Firewall (the software, not the subsimmer)
 

After having changed from my old DSL provider to a new one, it seems I found that my old trustworthy Zonealarm Free does not like the new cable modem and blocks it more or less completely once the system has been idle running for a longer while, or has been in working in a ressource-hungry application like Oblivion - I need to reboot when wanting to go online then, or switch off the Firewall program, whioch of course is not acceptable a solution. That's why I want to try another Firewall software. If it'S the same then, I know that it is the modem or it's software.

For firewalls and virus-Scanner, I always use FREE versions, and with good conscience. Having a secure internet with secure online systems is a benefit for everybody, and even some producers seem to agree on that and offer these basic softwares for free, sometimes not only new betas (so to speak), but the established full versions. So why not using that. Preventive oral vaccination at school doesn't cost you either (at least in Germany).

Which free firewalls do you recommend? Tigth ports, easy handling and an alert button to cut all connections by one mouse-click in a hurry are what I look for. It seems that Ashampoo's free version is the full version, and not an old but the latest version!?

The best one : Comodo Firewall Pro.
You con get it here : http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.c..._firewall.html

Don't mix it with Comodo Firewall Pro Plus, this one is not free.

Comodo itself is nice, yet it is SOOOOO naggy that it always asks you questions like whether to allow a software to connect to the internet, or whether you permit a modification to regedit

The version 2 is better, while the version 3, the newest one, is quite naggy. I've tried it for 2 or 3 days, and I uninstalled it afterwards because of this.

You might try it if you want perfect security. Yet, I won't recommend it. Outpost and zonealarm

I'm surprised your DSL modem doesn't have a built in firewall.

Type 192.168.1.1 in your browser to find out if you have a built in firewall.

Pure modems seldom have an integrated firewall.
Maybe you intended modem-router ?
In any case a software firewall on the pc gives the user much more fine grain control over the programs than a firewall included in the modem-router.

Skybird,

If you have an old system lying around...take a look at this to install on it.

Here are the hardware requirements for it.

The router firewall is a bitch. Mine is. It demands all the knowledge I don't possess to properly set it up. And you can't just open and close ports with the click of a button. Mine can't.

It did kept me safe through the years though, so I guess it's just as difficult for the n00b hacker to overcome it as it is for the n00b owner to set it up.

:yep:

I was using their Antivirus as well but being still in beta form a bit too buggy for me. But the Comodo Firewall is the best out there.

Well, I am not a technician and mess up terms sometimes. The modem is a router indeed, a speedport 502, standard model by Deutsche Telekom. I learned that it has an integrated firewall, but 1.) the documentation does not mention how to access and set it, by default it should be on (their word in God's ear), and 2.) hardware firewalls of this kind are not comparison with software firewalls: they use to block incoming traffic, but allow too much outgoing traffic from applications demanding access to the internet.

Compare this: with Zonealarm my system passes all tests of Shields Up! with flying colours and is completely stealthy, with the windows firewall or the router firewall alone, several ports are left not only present (answering to pings), but are left open.

I have a look at what has been recommended by you guys. Thanks to everybody! :yep: