Someone reviewed v on Jul 5, 2022

Pros: 555

Cons: 555

Bottom Line: 555

gcaleval reviewed v3.0.25.378 on Jul 27, 2011

DO NOT DOWNLOAD THE BETANEWS VERSION. This vesion is wildly out of date. As of writing the current version is 5.5 and is available either directly from Comodo or on CNET,

The new versions have addressed almost all issues reflected in reviews on BetaNews.

CyberDoc999 reviewed v3.0.25.378 on May 5, 2011

It is OK for 32 bit......BUT Comodo has nothing but bugs and slowness in 64 bit!!
I will never use it for 64 bit again!!!!!

anomoly reviewed v3.0.25.378 on Jul 26, 2009

Review of 3.10.102363.531
Just uninstalled outpost free which scores just below this on matousec.
Oupost was using 40% cpu ++ on torrents and for some reason it was blocking IE if I disabled dns service.
This does have ad options (toolbar, homepage crap) but they are options. I installed in basic fw mode with nothing else. Removed all the trusted vendors (couldn't remove the 2 comodo entries!) and set explorer.exe (which I don't run cause I use sharpe shell) to no dns access. So far no nags at all and cpu is nil with torrents.
See how it fares. Online armor pay version is still at the top of the chart.
Adobe also tries to install crap. should we blacklist them too ?. Comparing a tested trusted fw to an adware site like softpedia is a joke. I have rated this -5 before as the gui was a nightmare. time will tell.

THE REAL TAO reviewed v3.0.25.378 on Jul 12, 2009

COMODO ARE NOT WHAT THEY SAY,I HAVE PERFORMED TESTS ON SEVERAL MACHINES...ALL HAVE BEEN DIVERSLY AFFECTED BY WHATEVER COMODO PRODUCT WAS INSTALLED...I BELEIVE COMODO IS A FRONT FOR POSSIBLY ANTI TERRORIST AGENCY OR AN ANTI PIRACY AGENCY (SUCH AS MPAA) WHATEVER THEY ARE THEY ARE NOT A SECURITY FIRM,NONE OF THIER SOFTWARE WORKS PROPERLY..SO WHAT IS THIER REAL PURPOSE...MIGHT SOUND RADICAL BUT BELEIVE ME IM RIGHT...DONT INSTALL ANYTHING FROM THESE DECEITFULL LIARS...TAO

Blaxima reviewed v3.0.25.378 on Jun 11, 2009

Comodo is alright but I didn't realize how much of a strangle hold it actually put on my bandwith until I removed it in favor of a router.

It doesn't play so nice with some things either and is resource heavy. Software firewalls are overrated imo and this one in it's current state might have good defensive abilities but it impacts my system too much to recommend it

Chocobito reviewed v3.0.25.378 on May 17, 2009

Its really a shame that Comodo has become, now its a bloatware with adware instalation, some software portal like Softpedia delete Comodo from his list because Comodo refuse to throw away his adware instalation, really really shame.

BigOrange029 reviewed v3.0.25.378 on May 11, 2009

A solid firewall if you are looking for something kinda basic. However, the consistent popups are annoying and often times for safe programs. If you don't mind the constant popups for permission, it's solid. It can also be a little heavy on the RAM, but with most computers having at least 512 MB of RAM at the very least(for older computers) it is not so taxing that it will bring your system to it's knees. The only other complaint I have is that the Firewall has now been bundled with their anti-virus software to form their "Internet Security" package meaning that updates to the firewall only are likely to end soon. All that being said, you can certainly do worse than this one.

us3r reviewed v3.0.25.378 on May 7, 2009

This product has been renamed to Comodo Internet Security. It's still freeware. Now includes Firewall, Antivirus, HIPS (Defense+), Buffer overflow protection.

http://fileforum.betanew...rity-32bit/1224699488/1

therisin reviewed v3.0.25.378 on Oct 12, 2008

Comodo Firewall has really turned to horse #*$% in this latest release (3.0). The UI has become a cumbersome nightmare (for example, unable to sort program rulesets by program. You can only sort by path, and even that doesnt work right. There's just too many things to list. The UI is a total mess compared to the previous version which I actually liked).

This firewall is pretty overhyped. It gets high ratings in tests, but I wonder how much real-world protection people really get from this.

It gives a false sense of security - this firewall brings up a warning for just about every frivolous event that occurs on your computer. This in itself can become pretty tedious and annoying in a very short time. I'll explain more on why this seemingly heightened security is bad in a sec.

The WORST part about this firewall - is that some programs inexplicably get free unrestricted access to the internet without so much as a confirmation. Oh sure, a big program like Mozilla Thunderbird brings up the usual "connect to the internet" confirmations, but various programs I DL'd off of Bit Torrent, the cultivator of computer plagues, gets free access without so much as a blip on the radar. After having 1 million confirmation windows shoved in my face every minute by this firewall, I find this internet favoritism to be quite a irritating.

The firewall may be ok for preventing attacks, however, I cannot recommend this for someone wanting to protect from identity theft (keyloggers, etc.) or other unauthorized broadcasting by trojans which may have slipped past your Anti-virus.

That it would just allow some programs (quite a few seem to get this privelage with comodo) free, unrestricted access to the internet, without any confirmation whatsoever, is just completely asinine for a program which tries to "protect" you from malware by force feeding you a million confirmation pop-ups a minute over the most frivolous things.

Ive been using Comodo for a few years now, and I've had high respect for them up until release 3.0.

Now it's just gone to crap. It can get the job done, but it needs constant, and I mean CONSTANT tinkering and TLC in order to get what you want out of it due to its poor design. Otherwise it's simply a false sense of security.

Cris3 reviewed v3.0.25.378 on Sep 4, 2008

I just put this app in today and it is easy to configure and remembers what you allow without repeatedly asking for approval.

Comodo Firewall Pro is recommended in the latest issue of PC WORLD magazine and I can see why they like it too.

yanike reviewed v3.0.25.378 on Aug 25, 2008

Amazing and true protection :) Learn just how to use it and everything is great! Read up on the program and you'll know what to use and when to use it.

Great Application!

tewa reviewed v3.0.25.378 on Aug 11, 2008

i tried the 3.0 beta program which caused my computer a total crash and had to reinstall the os. that was 6 months ago, i thought the final version would be better, how wrong was I!!!

well, in some strange way it is better because it managed not to crash my computer completely so i don't have to reinstall everything. At times it simply decided on its own what i should do. examples:
- somehow the start menu is diabled
- disabled access to its configuration
- said i do not have permission to shutdown the computer
- said file path is not accessible or path does not exist
- blocked all my auto start programs, the only thing running is explorer. i couldn't even using Start -> Run to run any program, no permission it said. Thank god I managed to startup process explore (replaced the regular task manager on my computer) and was able to run applications there and shutdown the computer

seems more like a gigantic virus than a firewall.

maybe it is incompatible with nod32 i have, i don't know, but i am so frustrated with it, and for sure i would not test this application any time soon.

wagner reatto reviewed v3.0.25.378 on Aug 7, 2008

imo, the best firewall!

morrigen reviewed v3.0.25.378 on Aug 4, 2008

RedBoar what are you on about on XP it's using about 1.5 mb's and even on scan it's still light,and with the all the multitude of functions and security levels(that may have been your problem with it,set anything to high and you may strangle it)it has to be the best firewall and it's free.

RedBoar reviewed v3.0.25.378 on Jul 26, 2008

I cannot recommend this, with every revision it slows down my PC more and more. Version 2 was far superior and reminded me of when ZoneAlarm was good, now version 3 seems like a victim of bloat and carelessness in programming.

PlayazCircle reviewed v3.0.25.378 on Jul 22, 2008

Well, no doubt its the best firewall.

tipstir reviewed v3.0.25.378 on Jun 27, 2008

I give this 5 out 5 as it works with Vista Business SP1. I couldn't get my favorite PF to work with Vista. I've tried PC Tools Firewall Plus no go and crashed Vista and along with PC Tools Antivirus both free but they don't see to work right with Vista. So Comodo Firewall Pro and AVG 8.0 hand to hand. Just have to see how it goes. Right out the box Comodo did find my network asked me what I called it and it added the name along with the right access. That took out the middle man. I have a mix of Windows Server 2003, Server 2008, Windows 2000 Pro and yes XP Pro boxes. I don't know how well this version would do their. I don't want to be ask for permission for this and that daily. PC Tools has code injection feature and guess Comodo has it too just called differently.

Right now I use the Comodo on the wireless laptop running Vista Business SP1 and it does see the entire network and the discovery works correctly!

edd3800 reviewed v3.0.25.378 on Jun 18, 2008

Excellent

The best firewall out there. In fact better than the ones you have to pay for. Inbound protection is perfect. Nothing gets in. Outbound is also very good. Install is fast and easy.
Some users say it's simple to use I don't agree you have to spend some time learning this firewall to get the most out of it. I had it pop up all the time when I first install it. It really was a huge pain. As many as 5 or 6 pop up for the same program. When I tried one of the internet security suites for a short time I took it off. When I put it back on I set defense on trainning mode for a few days. That worked great wasn't bugged all the time.After a few days changed it to recommend setting clean pc mode. Remember when installing a new programs set it to
Installation mode.
cowgaR is right, if you have a router you don't need a firewall. Well at least a inbound firewall.
But if using a router make sure you change the routers password or else you could be wide open.
I think most user's should have good outbound protection in case malware gets past your anti-virus. That's where Comodo defense comes in, or get Threatfire. Both these programs have good HIPS protection.

Landsnes reviewed v3.0.25.378 on Jun 15, 2008

Wow!

This firewall has everything and it's all top of the line! No issues whatsoever. Highly recommended!

robmanic44 reviewed v3.0.25.378 on Jun 14, 2008

This doesn't throw curveballs, it throws knuckleballs. You don't want it and if you use a router, you don't need it. It also contains malware as reported by NOD32.

some guy reviewed v3.0.25.378 on Jun 3, 2008

free does what it says , nice work

DaveBG reviewed v3.0.25.378 on Jun 2, 2008

Every time i install this i have different problem.

First time it was BSOD, and i did not had other FWs!

Second time (3 windows reinstalls later) it removed all my network interfaces drivers.

Third time "You just discovered bug!" message :(
It would not send though since i was cut off net...

Why?

cowgaR reviewed v3.0.24.368 on May 29, 2008

interface could be definitely better...MUCH better, that comes to a question what developers are working on it

2nd thing, when you are behind ANY HW router (modem, wireless etc. like 99% ppl at home) YOU DON'T NEED FIREWALL AT ALL!

simply put, no-one from outside will be able to reach you, and to take care of protection from "inside out" use your computer as a standard user not administrator and no trojan has a chance to work... (or use decent antivirus).

so firewalls are nice to have when you are on some public unsecured network but behind any 1$ old router they are basically useless (you have intranet IP) and just slows down your computer...

