A new year has come and you feel like changing that old rusty Firewall for your computer. Choosing among so many good Firewalls is a tough job until you're a regular user of one specific Firewall software. In my last post, I had described about the various services that a Firewall must offer. That knowledge really helped me in testing the Firewall applications released till today. If you're wondering about what I'm talking about, you may take a look here. These tests were made keeping the following features in mind:

• Compatibility:
  --> With Windows 7 in the market, compatibility has become a very important factor. So these were compared with almost all the versions of Windows including 7.
• Wi-fi Security:
  --> Wifi is the newest source for browsing and is also the easiest way anybody can hack into your computer. So security matters a lot.
• Anti-virus [Additional]:
  --> Additional features are always good to hear about aren't they? The main feature focussed was Anti-virus which makes it easy for you.
• Parental Control:
   --> Block those dirty websites and keep your kids away from getting spoilt!! I'm sure this feature doesn't need much explanation.
• Instant Message Protection:
  --> Messengers have become the easiest way for a virus to creep into a system which makes this feature important as well.
• Packet Filtering:
  --> Data transmission in a network takes place in the form of packets. So filtering a packet is very important in order to prevent a threat to enter your computer.
• Anti-Phishing:
  --> Phishing is a common technique used by hackers to get hold of your personal information like passwords by sending you a fake mail requesting this information. The page inside the mail is designed such that you'd assume that the mail was sent by a known source.

Features like Port scanning, IP Stealthing, Support, etc were equally good in all these Firewalls since they're the most common features of any Firewall application. Here are the list of Firewall software which scored best among the ones tested.

1. Kaspersky Internet Security:
   
   You wouldn't be surprised to see this in the first place if you had ever used Kaspersky. Of all the applications, Kaspersky offers the best security mechanism in every manner which brought it to this position. It has been the best anti-virus since the time it came in and still protects thousands of computers. It offers a very good support and has a few additional features that would catch your attention. Here they are
   
   New Safe Surf feature for unparalleled online security:
   With Safe Surf you’ll never be exposed to harmful or offensive websites. Regular database updates from Kaspersky Lab means that Safe Surf will automatically block undesirable websites as they appear. Just switch it on.
   
   System Watcher technology:
   Cutting-edge System Watcher technology monitors and analyzes every system event to accurately detect any dangerous behavior. If a threat occurs, the user will be prompted to roll back any malicious program activity.
   
   Unique Safe Run mode for apps & websites:
   Safe Run mode lets you run suspicious applications and websites in a specially isolated environment where they cannot damage your system.
   
   Special tools to treat even the most complex infections:
   The installation CD can also be used as a bootable rescue disk to help you to restore your system should you ever need to. If you’ve downloaded your Kaspersky Lab product you can create your own Rescue CD using the program.
   
   Easy-Access Desktop gadget:
   Checking your PC’s protection status and quickly accessing your preferred security features and settings has never been easier!
   
   
   Get your copy of Kaspersky Internet Security 2011 here!
   
   Kaspersky Internet Security 2011 1-User
   
 
2. Norton Internet Security:
   
   Introduced by the Symantec cooperation, Norton Anti-virus has been offering the best support to its users since the beginning. But until a couple of years, it was blamed by many users saying that it takes up a lot of memory. To overcome this problem, Symantec had introduced a newer interface which begun from the time of Norton 360. This interface was not only user-friendly, but also exceedingly good in providing security to the computer. If you don't believe me, these features will blow your mind!!
   
   Norton Reputation Service: instantly checks where files came from and how long they’ve been around to identify and stop new crimeware faster than other, less sophisticated security software.
   
   Norton File Insight: This one gives you detailed information about the files found on your PC including where the file came from (the website URL) and if it can be trusted.
   
   Norton Pulse Updates: They run in the background and provide mini updates every 5 to 15 minutes.
   Norton Bootable Recovery Tool: It creates an emergency CD/DVD/USB that gets you back up and running even if your PC has become so infected that it won’t even start up.
   
   Norton Identity Safe: Lets you log in to sites with one click and automatically fills in web forms to prevent cybercriminals from stealing your information as you type.
   
   Norton Safe Web: Warns you of unsafe and scam websites right in your search results and automatically blocks them.
   
   Norton Identity Safe On-the-Go: Lets you maintain your most recent log-ins and passwords on a USB device so you can access them on any Norton Internet Security 2010, Norton Internet Security 2011, or Norton 360™ Version 4.0 protected PC with a USB drive.
   
   Proactive performance alerts: These alerts tell you when an application is slowing down your PC, so you can make changes to improve performance.
   
   Power saver settings: These settings maximize your laptop’s battery life by putting off non-critical activities until your computer is plugged in.
   
   Get your copy of Norton Internet Security 2011 here!
   
