'Good' firewall that doesn't hog resources

17 years ago

I'm trying to help a friend speed up a several years old slow computer (Dell Desktop; Intel Celeron; 2.4 Ghz, 512 RAM; XP with SP3). First we're going to remove McAfee (I've printed out the McAfee instructions for doing so, including following up with their MCPR.exe tool).

We'll replace with Avast. Malwarebytes is already installed.

My question concerns the firewall to use. I know RAM is an issue and have read articles, recommended here, about selecting programs that are not "heavy". Do I use the program size for judging this? I've seen the free versions of Zone Alarm (260 KB), Ashampoo (10.08 MB) and Comodo (18.6 MB) recommended here. In order of least taxing on the system, would it be based on their download size (thus making the free ZA the least taxing) or is there some other specification that is the one to consider?

Many thanks for sharing your expertise - June

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Comments (7)

kudzu9
17 years ago
There is not necessarily a relation between program size and resource use. Firewalls are important, but typically are not a resources hog and you are not likely to affect how well/fast this computer works because of the choice of firewall. Install a good one and worry about the other stuff that runs in the background...
User
17 years ago
I use Ubuntu Linux, but I used to have to work on Windows.

You will see a difference in performance just by clearing the clutter off the drive.

Uninstall all the stuff he no longer uses, including fonts and games and the crud that accumulates.

Search for ~.tmp and ~.bak files and delete them.

Back up the registry, then run one of the freeware registry cleaners.

Back up his old stuff to a USB hard drive or to CDs and delete it.

Empty the trash.

Defrag the hard drive.
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DA_Mccoy
17 years ago
Yes it is true, this is a case where size doesn't matter. The architecture of the application will define the resources needed. Further, from my experience firewalls can effect performance. It wasn't all too long ago where ZA had a terrible reputation for bogging down systems. Fortunately for them, and for users, they apparently resolved that concern.

I don't know where you received your information on the size of ZA, but the current v8.0.298.0 is 32.38MB.

Using this Vista system I am comfortable with its two-way firewall so I haven't researched them in several years. However, I have read some positive comments about the stand-alone Comodo firewall (not the +anti-virus) from members on other forums who I have known for years and respect.

Unless you are experienced in the works of a system's registry, my opinion is to avoid any tinkering.

To assist in speeding up a system a cleaning with CCleaner using the default settings would be in order. Also, as reported above a research as to what is running in the background is needed.

DA
juneroses Z9a Cntrl Fl
Original Author
17 years ago
On the Free ZA, I got the file size info from the firewall download page at Majorgeeks.

Here is a link that might be useful: Majorgeeks - Firewalls
TxKen
17 years ago
I've used the Free version of Zone Alarm for years on many computers. No problems.

txKen
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
17 years ago
I also like zone alarm however be cautioned that you need to pay attention to make sure you do get the actual free version and not the trial version it is sometimes difficult to tell and also unfortunately now they do have some other options such as toolbars pre selected in the download/install process so make sure you un check all that un wanted stuff!
I no longer recommend comodo and it has been de-listed on many of the security support forums as well.

I never use or suggest the use of registry cleaners period.
this is a very good guide by Miekie a super MVP on ways to help a slow pc.
Help! My computer is slow!
I recommend ATF cleaner which she has listed in that link.

IF there are programs to remove that are presenting problems a good option is REVO uninstaller, it also has a very nice feature which allows you to control what is starting up at boot up.
Revo Uninstaller
here is the info on that feature
Auto Run Manager
REVO has great instructions on their website just keep clicking on the links to get to the user guide pages for each aspect of the program.

And the number one thing they can do is add RAM to the pc it is easy to do and cheap, install belarc to get a full read out on what is on the pc and exactly what type and number the ram is and what slots are available to be filled etc.
Belarc

and always remember to open up the side of the pc and get the dust bunnies out they can wreck havoc on a pc.
Cleaning the computer and its components
the inside needs cleaning just as much as cleaning out all the clutter and junk programs.
DA_Mccoy
17 years ago
For an easy access to the ZA free try the link below. Filehippo is a trusted download site.

I also like and often recommend REVO. If you do use it, during the application removal you may/may not reach a window with registry entries to be removed manually. If you do only remove them if you are sure they are not necessary. Don't guess as there is no backup. Just click on by the report and option if you decide not to remove them.

I like Belarc and recommend it often.

A startup utility to consider is the old free standby Winpatrol.

DA

Here is a link that might be useful: Filehippo.com

'Good' firewall that doesn't hog resources

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kudzu9

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'Good' firewall that doesn't hog resources

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kudzu9

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