+5 for being one of the best FW on the market (free or not)
-1 for horrible interface
-1 for really really horrible interface, guys look at ESET/Kaspersky

kiliya reviewed v3.0.24.368 on May 29, 2008

So let me see if I understand Dudeboyz and uberfly. You have so many applications that Defense+ drives you crazy. Unless I install something new I don't get a prompt to allow. Especially if I switch to "installation mode".
You don't say specifically what you've tried as far as configurations that didn't work. A "stop all activities" is right on the front of the interface. Doesn't that serve the purpose you mentioned when testing for "virus and malware"? Are you doing a fresh install every time? If so do you save your configuration so you don't have to needlessly reconfigure on install? It sounds like Comodo offers you too many options and that is what frustrates you. Options to add new networks or specific addresses, port sets etc. are useless to you? Fascinating! Are you sure you two don't work for ZA labs? OK let's get serious. There is no better freeware firewall and as said before, better than many shareware ones as well.

uberfly reviewed v3.0.24.368 on May 29, 2008

DudeBoyz - You took the words right out of my mouth. Excellent overview of my frustrations.

I used Comodo pretty happily until this latest version. I've since gone back to the latest ZA Basic. It offers me the straight-forward configurability I'm looking for - and does it without a hitch. Comodo is very unfriendly to work with now. It's Defence+ is an added headache that continued to frustrate me as I tried to tweak it, but you can't turn it off as you lose outbound app protection. Not saying Comodo is bad by any stretch, it's just a mess to work with if you don't need its extra baggage.

DudeBoyz reviewed v3.0.24.368 on May 28, 2008

I really have been trying hard to figure this app out, but it has been sort of a pain, and not what I expected.

Surprisingly, the latest version of Zone Alarm that I have caved in and tried, version 7.0.473.000 is turning out to be a very positive experience, not only compared to Zone Alarm 5 and 6 releases, but Comodo.

I'm kinda stunned that a totally fresh install of Zone Alarm 7 is working better than I could have possibly expected.

For whatever reason, I still struggle with Comodo, and I'm using it on my 2nd machine, at least for now. But if Comodo doesn't become easier to use, understand and configure, I may just have to go back to Zone Alarm 7, which I have to say is just flat out getting it done.

I have no troubles maintaining internal network sharing while still being protected on the Internet side, and a single button just blocks EVERYTHING should you want to totally insulate yourself if you are testing for trojans and the like.

I can't figure out how to effectively do this in Comodo. With ZA7, all of a sudden, by default, my shared drives and printers work where before they didn't. It even asked me if I wanted to pre-approve my default mail and browser apps, so Outlook and IE 6 worked without any issues at all.

So, in the battle of free firewalls, Comodo would seem to need to step up its game, cause the totally revamped, functional and user-friendly version of ZA 7 is really setting the bar pretty high.

I started looking seriously at Comodo because ZA 5 and ZA 6 sucked so bad, but with 7 out, I may have to reconsider.

I hope Comodo can improve, but I may not end up waiting around for it to if it doesn't do it fast.

Diam0nd reviewed v3.0.24.368 on May 28, 2008

One of the best firewalls around. Tops payed ones as well.

madmike reviewed v3.0.24.368 on May 28, 2008

Tis good, but not fool proof as I found out on my PC.. still needs work but getting there. At the moment though, its only for the patient..

bousozoku reviewed v3.0.23.364 on May 26, 2008

I am quite pleased with the software, as it does the regular functionality without problem.

The developers have minimised the annoying "allow this application" messages since version 3.

The one thing that is bothersome is the "xxx files to be inspected" functionality. If I approve installing an application or an upgrade, including Comodo Firewall Pro upgrades, should I need to inspect all of the files included in those installations to say that they're safe?

some guy reviewed v3.0.23.364 on May 26, 2008

I think this is a great piece of software.

Mystenes reviewed v3.0.23.364 on May 26, 2008

it can cause a lot of troubles on WinXP Pro 64 bit.

kiliya reviewed v3.0.23.364 on May 25, 2008

Nice job Comodo! Using 3.0.23.368. Clean and smooth, good speed improvements. So far looks ready for prime time. I'll be interested to see what might crop up but I'm not expecting anything drastic.

3xist reviewed v3.0.23.364 on May 25, 2008

Excellent release, Lot's off bugs fixed in v3.0.23.864. Keep up the good work COMODO!

bellgamin reviewed v3.0.23.364 on May 23, 2008

Comodo Firewall Pro (CFP) is a top tier firewall-plus-HIPS (Host-based Intrusion Prevention System). NOTE: The HIPS part of CFP is "Defense Plus", often referred to simply as D+.

CFP's firewall is light, easy to use, and very very effective

D+ is incredibly powerful, and very complex. It can be disabled, such that only the firewall runs. However, IF you are willing to learn how to use D+, you will end up with an extremely solid wall of security protection.

On the other hand, if you dislike D+ & want "set it & forget it" HIPS protection, then I suggest using Threatfire. It is nearly as effective as D+, but much easier to use.

SledgeDG reviewed v3.0.23.364 on May 23, 2008

@nailzs:It's probably more likely your neighbor who can't operate his Vista correctly.
CPF runs here on 3 Vista home prem like a charm
and this version finally allows to check for updates without the need to be logged on as admin :up:

-DG

DakotaSunRunner reviewed v3.0.23.364 on May 23, 2008

Been using this a while now, on windows XP MCE SP3 and have had no problems with it at all. No BSOD or any other problem. It does a excellent job and I am very pleased with it.

The problem with this kind of software, and it is not unique to Comodo either, is that some computers will not conform to some pieces of software, either do to drivers, or not be compatible with other software or some such thing and then I have seen when a computer will not run certain software for no reason at all or none that I could find when on a tech call.

But this is a good piece of software an does well.
Most of you should be happy with it.

kmrdeva reviewed v3.0.22.349 on May 14, 2008

I like the interface, but had to uninstall it from my XP Pro SP3 laptop as I kept getting BSODs (0x7F) when doing file transfers (copy or move).

Am still searching the web for a fix to this problem as I would love to continue using this app.

ailef reviewed v3.0.22.349 on May 5, 2008

defense+ is a must to protect your system against unknown malwares.
your AV isnt able to detect all new malwares.
so defense+ alerts u about all activities a file is trying to do before it can access the memory.
and those alerts are able to show that u're facing a malware so u can block it before it can access your system.
http://www.kaspersky.com...fset=-2&x=0&y=0
when i found this trojan with defense+, it was detected by 4 AV on 32.
i sent it to kaspersky so they updated their list but actually not all AV are able to detect it.
my last test showed that 13 av on 32 were able to detect it so be carefull and use defense+ to help your av when it fails to detect new malwares.

1uk3 reviewed v3.0.22.349 on May 5, 2008

Excellent - especially at the price!

Haven't been using a 3rd party firewall for a while as I had read (quite a while ago now) that Vista's firewall wasn't too bad when configured correctly.

After doing a few tests it seems it's not all that good at all so went looking for another solution.

I'm using the 64bit version which can be downloaded from http://www.personalfirew.../download_firewall.html

nailzs reviewed v3.0.22.349 on May 4, 2008

Reeeejected by my neighbor's Dell laptop. Vista said it wasn't compatible.

Diam0nd reviewed v3.0.22.349 on Apr 30, 2008

Amazingly enough this FREE firewall outperforms most pay alternatives ;| Just one of the resources where it yet again does: http://www.matousec.com/...l-challenge/results.php

marians reviewed v3.0.22.349 on Apr 22, 2008

I use Comodo for about three years now without having any problems, in a full combination with Avast Home Edition and SpyBot Search and Destroy. So far this combo granted me all the security I ever needed on a home Windows (XP and Vista) machine :-) and I highly recommend it to everyone. The latest update went smooth, I had absolutely no problems with it. Everything works fine as it should . Just make sure you don't get too bored pressing "Allow" and "Deny" mechanically when warnings start to pop-up and avoid setting it up to "paranoid warning mode" :-). So far I could not test the Defense module since I'm kinda experienced in avoiding problems that could trigger it :-)
Once again, an excelent program. I really love it and I appreciate the developers work. Congrats. And for keeping it free, well, my deepest respect and admiration.

Tenoq reviewed v3.0.22.349 on Apr 21, 2008

The interface seemed ok - but that's about all I can offer for a review. Comodo blocked my internet access completely - even when it was turned off, set to allow all or disabled. Apparently it's incompatible with some of the network adapters I use, or something. Either way, I can't offer a decent review for something that just blocks all internet access - other than it's secure in the worst possible way.

For reference, I tried a few versions and I also tried multiple uninstall/re-installs. Quirky program.

poisonu reviewed v3.0.22.327 Beta on Apr 20, 2008

Final ver 3.0.22.349 Released 18th April, 2008
------------------
Release Date: April 18, 2008
Stability Update

* FIXED! BSOD SESSION_INITIALIZATION_FAILED after ChkDsk.
* FIXED! BUG causing D+ to allow file modification attempts although it is blocked under some circumstances.
* IMPROVED! Reduced false positives for D+ keyboard access alerts.
* IMPROVED! Removed false positives for D+ service control manager access for XP computers.
* IMPROVED! Increased D+ ability to protect itself from already installed rootkits.

pohlman reviewed v3.0.22.327 Beta on Apr 5, 2008

tscar13: I've used it from the beginning with NOD32 without a hitch. Comodo/NOD32 is far and away my favorite combination for nonintrusive protection.

Chocobito reviewed v3.0.22.327 Beta on Apr 1, 2008

I still stick with the 2.4 version, version 3 also its good but need a little work

Captain Hook reviewed v3.0.22.327 Beta on Mar 31, 2008

Very good and does exactly what is expected.
However. Several problems show up if you have an Anti-Virus program installed.
My example of this:
Kaspersky 6.0.3.837 calls Comodo for an incompatible program when installed from a server through their agent. The only whay to found out what program that is incompatible is to install Kaspersky by hand.
Several forums (Kaspersky and Comodo) says that you can install Comodo AFTER installing Kaspersky.
This is not true!
It giver directly a Blue screen just as the Amiga gave in 1984. Doesn't make a different even if Kaspersky is totally disabled.
The error is: IRQL not less or equal
I had to uninstall Comodo in Safe mode.
Too bad wich such a good Software!

vibertdj reviewed v3.0.22.327 Beta on Mar 31, 2008

3.0.22.327 Beta
This is not an update.
Test version for Threatcast

madmike reviewed v3.0.22.327 Beta on Mar 31, 2008

Threatsense is not so mucha new technology, already its employed in a simalar guise by NOD32. All credit to this firewall , although not stable and perhaps not ready for primetime its still commendable that these peeps are pitching in to make a safer world.

sweathog reviewed v3.0.21.329 on Mar 28, 2008

Anyone know if the e-sata, removable drive glitch has been fixed? Until it is, I will avoid it.

Pfurri reviewed v3.0.21.329 on Mar 27, 2008

As Freeware-Firewall the absolute No. 1 !!!
I tried Online Armor too, but it's absolutely not competitive, because no automatic updates and if i mark "remember my decision", and it always ask me again "3-times" ! (e.g. KMPlayer), than it's only frustrating yet !!! Sorry dear fans of Online Armor, but no chance against Comodo !

