My favorite firewall is now compatible with Windows Vista! Well, maybe not entirely since it is still alpha, but the pre-release of Comodo Firewall 3 seems to be running pretty well for me.
This early Alpha version is only available via the Comodo Firewall Forum, which requires that you register to gain access to the download links. Right now the download comes in three different flavors: XP 32-bit, Vista 32-bit, and Vista 64-bit. There is also supposed to be a 64-bit version on the way for XP, which I’m sure many people will appreciate.
It didn’t take long for me to get it up and running, but the first thing that you’ll probably notice is the new interface. It is a lot more "tame" than the previous one, although I do like the old design a little better. This one almost seems to be too dull and lacking in the graphics department. Of course, the design isn’t necessarily set in stone since this is still an Alpha release.
You won’t be staring at it for too long anyways. Once you get it setup to your liking you pretty much leave it to do its job. Here are a few screenshots of the different settings you can customize:
Click to Enlarge
There is no date planned for the Beta and final release of Comodo Firewall 3, but we’ll be sure to keep you updated on other pre-releases that they make available. For more information on Comodo Firewall read our previous review.
They’re taking their damn time to get this thing out
I’m so excited for this! I really want a great and free firewall for Vista. I am still waiting for Zone Alarm to come out with their Vista stuff.
Ryan, let us know ANYTHING you find out about Zone’s progress.
Thanks!
Hi Ryan,
I use Comodo in my old XP system but I’m currently using PC Tools Firewall Plus since it the only free firewall for Vista yet. Is it stable enough so I can switch to this Alpha version or should I wait until the final version?
Thx!
why would one need a 3rd party firewall for vista?it has a good firewall which monitors outgoing and incoming connections(though outgoing connections are not blocked by default and you have to search for it in the control panel)…..with xp, i agree, this is a good firewall….
Yeah, they were supposed to be at this stage back in April, so they are definitely trailing a little behind. As long as they make some nice steps forward I’m okay with delays.
CoryC just emailed me a tip pointing to news of ZoneAlarm’s Vista compatible software:
[blog.washingtonpost.com]
I’ll be writing about that tomorrow.
Seeing that this is the very first release I would recommend holding off. It is still in the Alpha stages and I wouldn’t use it on a production machine until at least Beta. From what I could tell it seemed pretty solid, but with firewalls and antivirus software there are a lot of things going on underneath…and you don’t want any of that to do something wrong.
The firewall in Vista is essentially the same as what’s in Vista. It provides the basic protection, but some people (like myself) enjoy the added protection of a full firewall application.