Firewall (the software, not the subsimmer)

[Skybird]

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!?