3xist reviewed v3.0.20.320 on Mar 20, 2008

Comodo is back to the top! Ranking #1, With Online Armor #2. Now who is a close 2nd???

Comodo Firewall Pro 3 ROCKS!

http://www.matousec.com/...l-challenge/results.php

Papa Lazarou reviewed v3.0.20.320 on Mar 18, 2008

According to the firewall specialist testing site , Online Armor is the best free firewall , http://www.matousec.com/ After 2 months of use I actually bought the paid version - its that good plus its easy to use and bug free.This runs a close 2nd though .

Jegar48 reviewed v3.0.19.318 on Mar 17, 2008

best free firewall out there. The learning curve is a bit high for new users but it does EXACTLY what it says it will. Joker your review is the JOKE I doubt you even used it.

Perhaps you should go to these sites and see what real users though of it

http://www.consumersearc...;utm_campaign=Firewalls

http://www.pcmag.com/art...2/0,2704,2240712,00.asp

some guy reviewed v3.0.19.318 on Mar 16, 2008

excellent and free

esh3 reviewed v3.0.19.318 on Mar 16, 2008

Hosed my Vista system and I had to take it off. Used the previous versions for Xp was excellent.

robmanic44 reviewed v3.0.19.318 on Mar 16, 2008

Good stuff! This program is becoming more intuitive with each iteration. It's certainly the best of the firewalls I've tried.

Blue Joker reviewed v3.0.19.318 on Mar 16, 2008

Not even a bit as good as sygate was/is ,
but you average users can use it eventually...

ailef reviewed v3.0.19.318 on Mar 15, 2008

this firewall is the best one actually to use with vista. it's possible to get into troubles with xp when u start your OS, sometimes the firewall blocks u out of your session, so u have to boot in safe mode to disable it and reboot to access your session. except that it's probably the best firewall software protection on the market, and it's freeware. the association of the firewall with defense+ is able to block not far from all bad activities that could harm your pc.
it doesnt slow the system, takes little ressources, this is a very good piece of software the comodo team gives u for free. excellent.
it's better than most of others progs that are shareware. if u're looking for maybe the best firewall to run on vista, u just found it with comodo.

armpit reviewed v3.0.19.318 on Mar 15, 2008

Working great here so far. Fantastic program compared to the likes of outpost 2008 and zonealarm. The best firewall at the moment.

servimo reviewed v3.0.19.318 on Mar 15, 2008

I am waiting for the version 3.0 to work too. For now I am using 2.4... And is the firewall of my choice.

madmike007 reviewed v3.0.19.318 on Mar 15, 2008

Never knock a freebie:) ok so its not perfect , but credit where its due, at the company is making an effort to genuinely help people and they dont charge for it.
There are others Symentec, Avira and the like however IMHO I think this will come good and perhaps the way to help is test it, send feedback and be patient.

EarlyMorningHours reviewed v3.0.19.318 on Mar 15, 2008

This particular version has, for reasons I am unable to determine, choked off my throughput to dial-up speeds - even on my local network and even when I disable both the firewall and D+. There's no easy way to downgrade once you have upgraded, so I was forced to completely uninstall. I won't be reinstalling this for quite some time, if ever. And that's a shame as this is one of the last full featured software firewalls out there.

Unfortunately I have noticed a pattern with Comodo, where things inexplicably break from one version to the next. I think that they're trying too hard to be all things to all people. The stability and performance of the program suffers as a result. The interface is inconsistent and a royal pain to navigate when attempting to configure and / or troubleshoot problems. There has been a long standing bug reported in the Comodo forums describing how the interface crawls along at a molasses like pace and I hate to say it, but that bug is still present in this version as well.

Just so anyone reading this review doesn't get the wrong impression, this is a program that I desperately want to like and that I want to see succeed. As it stands right now there is simply no firewall, free or otherwise, that I feel I can recommend to people. Comodo seems to have a lot of the underlying technology figured out, but it needs more time to cook. Recommended for those with both patience and a better than N+ level understanding of networking topics. Not recommended for a typical home user.

Diam0nd reviewed v3.0.19.318 on Mar 15, 2008

One of the best firewalls around and amazingly enough, its FREE!

talkprice: cut the crap with linking to your g**d*** site, you spammin-ass mofo. ty.

Tarun. reviewed v3.0.19.318 on Mar 14, 2008

Indeed this is a very good firewall. I personally think that just installing the Firewall itself and no part of Defense+ helps immensely.

The screenshot needs to be updated. As of this post it still shows the 2.4 interface.

doctorsmith reviewed v3.0.19.318 on Mar 14, 2008

has developed into a very good firewall

comeoffit reviewed v3.0.18.309 on Feb 27, 2008

The last version of CFP I tried was pretty crappy, and I expected the same with this version. I was very pleasantly surprised to find that it's powerful, flexible, and effective.

The needlessly-skinned interface is very slow sometimes on my system, though I don't know why. I mean, why is it I can play Far Cry, Doom 3, and Half-Life 2 on this system just fine and with good quality, but can't use a firewall's main window without having to be annoyed by the slowness with which the interface paints itself? Is my 2D that bad? I don't think so.

The interface could be improved. I find it annoying that when I protect CFP with a password, I have to enter it every time I try to access anything in the interface--instead of entering it once, the way every other program of this type handles it.

And it would be nice if logging could be controlled better--for example, by default, no firewall logging at all occurs. On the other hand, there is no way to directly disable Defense+ logging for certain activities or applications. You can either allow programs to do what they want (i.e. create allow rules), or let it remain blocked, and deal with a full log file.

Overall though, and especially considering how much some of the competitors truly suck, CFP is pretty great--and would be even if it weren't free.

Rebell reviewed v3.0.18.309 on Feb 21, 2008

Best firewall !!!

Diam0nd reviewed v3.0.18.309 on Feb 20, 2008

Excellent firewall!

NurEinTier reviewed v3.0.18.309 on Feb 20, 2008

Comodoi; complex, good, free.
Haven't tried Fortknox, only know it's not free.

radiomaffia reviewed v3.0.17.304 on Feb 19, 2008

If you just want to allow and deny in/out going connections and not get stuck into all the options there are I suggest you to take a look at FortKnox Personal Firewall. Simple and highly protected, you are in control, not the firewall!

Diam0nd reviewed v3.0.17.304 on Feb 17, 2008

One of the best firewalls and its totally FREE! and crap-free too btw

Vimes reviewed v3.0.17.304 on Feb 15, 2008

Very good firewall, with a forum that has lots of tips and answers to many questions that you might have when using this.

However due to the incredible amount of options that seem to be available I find it quite complex to make any changes needed.

Whilst it is a world away from this firewall, and I'm using Vista, I am now trying Vista Firewall Control. That application is extremely simple to effect some control of outbound connections. Having a hardware firewall as well I feel secure enough, from a firewall point of view.

Comodo is good but it is potentially complex.

DudeBoyz reviewed v3.0.17.304 on Feb 14, 2008

It seems to work every bit as good as Zone Alarm, at least for me.

However, when the firewall is active, I can't seem to figure out how to still allow other systems on my home network to see each other.

Could be I'm missing something obvious, but could someone help me out a little with this? Thanks

Joco reviewed v3.0.17.304 on Feb 14, 2008

Any reason CFP 3.x is not supported in Windows 2003?

kiliya reviewed v3.0.17.304 on Feb 14, 2008

Really, more bells and whistles. For all levels of users this is the best firewall software period; pound for pound. Enough options for more experienced users and a simple wizard set up for the rest. Solid protection with customization for everyone. Get outa here! Updated frequently, the programmers are serious.

madmike reviewed v3.0.17.304 on Feb 14, 2008

Tis good at a great price, however not to be totally trused. Be nice to see the finished item and how that fares.. else its good, but nothing more.

some guy reviewed v3.0.17.304 on Feb 14, 2008

free works plain and simple keep up the good work :)

Sven123456789 reviewed v3.0.17.304 on Feb 14, 2008

Wish this ran on my old back up pc running windows ME.

M a t t L e e reviewed v3.0.16.295 on Feb 13, 2008

better? not many better in leak protection, and no free full fledged firewall rates higher on firewall leak tests. comodo's 2.4 version ranked 3rd on the firewall leak tests. only outpost and online armor rated higher. outpost isnt free, online armor's firewall is only a limited freeware version. both those firewalls are newest versions while comodo's isnt and still rated 3rd.

so tell me your definition of better? if your definition of better isnt best protection possible then u should just stick to windows built in firewall. not all paid is better than freeware, and im sure when comodo's 3.0 is tested it will be number 1 firewall on leak tests.

boaz reviewed v3.0.16.295 on Feb 6, 2008

This is not a bad firewall. Sure there may be better ones with more bells & whistles, but for a zero cost firewall it's not bad. Certainly better than the WinXP SP2 built-in firewall, which is a inbound only firewall. I run it under WinXP SP2, and it works fine, not sure how it works in Vista. It performed pretty good in firewall test ratings, better than a few commercial ones.

c4p0ne reviewed v3.0.16.295 on Feb 6, 2008

The only thing that makes me deathly afraid of using this application is the constant BSODs. Even on Vista. That shows you that even though the software has the potential to be in the TOP 3 protection solutions in it's class, it has some serious underlying programming issues under the hood. *Serious* issues.

If I can't MAKE this software BSOD a machine even by trying, only then will I be comfortable using it normally.

yokozuna reviewed v3.0.16.295 on Feb 5, 2008

Great firewall. Actually, I know only two decent firewalls for Windows which are worth consideration at the moment: Comodo and that firewall which is integrated in Symantec Endpoint Protection (I know, I know - it is just an updated version of Sygate...). The rest is too complicated, too buggy, consume too much RAM, or the protection against attacks is so-so only.

This version corrects a nasty bug - problems with the firewall if you use e-SATA drives. Thank you, Comodo!

Rafel reviewed v3.0.16.295 on Feb 5, 2008

Simply: THE BEST AND FOR FREE.

Joco reviewed v3.0.16.295 on Feb 5, 2008

Will there be a version for Windows Server 2003?

zapatero reviewed v3.0.16.295 on Feb 5, 2008

Difficult to use, too many alarms, still many bugs (see the forum), difficult to uninstall completely, inconvenient if several people share the computer and not all of them are Comodo experts.

Diam0nd reviewed v3.0.16.295 on Feb 5, 2008

The funny thing is that this is WAY better than pay products. And I really do mean WAY. Amazing!

