Best Free Firewall for Windows 7

To keep a computer secure from malware, the user cannot rely on a single product. The developers of malware are getting intelligent and so you have to be more intelligent for tackling malware. A layered security solution is suggested for maximum protection. Also, taking precaution is better than cure. So, a firewall should be installed on your system as an early line of defense. Usually, Internet is the source of malware attack. Firewall keeps an eye on the outgoing and incoming traffic and discards the information matching predefined set of rules or behaving maliciously.

Finding, configuring, and managing a firewall can be a difficult task for a normal user. They may also screw up your system if handled without care. It is recommended to create a restore point or make a full back up of your system. Firewalls exist at both software and hardware level but normal users rely on software firewall. For ease in selecting a firewall, a list of best free firewall solutions for Windows 7 has been collected.

Also take a Look at:

• Best Free Anitvirus for Windows 7
• 8 Free Tweaking Tools for Windows 7

Comodo Firewall

This is an awesome free firewall for personal use in Windows 7. There has been recent release which is version 4.0 and contains a lot of improvements. The user interface is pretty changes along with a new pop up layout. The user can easily take Comodo Time Machine snapshots or create Windows restore points. Its proactive monitoring tool Defense+ now contains built-in sandbox which combines file system/registry virtualization to fight unfamiliar malware. Defense+ also sandboxes all unknown applications by default until they are scrutinized. Using new sandboxing feature, the number of alerts has been significantly reduced and user is less annoyed now. The download package combines Firewall + Antivirus but installation wizard lets you choose any or both of them for installation. It is available for 32 and 64 bit versions of Windows 7. (Download Comodo Firewall)

PC Tools Firewall Plus

It is another might firewall but free for personal use in Windows 7. It protects the user from attacks by Trojans, Keyloggers, and other malicious application through monitoring of network traffic. By default it is set to protect against most dangerous applications but it allows advanced users to set their own rules with a large set of customizations available. In establishing phase, the number of alerts may be large but it will decrease as time passes on. If the user does not want to get notification during an activity like playing game, there is a Full Screen option available. Password protection for settings of Firewall can also be enabled. The firewall has native support for 32 and 64 bit versions of Windows 7. (Download PC Tools Firewall Plus)

PrivateFirewall

This is another fine choice in the category of free firewalls for Windows 7. It provides good protections against intrusion and malware. PrivateFirewall uses behavioral technology to combat different types of malware. It monitors programs, registry, and email and thus can detect overall anomaly. It can also block attempts to initiate illicit outgoing TCP connection or DNS request. It works flawlessly on 32 and 64 bit versions of Windows 7. (Download PrivateFirewall)

Outpost Firewall Free

If you are looking for a normal firewall to be used in Windows 7 then give it a try. The alerting and rule defining system is simple and has been designed for normal users. The level of security can be configured easily. By default it is set to “Optimal” mode which observes most dangerous applications. In installation stage, it can be configured to auto learn mode for a week. This firewall is best for users who don’t want their active participation in defining rules or dealing pop up alerts frequently. It is fully compatible with 32 and 64 bit versions of Windows 7. (Download Outpost Firewall Free)

Don’t use any combination of these firewalls because it usually creates conflicts in the system. The user can employ a single firewall in conjunction with an antivirus for best protection in Windows 7.