recommendations for firewall

[Nancy]

with having a new cable modem I probably need a firewall. are there any free downloads that anyone here can recommend?

What's the best to go with with cable modems? This is all brand new to me.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Hi Nancy. I use software firewall, Zone Labs, Zone Alarm Pro (not free). They do have a watered down free one though. Another alternative is to use a hardware router.

Enjoy your cable.

 

[Nancy]

Thanks Dan..I should have known you would have the answer...you always seem to be helping me out!!

So far so good on the cable, it's really fast, but transferring files for 5 people is driving me nuts.

 

[LarryE]

zonealarm or tiny personal firewall

 

[WebmasterAlex]

If you are going to have to pay for it anyway, I prefer the hardware firewalls. They put less load on your computer, there is less chance of screwing up your computer, they are faster and they work well.
They also allow you to hook more than one computer up to the cable line... Amazon had a top rated one on sale for 59.95 after a rebate.

 

[Mskanga]

Nancy, as Dan and Alex said, get a router. That's what we did and I love having 3 computers on at the same time if we want to and not have to worry.
Enjoy your cable modem, I know I love mine!