It looks slick as hell. It's very user-friendly. It's felxible.

white lightning reviewed v3.0.16.295 on Feb 5, 2008

Excellent work , getting better evry release .

etmare reviewed v3.0.16.295 on Feb 5, 2008

Since Agnitum Outpost 2008 getting worse, I don't know better firewall as Comodo. Maybe is little hard to understand it in the beggining, but after couple days You'll love it. 5 stars!

pjb reviewed v3.0.16.295 on Feb 5, 2008

Very good release. Fixes a lot is small issues.
Works well for me.

marty reviewed v3.0.15.277 on Jan 22, 2008

The best firewall for Windows bar none. I paid a hundred bucks for Tiny Firewall and it choked on a Windows update it couldn't, Out a hundred but live and learn I guess.

sweathog reviewed v3.0.15.277 on Jan 21, 2008

Beware this firewall still has a known bug that looses the firewall configuration data when e-sata drives are added or removed. If you're lucky (as I was the first couple of times), the program will produce an error message and ask if you want Comodo to repair itself. But sometimes, Comodo will actually corrupt the partition table of the removable drive (as it did to me) and you will loose your data on the remoable drive.
See these Comodo forum threads:

http://forums.comodo.com/empty-t18081.0.html
http://forums.comodo.com...ery_often-t17294.0.html

Word to the wise.

gismo409 reviewed v3.0.15.277 on Jan 21, 2008

Great Firewall....I will use no other, this is the best.
Some ppl say its hard to use...but it is safe right out of the box...If you read the help files, it will teach you alot!

BTW...the screen shot of this product is wrong

poisonu reviewed v3.0.15.277 on Jan 12, 2008

I tried it & have now adopted it as the standard firewall on my Windows PCs...
And I dumped ZoneAlarm Pro & Agnitum Outpost 2008...

landfish reviewed v3.0.15.277 on Jan 11, 2008

getting better
a couple major bugs fixed in this release, one serious bug causing Windows Updates to fail in Windows Vista has been fixed [we hope]. Still a few annoying little things to get right yet, but getting there with each new release.

Diam0nd reviewed v3.0.15.277 on Jan 11, 2008

Great firewall. Amazingly flexible and looks...WOW! ;D It's free too.

lukasavage reviewed v3.0.15.277 on Jan 11, 2008

Not being a computer expert I can't get too excited about this thing, but it seems to work alright, except Pending Files is kind of a pain, but as I said, it does seem to work fine, and it is free, and it doesn't nag me like ZAFree used to.

If I could have given it a 4.59 I would have.

amweiss157 reviewed v3.0.15.277 on Jan 11, 2008

Great firewall, love the options! The user forums have a great list of custom rules to set up. Before you say it doesn't block anything, or doesn't keep your answers you aren't saving them correctly. I set it to 1 notice per program and hit remember my answer, and it does exactly that!

sparskter reviewed v3.0.14.276 on Jan 10, 2008

The best one. Users rate it low because it is "difficult" to use. Come on... analyse the PROGRAM itself, its features, its objectives and NOT only the "cosmetics" features.

Again: there is NOTHING better than this. It is very powerful LEARN IT!

Zenphic reviewed v3.0.14.276 on Dec 19, 2007

Very good software. It easily detects network adapters and with a few click you're up and ready to share your hard drives with other people on your network. The software is a bit slow to report (show a warning dialog) whenever a new software accesses the Internet, but once it shows up, simply click OK and make sure you tick the option to remember this decision. Uses about ~20 MB of ram.

Mattato1 reviewed v3.0.14.276 on Dec 18, 2007

This firewall is horrible! It has a pretty interface, but that is it. After installing, this program started giving me problems, like trying to install a program that is already installed!!! It is supposed to learn what program executables and p2p programs I use, I mark them as ok, but after a restart, it asks again if these are ok!!! This is horrible and no longer on my system!!! I would suggest Zone Alarm.

ballyhairs reviewed v3.0.14.276 on Dec 18, 2007

Tried it, small footprint, lots of options, but it never should any blocked attacks, while 2 days after installing zonealarm it counted more than 1500 blocked attacks!!!

3xist reviewed v3.0.14.276 on Dec 14, 2007

v3.14.276 fixes ALL the major bugs in the final release of Comodo Firewall Pro 3, incluing Fixing my Avast! Problem and ICS (Internet Connection Sharing) Issues. A job well done!!! I cant wait for Comodo Memory Guardian to be intergated into CFP 3, which is suppose to happen this month!

A top notch Firewall with Defense+, Well done!!!!

A happy new year & merry christmas it will be!

3xist.

etmare reviewed v3.0.14.276 on Dec 14, 2007

It's hard to say, but version 3.0.14.276 is much better than any new Outpost craps. After many PC freezes and 30s delays with installed Outpost Suite I uninstall it and try Comodo. Well, problems are going out, everything is all right since it. So, little hard to configure it, but after 2 days no nags screens, no problems. Comodo simply rules! 5/5

pdail reviewed v3.0.14.276 on Dec 13, 2007

Yes!!!!, it's back!!They had a problem, with Avast, so I let them know it. They got right back to me, and said, "a fix, was on the way". And it's here! Now it work's great!! Just cant, do any better than this. Great support, too!

reddy.shyam reviewed v3.0.14.276 on Dec 13, 2007

Moved from ZoneAlarm to this. Never looked back. v3.0.13.268 was very stable for me and now V 3.0.14.276 has even smaller footprint. I love it!

poisonu reviewed v3.0.14.273 Beta on Dec 13, 2007

Comodo Firewall Pro 3.0.14.276 released about 36 hours ago.....
..and it's got even Better....
After using ver 3.0.x since its release....,
..I have decided Not to renew any of my Agnitum Outpost Pro & ZoneAlarm Pro licences.....

philosopher_dog reviewed v3.0.14.273 Beta on Dec 11, 2007

Do yourself a huge favour and be sure to create a restore point before installing this program. In my case my xp machine hung at a blank desktop. Nice. I don't really have time to sort out why Comodo is making my machine behave like this. So, luckily, I was able to use my restore point and put everything back to where it was before this experiment. Whenever you install firewalls or virus programs always do a restore point because things can go wrong.

marty reviewed v3.0.14.273 Beta on Dec 10, 2007

I paid for Outpost but the free Comodo Firewall beats it by a mile. Use the advanced mode and see what programs are going to get you.

Ulmo reviewed v3.0.14.273 Beta on Dec 10, 2007

I like this program but V3 removed Win 2003 compatibility.
I must stay on V2. Damn !

DJHasis reviewed v3.0.14.273 Beta on Dec 10, 2007

This latest build works alot better then the previous.
The previous had problems with opening ports for example Tor and I couldn't get it to work as a relay but with this build I started Tor and checked it to be a Trusted application and thats it!
UPDATE 13.12.:
Today a newer build has been released.
3.0.14.276

christ999 reviewed v3.0.14.273 Beta on Dec 10, 2007

I don't like it. I used to use Outpost.
Now I use Kerio and i am happy.

----------

Maybe, comodo is a very good firewall, but i had many problems with its complicated GUI and to open ports.

Diam0nd reviewed v3.0.14.273 Beta on Dec 10, 2007

I think this is simply TERRIFIC, for a free product. GUI is very smooth, interface is very well-thought and overall application is very logical.

Best free firewall AND better than most pay ones.

kail reviewed v3.0.14.273 Beta on Dec 10, 2007

Be advised: If you allow 3.0.14.273 to update it will DOWNGRADE to 3.0.13.268 (the current release version).

TC17 reviewed v3.0.13.268 on Dec 4, 2007

In the past I loved this program, but this version 3.0 runs like crap on Vista 32bit. It was so bad my computer gets locked up during the boot and I have to hold the power button in 5 seconds to turn my computer off. I ended up having to boot into safe mode in order to be able to remove this program. I assume this is some Alpha version.

Yes I did install the correct Vista version off their own website.

wox reviewed v3.0.13.268 on Dec 2, 2007

The best firewall there is. Good protection and an awesome new HIPS system called "Defense+".

@K94517, Point Zero, anomoly, landfish, Blue Joker and whoever else you are-
you don't like the software because you are stupid and don't know how it works. So learn your facts, get some common sense and until then shut the f**k up.

sparskter reviewed v3.0.13.268 on Dec 1, 2007

best firewall ever! period.
it is HIGH customizable and low system resources usage! Very good! Keep the excellent job :-)

Billiondollarbaby reviewed v3.0.13.268 on Nov 29, 2007

Don't believe the hype ! this product is so full of bugs it should still be in beta stage (see Comodos own website forum) You would be better off with Online Armor Free Edition ( along with Spyware Terminator or Winpatrol if you need hips)

Diam0nd reviewed v3.0.13.268 on Nov 28, 2007

I think for a FREE firewall this is the bomb! Seriosly.

uR453jh2 reviewed v3.0.13.268 on Nov 28, 2007

Comodo Firewall 3.x was wonderful on Vista until v. 3.0.11.246 came about. It's horrible to wait up to one minute before a confirmation pop-up pops up.

What happened..?

One thing has been all along, that there hasn't been a way to export one's settings at all (yeah it is BETA, I know, but c'mon - a way to thank the testers, huh?), so it's always back to square one on each update.

So, despite the above, it started very well with Comodo Firewall 3.xx. Let's see how long it takes for it to become another Zonealarm (Zonealarm is bloated, it left all ports to Internet open in Vista, it has been verified to send encrypted data to at least two or three different unknown IP's - yeah, that can qualify as spying)

Chocobito reviewed v3.0.13.268 on Nov 27, 2007

I stick with 2.x version. Comodo Firewall 3 have several glitch that need a workaround, but I hope that in future version this was fixed.

poisonu reviewed v3.0.13.268 on Nov 26, 2007

I have been evaluating Comodo Firewall Pro 3.0.13.268 since it was released....
As a long term user of Agnitum Pro 2008 & ZoneAlarm Pro I can only say that....

Comodo 3.0.x Rocks!!....

Superb!!

Vimes reviewed v3.0.13.268 on Nov 23, 2007

I am very impressed using it on my Vista 64bit build. It is stable and has yet caused no issues. It is still in 'learning mode' as such and so I get a few windows popping up for confirmation.
Seems to be quite light on both memory and resources to run it.

Great release, thumbs up.

Death-Axe reviewed v3.0.13.268 on Nov 23, 2007

Going to change my review. Stick with version 2.xx people. This update is truly horrid. AVOID.

DODODODO reviewed v3.0.13.268 on Nov 23, 2007

COMODO PERSONALL FIREWALL 2 WAS GREAT TO USE

AS SOON AS I UPDATED TO VERSION 3, THE DUAL-CORE PC STOPPED REACTING AND A RESTORE-POINT RECOVERY HAD TO BE PERFORMED TO REVERT TO THE PREVIOUS SETTINGS

DEFINITELY A HUGE STEP BACKWARDS

Searinox reviewed v3.0.13.268 on Nov 23, 2007

The firewall is simply awesome. It does even more than ZoneAlarm plus its protection settings are so customizable. Took me a while to configure it but once I did my PC became a fortress. I think it's the program that had the biggest impact on my PC Security Test 2007 assessment, it raised my security ratings to 100%-100%-75%, and it's free. It's an amazing piece of software.