   Norton Internet Security 2011 - 1 User/3 PC [Download]
   
 
3. Comodo Internet Security:
   
   Comodo has been very famous when it comes to the question of Firewall features. However, due to certain lags in the additional features such as Parental control, this excellent security software came down to the third place on our list. With the increase in people's demand on Wi-fi networks, security has become a problem. If you know networking well, you'd also know how simple hacking a PC in a Wi-fi network is. This is why Comodo has probably concentrated more on its security features for Wi-fi networks. Internet Security Pro has been recently introduced by the company giving advanced security to its users. Here are its key features:
   
   Default Deny Protection: Grants your PC access to an exclusive "safe-list" of over two million known PC-friendly applications. If a file that isn’t listed on our safe-list knocks on your computer’s door, Pro evaluates it and lets you, the user, know that malware may be afoot.
   
   Auto Sandbox Technology: Tests programs in a virtual operating environment ensuring viruses & other malicious software that are isolated from the rest of your computer.
   Not only these, a set of special Firewall features are added up into the software in its latest version. Here they are
   • Full IPv6 Support in firewall
   • Rootkit Scanner - Hidden registry keys, files and folders are detected
   • Cloud scanning is enabled by default in manual scanner now
   • Installer - It now enables/disables windows firewall/defender during the installation/uninstallation thus preventing the hanging on your computer.
   • Game Mode to suppress alerts, updates and scans from interfering with gaming
     So now you might have understood that the speciality of Comodo is its excellent Firewall features. If you require only a Firewall application for your computer, this one can be the taken into account. Here is the link to get your Comodo Internet Security Pro
Comodo Internet Security Complete 2011  
4. Online Armor ++:
   
   If you don't have a Wi-fi connection, this would be the best Firewall protection for your PC. This is an exclusive application built just to safeguard the computer from any kind of threats in the network. Online Armor might not be much old but it has been among the best security software since it entered the competition. It provides your computer the best security from malware, Trojans, Backdoors that attempt to enter a computer via external sources. It is also compatible with several browsers, thus allowing you browse safely. Here are the key features of the software:
   
   Autoruns Management:
   Autoruns management allows you to control which programs start automatically with your computer. This can be used to help defeat spyware (it must start sometime) as well as optimize your computer's performance.
   
   Tamper Protection:
   Malicious programs are getting tougher and tougher and often attack other programs (including security programs) to do their nasty deeds. Online Armor has a guard function which guards not only itself against tampering, but protects other programs from malicious code.
   
   Keylogger Detection:
   Keyloggers are designed to capture keystrokes while users enter personal information such as passwords and account numbers on financial and other secure Web sites. Online Armor protects your passwords and private information from being stolen by blocking the keylogger as it tries to activate. Online Armor's behaviour detection ensures that even specially created or new keyloggers are detected and prevented.
   
   Cookie Cutter:
   Online Armor's "Cookie Cutter" transparently removes "tracking" cookies from sites you visit to guard your privacy. It does this by converts them to harmless "Session" cookies that your web browser will delete at the end of the session. Of course, sites you trust are allowed to store cookies in line with the settings in your chosen web browser.
   
   Hosts Checker:
   Similar to the DNS Check, Online Armor checks your HOSTS file and alerts you if anything changes. The hosts file can also be used to make your web browser visit sites other than the one you intended.
   
   DNS Checker:
   For high-value sites you need to protect, such as Online Banking sites, Online Armor's DNS Checker ensures you're visiting the site you think you are. It compares the DNS results from your local machine against a trusted third-party server. This stops programs from manipulating your Windows settings to misdirect you to fake sites.
   
   These are not just it. Online Armor offers a load of features that wouldn't even let a threat think of harming your computer. You may download its trial from the link given below:
   
   Online Armour ++ [Trial]
   
   
5. BitDefender Internet Security:
   
   BitDefender has given the best services when it comes to Anti-virus and Anti-spyware. So it is a crime if we don't consider it for a Firewall security. Bitdefender Internet Security comes with a set of excellent features where a Firewall and Anti-virus are embedded together to give its users the best security. However, not many new features were launched in its latest version thus bringing it down to this place. But still, the security provided by the software is outstanding and satisfies all our criteria including Wi-fi security and Parental Control. Here are its main features
   
   Safeguard your Privacy:
   Eliminate the chances your data and conversations are leaked to others over email, Facebook, IM, or websites that track your online activities.
   
   Firewall Protection:
   Establish a two-way firewall with just a few clicks, to continuously monitor your Internet connections and prevent unauthorized access—even over a Wi-Fi network.
    
   Video Library:
   A new collection of step-by-step videos helps you navigate through common security challenges.
   
   Play and Work Seamlessly:
   Automatically activate Game, Laptop, or Silent Mode to minimize interruptions, prolong battery life, or reduce system load to ensure seamless and secure gameplay.
   
   Keep Your Family Safe:
   With parental controls you'll receive reports, by browser, email, or cell phone, on recent online activity for each child's computer in your home network. Parents have remote access to review children's online activity and change parental control settings.
   
   Search Advisor:
   BitDefender 2011 provides safety ratings for search results and warnings about visited websites that may contain spyware or other malware.
   
   Dashboard Shortcuts:
   All BitDefender 2011 products enable users with specific needs—like parents and gamers—to create their own dashboard and shortcuts to frequently-used functions.
   
   Get your BitDefender Internet Security here:
   
   BitDefender Internet Security 2011 - 3 PC/1 year