a program on your computer access the Internet. Windows has many tasks running in the background whose names are not likely to be familiar. You can look up information about such tasks to find out if they are good guys or invaders at AnswersThatWork.com.

WindowsSecrets.com has an article on firewalls that includes tips on checking your computer's security.

PCStats.com offers a beginner's guide to firewalls and Internet security for those wanting to learn the basics, including firewalls.

Aron Roberts, who works for the University of California-Berkeley's information and technology services department, discusses firewall software for the Mac OS.

TopBits.com has information on free firewalls for Linux users, as well as links to sites where they can be downloaded.

HowStuffWorks.com explains how firewalls work.

A frequently asked questions page for Internet firewalls is maintained at Interhack.net.

Vicomsoft offers a comprehensive explanation of what firewalls do and how they work.

You can test your system's security at any of these sites:

Shields Up

SecuritySpace.com (a basic audit or a single test is free)

HackerWhacker (the first test is free)

Firewall software companies

Agnitum (Outpost)

Comodo

DoorStop (Mac)

Hannynet (WaterRoof, NoobProof)

IPNetSentryX (Mac)

Kaspersky

Lavasoft Personal Firewall

Intego (VirusBarrier X6)

Norton

Objective Development (Little Snitch)

Online Armor Personal Firewall

Sunbelt Personal Firewall

ZoneAlarm