Duntuk you're right, but what can we really do? I only feel sorry for the parents who dedicated their lives to raising such a failiure.

duntuk reviewed v3.0.13.268 on Nov 22, 2007

K94517, Point Zero, anomoly, landfish, Blue Joker = the same person...

come on now... all have the same grammatical errors and writing style... bad karma is a b*... don't dog someone by cheating (i.e. posting the same negative reviews under multiple identities just to drive the rating down)

K94517 reviewed v3.0.13.268 on Nov 22, 2007

Wox, duntuk, you're the same w**ker or f**k the same 'hore? I just tell people what happened to me, what's wrong with that? If Comodo is really so good, it doesn't need idiots like you. And if you want to die for it, just do it.

anomoly reviewed v3.0.13.268 on Nov 22, 2007

Read my previous post for a proper review. The 2.4.x.184 version was stable and had a gui that was useable. This gui makes the fw unuseable, in fact it works against you and not with you.
If this is what they consider a proper "pro" (cough) release, I don't want anything to do with these lames.
Hands down agnitum has THE best fw on the market today.
I am using agnitum's '08 version with just the fw itself; no av or web content etc.
It has all the proper predefined policies you will need and it prompts you correctly, unlike comodo which couldn't find it's a** if you gave it a roadmap.
Online armor is far inferior as it uses hips and doesn't provide for a stabile connection (with or without hips running). I could gas about it's leak detection properties. How a fw acts when installed is what counts.
comodo can go fly themselves

landfish reviewed v3.0.13.268 on Nov 22, 2007

Comodo has a habit of this, releasing software before it's ready for the general public and they've continued the trend with their firewall. The same happened when they bought Boclean, a version was released that was supposed to be compatible with Vista, it wasn't and caused lots of problems.
It may help them to have an army of involuntary beta/alpha testers but it certainly doesn't help the user, and in fact being security software there is a very good chance it's going to cause problems.
This is very irresponsible of Comodo.

@duntuk .. not sure if your paranoid or just a complete fool, probably both going by your rave. Why don't you go and have a look at the official Comodo forum,here's the address for you http://forums.comodo.com/help_for_v3-b105.0/
where you will see bug after bug mentioned. Of course it could just be me making posts under hundreds of names. To give this 5 stars shows you know very little about computer security and how to run tests on it. I understand loyalty, and indeed it's a noble thing to have, but I also understand reality and the reality is that at this stage CFW should still be listed as beta software for the obvious reason it's still full of bugs and causing many problems some big others small. When they get it right it will be a good firewall, but that's not yet. You talk of people posting to get the score down, well maybe the opposite is true, take for example the idiot that posted after you "@ DODODODO" after telling us what went horribly wrong finishes with this line "DEFINITELY A HUGE STEP BACKWARDS" and then gives it 5 stars. But hang on, by your logic, you, him, and the other 5 starers must all be the same person.
Sad very sad.

Blue Joker reviewed v3.0.13.268 on Nov 22, 2007

Your ignorance is equal to your grammar ,
I guess you are an american too...
Idiot

Papa Lazarou reviewed v3.0.13.268 on Nov 22, 2007

Anomaly - The very fact that Comodo and Online Armor ,among others uses HIPS to me at least is a plus point , surely it saves on installing progs like Prevx or Threatfire or am I missing something here ?

Tao2005 reviewed v3.0.13.268 on Nov 22, 2007

@sweathog, I think your blowing steam. I use avast, and had no problems. CFP is a dam good firewall, and there are no complaints from me. I'll wait to download a better version. Still I agree with you, about the complications. Normally it's the same with AV's and AS's. Let this version rest, and wait for a major upgrade. Bugs aren't worth it, especially when they deal with your computer's safety. I wouldn't buy in to a false pretense. Would you?

sweathog reviewed v3.0.13.268 on Nov 21, 2007

@doctorsmith, You make a valid point. This probably still should be titled BETA software. But in Comodo's defense, most of the bug compaints involve conflicts with other anti-virus (avast! in particular) or anti-spyware software--a problem most other firewalls have as well. In any event, Comodo's still heads and shoulders above my previous firewall, Agnitum Outpost, which I have jettisoned from my network.

doctorsmith reviewed v3.0.13.268 on Nov 21, 2007

this should still be called beta software as it still has lots of bugs, as a quick look at Comodo's bug report page will show.
http://forums.comodo.com/bug_reports-b106.0/

hari_the_barbarian reviewed v3.0.12.266 on Nov 21, 2007

3.0.13.268 has been released.
Vey good free firewall, but,just a heads up, if you are running this along with AVAST! Home Edition on Vista X32 or x64,expect your system to take about 5 minutes to boot up. (http://forums.comodo.com...v3012_x32-t14876.0.html)
Comodo and Avast never really liked each other from back in the day.

bili_39 reviewed v3.0.12.266 on Nov 21, 2007

I was a little sceptic about how will it work with Vista, but it works great.
Like with every good firewall, there is a ittle work in the begining.
Great firewall. It's even better than 2.4.

JSTUA reviewed v3.0.12.266 on Nov 21, 2007

I have found the interface on this application extraordinarily simple, setting the application to my own personal wants was likewise the same.
After some problems with the Beta's(to be expected) I am more than happy to continue my use of this very handy application.
Thank you very much for providing this for free.
Regards, JSTUA.

duntuk reviewed v3.0.12.266 on Nov 21, 2007

get 64bit version here:
http://www.personalfirew.../download_firewall.html

Zygi reviewed v3.0.12.266 on Nov 21, 2007

Sorry people but it looks like you don't know how to set it up... First you need to change one of policies for example trusted both in firewall and defense sections, then just setup safe programs as trusted, its natural at beginning you'll get lot of popups, thats compromise between security and usability - CFP3 is safe, free and fast (at least on XP, thats where i've tested it from early alpha state) but need some setting up on beginning.

bobad reviewed v3.0.12.266 on Nov 21, 2007

Effective, but way too tedious and complicated. CFP ventures into the realm of AV, AS, and AT detection, where a firewall should never go.

When a user wants to block an incoming or outgoing event, it should be very straightforward and intuitive to do so. When a user wants to allow all incoming or outgoing events from trusted programs, It should be very simple to do so. When the user allows all activity from a trusted program, the firewall should obey and shut up forever. CFP does not shut up, ever. The average person has a low tolerance for such tedium. For that reason, CFP will never be accepted outside of a small circle of computer geeks that have far more patience than me.

Klusternisse reviewed v3.0.12.266 on Nov 21, 2007

nice program

http://static.pici.se/pictures/ccVOeqkRW.png

Busthead reviewed v3.0.12.266 on Nov 21, 2007

Loved and still use 2.4 on XP. Installed this version on Vista; brought system to a near halt. Uninstalled Comodo Pro 3 and system is snappy again. In Comodo's defense, I have yet to find a firewall for Vista that functions properly without slow down issues other than the built in Windows FW (not granular enough).

pjb reviewed v3.0.12.266 on Nov 21, 2007

The firewall can be tweaked to do quite a lot of things, however in general it can be quite confusing.

Agreed that the GUI with all the tabs takes you somewhere and then a message you need to go somewhere else is not fully thought through.

There are predefined rules for Web and Email etc, the only times most users see these would be when an application prompts for access to the net, you get a dialogue box with options what do to.

It is rather annoying when trying to install software, end up having to close the firewall for the install to go through, whilst this can be good to stop something installing it's self, not good when user initiated. Would have been nice to have 1 Dialogue box and then it allowing that activity for say 5 mins.

Overall can be a excellent firewall in the hands of serious users, I think for the home user it can be very confusing.

anomoly reviewed v3.0.12.266 on Nov 20, 2007

This fw SUCKS. In 'Basic' fw install mode it simply allows everything to access the internet.
MAY AS WELL USE NO FW AT ALL. Seriously, what is the point of a software to learn what you do and then send this information back to it's creators. Real security there-lol
It defaults to sending usage info back to comodo if it's not 'on their list'.
In the advanced mode it will block EVERY SINGLE MOVE you make, until you 'allow' it.
The gui is confusing and full of useless tabs and nonsense settings that are not simple or clear at all.
If you try to do something it says you can't, you need to go to another of it's myriad of setting windows to do so. And the tab it refers to is a sub setting and therefore hard to find.
There is no predefined policy for a web browser or email client? LAME
Biggest pile of s***E ever.
F*** comodo and their free POS fw.
The word is 'learned' ass****s. NOT learnt (lames).
The only thing this fw and it's creators need to learnt is how to pull their collective heads out of their one a**.
Simply put, advanced mode is for idiots and basic should be the do not install option.

zapatero reviewed v3.0.12.266 on Nov 20, 2007

It blocked my e-mail client (Foxmail), I tried to unblock it but nothing worked. Going back to 2.4.

Dwarden reviewed v3.0.12.266 on Nov 20, 2007

very promising and that semi heuristic defender+ ...

gnovak1 reviewed v3.0.12.266 on Nov 20, 2007

Comodo Personal Firewall is one of the best firewalls on the market.
I won't described it why,but anyone who understands the security apps just a little bit,knows why.
To mystenes:
And now 'cause there's no polish version it's a garbage?
The way you rate the product is primitive and stupid!
Bytheway,I'm Slovenian and I don't rate the product the way you do just because it's not in my language.
But you speak English,don't you?

Mystenes reviewed v3.0.12.266 on Nov 20, 2007

where is promised polish version?

xanderzone365 reviewed v3.0.11.246 RC1 on Nov 14, 2007

BEST FIREWALL EVER

Excellent rating in Mautosec's Leak Tests

user882333 reviewed v3.0.11.246 RC1 on Nov 13, 2007

paid or free this is the best fire wall ive ever used
i feel the free ver is better than zone alarm paid version

micrsoft did updates to my computer when zone alarm was locked down and thats when i learned i needed a new fire wall, been useing comodo free ever sence.
if i had to pay for any firewall it would comodo

uberfly reviewed v3.0.11.246 RC1 on Nov 8, 2007

All I use is the application Monitor to detect outbound attempts - everything else is turned off.

Having a hardware firewall, this is all I want out of a software firewall. Works perfectly. Defining rulesets is very good and very flexible. Love this software (after getting tired of the bloat of Zone Alarm it's a breath of fresh air).

anomoly reviewed v3.0.11.246 RC1 on Nov 8, 2007

Install in BASIC MODE in order for it to disable monitoring of every move you make. Install in advanced mode & you'll wish you hadn't unless you made the damn thing.
It did not ask about IE's access which is slightly irritating as I want to monitor EVERY web access. As well I do not see it in the list of aps I have allowed or disallowed. This tells me it is going to silently allow stuff access without my knowledge? wtf!? I had to add it and set it as a browser. wtf!?
Maybe they should have 3 install modes. advanced, basic, and stupid. It is MY decision what goes in and out; not the fw's.
The tray popup does not have all predefined ruleset options & it needs to.
Almost perfectly easy to use
I can't believe it is so hard to get a good free fw which simply monitors network activity and nothing else. Agnitum has better feedback from it's gui but has never been free (don't even mention the free vers)
Kudos to the developers for having gotten this far.

Mystenes reviewed v3.0.11.246 RC1 on Nov 8, 2007

this is the best firewall i have ever used!

Parridox reviewed v3.0.10.238 Beta on Nov 2, 2007

I have used the firewall,but you can get more things from Comodo...like spyware software or anti-virus.I found that if you installed 2 or 3 of these free programs,then they take over.The firewall is rated as one of the 2 best firewalls out there for free.Be ware of things if you install many of the different products that you don't make a zombie machine from installing too much from one company.. firewall i give it 5 out of 5....excellent firewall.Good sypware killer is ( www.superantispyware.com ) kill problems.

Ulmo reviewed v3.0.10.238 Beta on Oct 29, 2007

It's light, effective and not very complicated.
AutoUpdate, many languages, works on Win 2003.
In association with Nod32, you have a secure system without CPU and RAM problem.
Best of all : free.
Tip Top

bobad reviewed v3.0.10.238 Beta on Oct 29, 2007

CFP works great and is very effective, but has serious usability issues. A few patient techno-geeks will be able to tolerate this program, but it will never be popular among average users. It's simply too "busy" and tedious, and I think the average person will soon tire of babysitting it. Other PFW's have a very easy learning mode, so it's not impossible to have it both ways. (See the Freeware version of Ashampoo Personal Firewall).

godzila reviewed v3.0.10.238 Beta on Oct 29, 2007

por its freeware home its shareware how?

Nikkie reviewed v3.0.9.229 Beta on Oct 13, 2007

Ok, So all of the firewalls provide layers and i guess i need this..I was using zonealarm and i truely did love it but the program makes a new laptop run slower than it should.Comodo is great.I am just as comfy with it as i was with zonealarm.

To anyone who is using the beta as a stable release, go to the site and grab version 2.4.Fileforum is for beta testing.Most programs will be ''beta'' :) and unstable.

Stable releases are normally at the products site.

Btw, You guys shouldn't be worried about protection, Comodo is a great firewall.I have tested and messed with loads of firewalls and virus scanners.So far I love nod32 for virus protection and comodo for a firewall.I also use superantispyware.

Comodo is really worth it and i thank this company for making it free.The program is fantastic.

p.s to the person below, you have to be nagged cause it is showing you each connection for that specific program.It is just far more detailed than zonealarm was.After learning mode, you have to learn the program.It isn't too hard, in time you will and wonder why it was at all confusing.It is all right there in front of you.All firewalls must be learned to a certian degree to be configured.To tell you the truth, this is the easiest so far.The other firewalls make you do much more..There is one that does less than comodo but is really simple ''Dynamic Security Agent''..Even with that, people are running into issues when it comes time to configure a specific program..also, dsa is lacking in features that comodo provides..

bobad reviewed v3.0.9.229 Beta on Oct 1, 2007

Comodo PFW is a very effective firewall. It does everything you could ever need. I do have some major criticisms though. The learning mode is lame. When it hits on a new application, you have to dismiss up to a half dozen more screens to make it stop nagging. When choosing "Trusted Application", it should quit nagging immediately, but keeps on and on. I may be thinking wrong, but a trusted application should be trusted in every way, period. Once it's through most of the training pains, I find it to be way too hard to configure. The menus are horribly complex, and the terminology is hard to figure out. There is a large learning curve even for experts. Sometimes more is less. 1 point off for the lame learning mode, and 1 point off for unnecessary confusion and complexity.

tewa reviewed v3.0.9.229 Beta on Sep 29, 2007

update:

after few hours of playing i decided to uninstall the software. what bad decision did i make. it seemed to be uninstalled, but it bring along with some other vital system file, in the end, i could only boot into safe mode, i tried xp repair and it did not fix the problem, in the end i had to wipe out my system and reinstall everything.

2 - 3 = -1 star

----------------
just installed on a xp machine, the interface is very clean and provides a lot more helpful informtion than zonealarm,

but,

whenever there is a internet connection, ftp, http download, loading a web site (weather.com), the CFP (comodo firewall pro) jumps to about 95% of cpu (monitored by the process explorer).

2 star for the helpful information

grinch89 reviewed v3.0.9.229 Beta on Sep 29, 2007

Used this firewall through several upgrades and was very satisfied,until recently when it started to behave rather strangely,would lock up,got error on checking for updates,and websites and programs were inaccessible,not all only a few.Suspicious to say the least,various scans found nothing,uninstalled Comodo and replaced it with Filescab firewall,no more problems.Unfortunate as I liked Comodo.

FailedCRC reviewed v3.0.9.229 Beta on Sep 29, 2007

Excellent firewall, however CPU usage is unacceptably high.

marrix reviewed v3.0.9.229 Beta on Sep 29, 2007

Been using this on an XP maachine for several weeks, and am delighted with it.
BTW, AlphaRoman, thanks for the heads up re Vista will install it on my Vista mule machine tonight.

anomoly reviewed v3.0.9.229 Beta on Sep 28, 2007

I am now connectable with this version. I simply selected it as a trusted running process.
xp sp2 pro on TW cable via cat5
Be nice if the beta's could down the latest versions, i.e update correctly
great fw, very polished gui and icons compared to previous versions.
Only problem is even if I tell it to only monitor dns client service and NOTHING else it still has a very high cpu activity.
I only want my fw to monitor processes which want access to the outside. I DO NOT want my fw to monitor every file, folder, & exe on my f****ng hd. -STUPID
Above poster mentioned FILSECLAB. Last version was from '06 but it's free and I am connectable and most importantly it isn't jacking with my cpu. whew

AlphaRoman reviewed v3.0.9.229 Beta on Sep 28, 2007

Great Firewall you can see Comodo take good care of security. By the way Betanews this (Beta of)Comodo is Vista ready

boaz reviewed v3.0.9.229 Beta on Sep 28, 2007

This is a nice firewall from Comodo. This is a beta version folks, so there are naturally bugs. They have a stable v2.x also.

robmanic44 reviewed v3.0.8.214 Beta on Sep 27, 2007

Definitely not for new users or the faint of heart. It's a very good firewall, but be prepared for a learning curve.

alnjk reviewed v3.0.8.214 Beta on Sep 21, 2007

Was impressed overall. However I did try it six different times! My major issue was on shutdown. The firewall would almost freeze the pc whereas it required cold shutdowns on numerous occasions. On my final try after shutdown my pc would just go into an endless loop and never boot up until I uninstalled Comodo in safe mode. Also noticed that the firewall didn't pass the stealth test because it did respond to pings. When I did manage to get it to run it ran smoothly using approximately 33-35k of ram. Additionally I threw just about every kind of test I could come up with and it passed with flying colors! Naturally Comodo did point out the fact that there where bugs so I basically have no fault with them. If they clear out the bugs I encountered I would then say that it is the best firewall I have ever used.

softapo7 reviewed v3.0.8.214 Beta on Sep 15, 2007

Works beautifully on Vista, remembers the programs one allows (unlike the alpha version, works seamlessly and flawlessly. Bravo Comodo. Top marks.

Dodo@Baden reviewed v3.0.8.214 Beta on Sep 7, 2007

i have three browsers, firefox, netscape 9 and Internet Explorer.
i allowed all 3.
only netscape worked then.
i deleted it. sry, but this cannot be good. i allow something and its blocked....
the antivirus is much beter from comodo.
i give a three, because some options were nice, i.e. allowing easy ip addresses, portforwarding was easy...

Sven123456789 reviewed v3.0.8.214 Beta on Sep 4, 2007

Bought a second crappy pc just for minor things and i have just dial up on there with some free anti virus software. Figures, this Comodo requires sp2 for it to work and theres no way i'm going to clog the line with a 8 hour download to upgrade to xp sp2. Didn't have this prob with Ad-aware, spybot or AVG. Also figures that on my old version of home xp, theres no windows firewall like in sp2. And i see the latest zone alarm is for vista only. Wish i would of saved the older version of that. So they got u by the balz either way these companies.

anomoly reviewed v3.0.8.214 Beta on Aug 25, 2007

Finally updated on 9-22-07 and had to as cpu use was way put of hand.
Like the new interface totally.
Tray icon is awesome
Very powerful. I hope there is a cure.

DoHickey reviewed v3.0.8.214 Beta on Aug 24, 2007

The look of the application isn't bad, but the function of it was real slow. I don't like it, I even tried the older version after trying the Beta & both slow my machine down to a crawl & I have cable internet & my computer isn't out dated. But I gave it a 3 anyway for the effort.

war593122 reviewed v3.0.8.214 Beta on Aug 24, 2007

3.0 is a bit too buggy for my taste...

running old version for now

• FIXED! CFP forgets the settings/rules/predefined policies after a system restart
• FIXED! Invalid filtering behaviors caused by My Blocked Network Zones
• FIXED! CFP.exe crashes while working with network/computer policies
• FIXED! IP addresses are shown reversed byte order
• FIXED! CFP.exe crashes while using P2P applications like Shareza, Bitcomet etc.
• FIXED! File submission utility crashes under certain cases
• FIXED! File scanner utility crashes under certain cases
• FIXED! Numerous bugs reported in the forums
• ADDED! Updater functionality to BETA releases

Tenoq reviewed v3.0.8.214 Beta on Aug 23, 2007

Not bad, but still a bit bloated? Any chance the final release will be a little more streamlined? Probably not, but we can only hope.

Think I'll go back to Kerio PF. :/

Jhjm32087 reviewed v3.0.8.214 Beta on Aug 23, 2007

Comodo Firewall is 3.0 is in beta, which means its has bugs and not feature complete. Comodo Firewall is one of the best in the market.

Point Zero reviewed v3.0.8.214 Beta on Aug 23, 2007

I really don't understand all this Comodo-hype, It looks ugly and buggy, and it is buggy, extremely buggy ever since its existence, and keeps forgetting things over and over again. Sure it scores high on those lousy leaktest ""tests"" .... They better test all those praised buggy firewall if they are able to run 14 days without going BSOD or trashing new program installs.... I wonder how much of those so called Godly firewalls would still be in the list...

Tarun. reviewed v3.0.8.214 Beta on Aug 23, 2007

This software is truly one of the best freeware firewalls.

Definitely ignore all the people giving this a low rating, because apparently they don't realize that ALPHA, BETA and RC/RELEASE CANDIDATE tags mean the software is not FINAL and will have bugs and other issues.

dhry reviewed v3.0.7.208 Beta on Aug 16, 2007

You BET "it has bugs in it"! This version is absolute rubbish. It doesn't remember settings even if you check "remember my answer". Every time I boot the machine I installed this on, it keeps asking the same questions - a MILLION questions, actually - about should I let this access DNS, should it control the keyboard, should it control the screen.. jesus christ. Stick with the previous version or else just forget it and use Outpost Firewall instead. The latter runs rings around this.

SamppaX reviewed v3.0.7.208 Beta on Aug 16, 2007

Comodo is goog but They should fix alot more bugs... I would call this a "alpha" version. But let's hope they fix those bugs soon. =)

anomoly reviewed v3.0.7.208 Beta on Aug 11, 2007

v2.4.18.184 works. This does not. No configuration dialog whatsoever on my pc. It's like booting so u can see an icon in the tray.

doctorsmith reviewed v3.0.7.208 Beta on Aug 10, 2007

beware!! more bugs than an entomologists convention at this stage

@ Ragle Gumm
instead of attacking me for stating the obvious about bugs in this BETA software, as even stated above in the Betanews blurb, you might take the time to go to the Comodo forums where you will find a couple of links to pages to report bugs where there are many, you'll also find a post by Melih,who runs Comodo, stating that there are bugs and suggesting people should only download this to try out on test machines. I have no doubt that by the time the final is released it will be a fine product, as are most of Comodo's offerings, but at the moment it is pretty buggy.
And yes the entomologist bit was a small attempt at some humour, sad as it is.
Don't get me wrong I'm a Comodo fan too but I don't think being a fan should stop one from being critical, believe me when it cuts the mustard I'll be giving it 5 stars ..... but not yet I'm afraid.

I've given it another star just for you ;-)

Ragle Gumm reviewed v3.0.7.208 Beta on Aug 10, 2007

@docsmith

Which bugs? It´s easy to claim that there are bugs, but which did *you* find? Or did you just try to be funny?

Point Zero reviewed v3.0.7.208 Beta on Aug 10, 2007

A complete bugfest, the current version can't even remember an IP-adress after a reboot, loses all rules after a reboot.

Using no firewall at all you have the same 'protection' and at least a stable & fast system.

Sammo reviewed v3.0.2.5 Alpha on Jun 30, 2007

Quite good for an alpha. Sometimes forgets the rules, but I really like the small footprint and the HIPS. Can't wait for the final release. There are XP and Vista versions:

Vista 64 bit ONLY Download:
http://download.comodo.c...2.5_Alpha_Vista_x64.exe

XP and Vista 32 Bit ONLY Download:
http://download.comodo.c..._Alpha_XP_Vista_x32.exe

coover reviewed v3.0.2.5 Alpha on Jun 29, 2007

Still no version for Vista? It would seem that the software authors have had plenty of time to prepare a Vista version. Yes, the number of Vista machines is still low, but everytime somebody replaces an old computer or buys a new one, another Vista machine is added. I've recently had to replace two computers (out of 4) in my home, and now half my computers are Vista (the other two are Ubuntu).

kail reviewed v3.0.2.5 Alpha on Jun 29, 2007

DJHasis:

All you need to do is to find and delete some left over registry/files/directories that the Alpha install is sensitive about (because its an Alpha). However, since you didn't do that of own your initiative & were stopped by it, then you should probably not be running an Alpha test. Alpha versions can cause catastrophic damage & you need to know what you're doing to recover. Comodo's Alphas are very stable (for an Alphas). Comodo recommend the Alpha for Test Systems only (ie. not your live/only system). The eventual Beta will probably be better for you.

Comodo's support forums are also worth a look. Very helpful. Can't post a URL for it because I'm a Mod there.. and that would be spamming. ;) There is probably a URL for the forums on this BetaNews page anyway.

PS BetaNews says CFP 3.0.2.5 Alpha runs on Windows 2000/XP, which it doesn't. CFP 3.0.2.5 Alpha has only been released for XP 32bit, Vista 32bit & Vista 64bit ONLY. XP 64bit to come & W2k is no longer supported in CFP 3+.

bobad reviewed v3.0.2.5 Alpha on Jun 29, 2007

Very good firewall. Very effective. A point off because the learning mode does not work that great. Even though I select to give certain apps full access, it keeps hitting on them. I have to manually put them in an ignore list. What a pain! But overall, it's a great program.

DJHasis reviewed v3.0.2.5 Alpha on Jun 29, 2007

I give this a low rating cos I can't get the previous version to uninstal and the newest version can't replace the last information that the uninstallation left.

yleclerc reviewed v3.0.2.5 Alpha on Jun 29, 2007

I hope this new version has better integration into Windows XP Security Center. I had a huge problem with version 2 where to only solution was to "zap" the WMI repository folder. Caused wide scale problems with anit-virus and Windows Update. I ended up removing it

Latz ! reviewed v3.0.2.5 Alpha on Jun 29, 2007

Seems to work well enough, too bad the name sounds like another name for a toilet.

siryak reviewed v3 Alpha 1.0.0.0 on Jun 9, 2007

So far it seems pretty good for an Alpha. My only gripe is they may need to have a little better auto allow system so that it doesn't ask about everything. Although this is still not really a problem because once you get it set up it's fine.

shemeta reviewed v3 Alpha 1.0.0.0 on Jun 8, 2007

it's great for an ALPHA.

DJHasis reviewed v3 Alpha 1.0.0.0 on Jun 8, 2007

Not bad compared to the latest stable version altough this version keeps asking almost anything like can explorer start Notepad or can notepad use keyboard for writing. That's veeeery irritating.

BrB reviewed v3 Alpha 1.0.0.0 on Jun 8, 2007

I like this program. Maybe it is not fit for some powerusers (?!) but it is still a good program for a lot of others. Maybe a littlebit too talkative for my taste.

kail reviewed v3 Alpha 1.0.0.0 on Jun 7, 2007

I agree, for an Alpha CFP 3 is very good.

Ports? You can specify a single port, a range of ports or a group of ports.. which you can define. I don't see any problem with the defining of ports. The groups are a nice touch. Did you review the correct version?

High rating to null the low ones.

Jegar48 reviewed v3 Alpha 1.0.0.0 on Jun 7, 2007

This is not a fair evaluation system. BetaNews should differentiate between Alpha/Beta software and "Final Releases" and have a method for rating the alpha/betas separately from the last stable release. Because these versions are still in development, giving them a bad review (which is highly probable given they are unstable by definition) should not reflect on the last stable release of that product. Giving this a 5 to counteract any bad ratings given.

robmanic44 reviewed v3 Alpha 1.0.0.0 on Jun 7, 2007

Working just fine so far. I'd like to know what the hell being a power user has to do with a firewall.

bigmama reviewed v3 Alpha 1.0.0.0 on Jun 7, 2007

i cannot configure it
if it is so difficult to handle ports then...
i don't like gui too
outpost firewall pro still the best for me

h377r1d3r reviewed v2.4.18.184 on Jun 4, 2007

poor for power user :/

Prospero424 reviewed v2.4.18.184 on Jun 4, 2007

This is probably the most secure freeware software firewall for Windows out there, but it does have a major problem with proper rule creation for individual applications.

For example, in order to allow incoming eMule or Bittorrent connections vital to proper operation, simply telling Comodo to allow all activities for the clients doesn't work. You have to create custom global rules opening the corresponding listening port(s) for each client. That's just messy.

Comodo, in addition to making it more difficult than it has to be to allow network apps that require incoming connections to operate properly, basically makes it impossible to use random ports for P2P networks.

All of the other modern Windows firewalls I've tried don't have this problem: Agnitum Outpost, ZoneAlarm, Kerio, Jetico, etc.

But it is free, and the security it offers is second to none when configured properly. If they fix the issue I outlined above, I'd have no hesitation in giving it the highest rating possible.

hunterb reviewed v2.4.18.184 on May 15, 2007

Very effective in blocking i/o and asking permission for new apps. Better than many free/commercial products. Things that it could do better at:
-I had to turn off the OLE checking as it kept asking permission to allow it. Despite answering OK many (100s of) times.
-Logs are not filterable/sortable
-Can not see app level activity - to see what is talking when it shouldn't.
-About once a day for a few minutes it would consume 95% CPU.
-Seemed to degrade my PC performance more than other firewalls

garland897 reviewed v2.4.18.184 on May 14, 2007

This is an excelant peice of software. I havn't gotten a virus since I've downloaded it.

robmanic44 reviewed v2.4.18.184 on May 7, 2007

I originally downloaded this from a German site and I think it's outstanding. Instructions are clear and precise. Try it, you'll like it.

wincement reviewed v2.4.18.184 on Apr 16, 2007

@peanutsncheese:

Don't rate a product poorly just because you can't follow directions.

1. CFP is not listed as compatible with Vista.

2. Vista clearly states before using XP compatibility mode that it is NOT recommended for security software.

...and you're surprised that something didn't work?

This firewall is absolutely outstanding. I've been a diehard Kerio user for years, but this one got me to switch. Also check out this website:

http://www.matousec.com/.../leak-tests-results.php

It gives a comprehensive list of personal firewalls and how well they stand up to various leak tests.

Comodo scored the highest in all of their tests.

For all those looking for a good, Vista-compatible firewall, check out Jetico Personal Firewall. That one scored second highest on the list I linked above. ;-)

M a t t L e e reviewed v2.4.18.184 on Apr 10, 2007

best firewall period.

its the most customizable and secure firewall out there and its free. i guess winning awards ((ala pc mag)) and rated tops among firewall leak testers. yet for some reason thats not enough for some. guess for those ppl comodo should charge 50 for it then theyll give it high reviews =P

only cons are the fact it has some compatibility issues with other apps which all do and in some cases if the compatibility i bad it will keep u from going online, but once u uninstall it u can get back online anyways.

peanutsncheese reviewed v2.4.18.184 on Mar 28, 2007

Well I tried it w/Vista. XP SP2 mode for install, 'as administrator' as well.

It installed.

It ran.

It would NOT let me change ANY settings! Couldn't do a thing with it!

Had to uninstall the whole thing.

..Oh, and it didn't disable my Vista firewall..

Does ANY software firewall work w/Vista?

Have to disable IPV6?

Who knows.

siryak reviewed v2.4.18.184 on Feb 15, 2007

Best firewall out there hands down. Now if they would just hurry up and get that Vista version out!!! I was going to give it a 4 for this, but decided to give it a 5 to make up for all of the reviews that "claim" it is bloat ware when it is not and also it does not and never has crashed my computer. I also don't get the repeated approval request either.

DakotaSunRunner reviewed v2.4.18.184 on Feb 15, 2007

The first time I tried this firewall, it would not allow me to connect to the internet no matter what I did. It also did not start properly among other little things to drive you nuts. But I went to their forums on this most recent build and read up and it and what the makers had to say. Remove all traces of other firewalls you may have had including getting them out of your registry. That took very little time to do that.

So I installed this new software and today it upgraded to the latest build all by itself and I have had no problems with it at all. It works fine and does a good job. I see people have complained that they had to approve over and over again software to gain access to the internet, that must be fixed now as that is not what I have had to do. The little irritations that this software (some were not so little) are gone, well at least for me, as I followed instructions on it from their forums. I also have NOT noticed it breaking windows security center or anti virus settings or anything else.

I rate this a 5 now, as it works excellently and I like it. No matter what you use, it makes little difference, as nothing is perfect and nothing is 100% accurate. Mistakes happen, with software and those who install software, that is human nature, not much we can do about that. Most people will have no problems with this software if they follow instructions which are mostly given to you at install time. Those who do have problems go to their forums and ask about it. But for me, this works well and is a fine piece of software, does the job, did not break anything was easy to install.

anomoly reviewed v2.4.18.184 on Feb 15, 2007

last time I tried this it immediately crashed on reboot. don't waste my time.
before that it could never figure out how to run properly and I had to manually start it at every boot and then it wouldn't let me connect to the network.
NO fw is better than this.

Update to the latest version (2/17/07)
boots fine but continually asks if my AV (antivir) is allowed access-LAME. Impossible for it to configure utorrent connectibility properly and therefore some sites won't let me connect at all.
MAYBE NEXT YEAR maybe
agnitum recognizes utorrent automatically and all you have to do is give it a nod. same with any other ap that asks for access

RedBoar reviewed v2.4.18.184 on Feb 15, 2007

Great firewall for most purposes, setting it on custom access means you don't have to put a thousand manual customizations, I'd rather check a box and click OK than do nerdy configurations all day. Much better than Zonealarm 7.0 which is the true bloatware.

Point Zero reviewed v2.4.18.184 on Feb 15, 2007

Comodo is comparable with Outpost. Butt-ugly, heavy on resources, buggy, extremely clumsy to configure properly, always in the mood to thow you a nice BSOD.

That's why people alternate between using the perfect Firewall (Kerio 2.1.5) and a crap one (Comodo/Outpost), they are always interested to test the crap one because it gives them something to do, but they always go back to the stable, lightweight, perfectly configurable one, Kerio 2.1.5

yleclerc reviewed v2.4.18.184 on Feb 15, 2007

Used this firewall for a while. Has a lot of features but "breaks" Windows Security Center. Their own recommended solution is to erase the Repository folder of WMI. This then breaks most anti-virus settings and Windows auto-update configuration. Reomved it and reverted back to ZA. Until they create a better "fix" for the firewall setting in Windows Security Center, I will rate it low.

henris reviewed v2.4.17.183 on Feb 15, 2007

Lammas...

Jim reviewed v2.4.17.183 on Feb 14, 2007

I've been using this program for a while, and I finally had to write a review because the rating of this is way to high and needs to be brought down. It may well be the best firewall if you want to have to authorize a program for access every single time you execute it, I would *not* recommend it for anyone who doesn't want to click "I agree" more then 500 times a day.

I personally recommend Outpost, which I'll probably be switching back to soon. It can do the traditional ask once the first time you run each program or better yet just select allow most and then block them as you see things you don't want accessing the network. It'll even tell you when a program has been modified since its last run.

If anyone knows of a better, non-bloated firewall go ahead and name it and I'll give it a try, but as for Comodo it has serious usability issues.

anomoly reviewed v2.4.17.183 on Feb 9, 2007

installed with default config and upon reboot it crashed. POS. no problem uninstalling. windows firewall has this pile of s*** beat to hell

bobad reviewed v2.4.17.183 on Feb 7, 2007

Comodo is very effective, but it has some serious usability issues for the casual home user. Most home users have many internet programs, and training Comodo to use all of them can be exasperating. I have approved Maxthon, Forte Agent, and other programs a dozen times, and it still asks for incoming and outgoing permissions. That's inexcusable, because these issuse have been reported to the author. He has had plenty of time to resolve these problems. And why is is so hard to stop monitoring your own home network? Yes, it has good security, but it will drive a casual hime user nuts. Better choices among free firewalls are Ashampoo or Jetico, the former being my favorite at the moment. 1 click in Ashampoo is all you need to trust your home network.

SuzzyWoozy reviewed v2.4.17.183 on Feb 7, 2007

I have to disagree with you @sophist_dreams: loosing of setting was only for beta stage of this program, the final auto-upgrades fine like was the case on my laptop this morning.

As for the issues patheticc***roach complains about, these are not present on any of the systems I've installed on - agree though that software should be rated according to the way it runs on evaluator’s computer).
In case is not too late for trying this, Firefox can be fully allowed to connect to internet simply by checking "Skip parent check", "Allow all activities for this application", "Allow invisible connection attempts" and "Skip Advanced security checks" from Application Control rule (ofc, if you consider Firefox trustworthy enough. as is the fashion today in the "who's the best browser” war).

A hardware issue may be also the problem, so you one may switch to other alternatives, like was previously posted by mengo:

http://www.matousec.com/...s.php#firewalls-ratings

patheticcockroach reviewed v2.4.17.183 on Feb 7, 2007

Anyone rating this software more than 1/5 obviously didn't try to uninstall it. This firewall is not bad, in fact I think it's currenlty the one that filter traffic the best, but for me it was just giving too many false alters, and after a few weeks of use it still hadn't learnt to always let Firefox connect to internet.
So I uninstalled it, and I can say now : DO NOT install this program unless you're 100% sure you want to keep it, it takes your computer hostage. The uninstallation process seems to go fine, I can reinstall my older firewall after *but* programs like Azureus and Xfire keep crashing after Comodo's uninstallation. If I reinstall Comodo, no more crashes. My computer has been taken hostage !! Oh, and if I do a new Windows install with everything the same except no Comodo ever, everything works fine. And also if I reinstall Comodo everything works fine again...

siryak reviewed v2.4.17.183 on Feb 6, 2007

Seems to be a quality product.

BlackDragon64 reviewed v2.4.17.183 on Feb 6, 2007

sophist_dreams:
I had NO problem with the update, and it kept ALL of my learned settings as well.
As to the reboot, all I can so all things considered, oh well.
I could care less if it needs to reboot the system, it is after all an EXCELLENT FW.
Far better than the others I have tried (Kerio, ZAP, R-Firewall, Jetico, hell even better in my opinion than even Outpost.).
I would highly recommend this FW to anyone.
Add to the fact of it being and excellent FW the fact that is is FREE only SWEETENS the ddeal.

lobotiger reviewed v2.4.16.174 on Feb 5, 2007

I've tried using it a couple of times but I'm still not able to get it to work on my laptop each time I have to VPN into work as it will blue screen my computer after logging in. I thought it was a problem with the betas but not that it's officially out I thought it would have been resolved. Looks really good but still waiting to try it out fully.

Zebbie79 reviewed v2.4.16.174 on Jan 27, 2007

I have tried a lot of firewalls (Kerio, Outpost, ZoneAlarm) and this is the best of them.

1. Comodo (best!)
2. Outpost (also good)
3. ZoneAlarm (works ok, but some annoying bugs)
4. Kerio (had a lot of problems with it)

romualdrichard reviewed v2.4.16.174 on Jan 22, 2007

Excellent, almost 5 but....

No upgrade if you are downloading 2.4 and have 2.3.
The 2.3 is uninstalled and all your setting are lost!! Strangely, when you are using the upgrade tool from 2.3, its working.

Also, 10% to 30% of my cpu used some time... by cpf

yokozuna reviewed v2.4.16.174 on Jan 22, 2007

My 2 cents:

English 7.68Mb:
http://download.comodo.c..._English_2.4.16.174.exe

Chinese (Simplified) 8.46Mb:
http://download.comodo.c...mplified_2.4.16.174.exe

Chinese (Simplified) language pack add-on 1.57Mb:
http://download.comodo.c...mplified_2.4.16.174.exe

Dutch 8.53Mb:
http://download.comodo.c...sh_Dutch_2.4.16.174.exe

Dutch language pack add-on 1.59Mb:
http://download.comodo.c...on_Dutch_2.4.16.174.exe

French 8.48Mb:
http://download.comodo.c...h_French_2.4.16.174.exe

French language pack add-on 1.59Mb:
http://download.comodo.c...n_French_2.4.16.174.exe

Hungarian 8,46Mb:
http://download.comodo.c...ungarian_2.4.16.174.exe

Hungarian language pack add-on 1.58Mb:
http://download.comodo.c...ungarian_2.4.16.174.exe

Portuguese (Brazilian)8.43Mb:
http://download.comodo.c...razilian_2.4.16.174.exe

Portuguese (Brazilian) language pack add-on 1.54Mb:
http://download.comodo.c...razilian_2.4.16.174.exe

Portuguese (Continental) 8.50Mb:
http://download.comodo.c...tinental_2.4.16.174.exe

Portuguese (Continental) language pack add-on 1.62Mb:
http://download.comodo.c...tinental_2.4.16.174.exe

Russian 8.46Mb:
http://download.comodo.c..._Russian_2.4.16.174.exe

Russian language pack add-on 1.57Mb:
http://download.comodo.c..._Russian_2.4.16.174.exe

Spanish (Spain) 8.44Mb:
http://download.comodo.c...sh_Spain_2.4.16.174.exe

Spanish (Spain) language pack add-on 1.56Mb:
http://download.comodo.c...sh_Spain_2.4.16.174.exe

Spanish (LA) 8.44Mb:
http://download.comodo.c...anish_LA_2.4.16.174.exe

Spanish (LA) language pack add-on 1.56Mb:
http://download.comodo.c...anish_LA_2.4.16.174.exe

Swedish 8.56Mb:
http://download.comodo.c..._Swedish_2.4.16.174.exe

Swedish language pack add-on 1.61Mb:
http://download.comodo.c..._Swedish_2.4.16.174.exe

Turkish 8.48Mb:
http://download.comodo.c..._Turkish_2.4.16.174.exe

Turkish language pack add-on 1.60Mb:
http://download.comodo.c..._Turkish_2.4.16.174.exe

Greek 8.55Mb:
http://download.comodo.c...sh_Greek_2.4.16.174.exe

Greek language pack add-on 1.64Mb:
http://download.comodo.c...on_Greek_2.4.16.174.exe

The add-on packs can be installed on the version 2.4 of the firewall only.

vashts121 reviewed v2.4.16.174 on Jan 22, 2007

Just like day 1, Comodo is still the dominant firewall available. Blocks trojans, hackers, and injectors. The only problem i have with 2.4 that I liked in 2.3 was the ability to close connections. Why they removed it, I'm clueless, but if they kept that I would give it a 5. Keep it strong Comodo, and add the connection closer!

Vimes reviewed v2.4.16.174 on Jan 21, 2007

Now that it is final hopefully I will no longer need to export / import a reg key to save setting in-between removal and upgrade, although that wasn't a big problem.

This is a VERY good firewall and if you spend sometime in their forums you will realise that it is far from finished, in terms of its future development.

Not only is it a very good firewall the price makes it phenomenally good value as well :)))

mengo reviewed v2.4.16.174 on Jan 21, 2007

wow WOW
What a great and secure firewall. and its even free (a lifetime license)
Even version 2.3 beat ALL the others and now this version 2.4 puts them so far beyoung that i dont see any competition in the near future
Version 2.3 had some system proformance issues, but i cant seem to find any in this one
10 stars in my book

btw here's a throughrough leak test of version 2.3 to standup for my review
http://www.matousec.com/.../leak-tests-results.php

im actually going to buy and SSL certificat from them to show my support

low ratings is just not serious

homerj reviewed v2.4.16.174 on Jan 20, 2007

Best program I have found since paid for version of Sygate went away (thanks Symantec for destroying a great product). Have tried Kerio, Norton, Zonealarm etc, this is the closest to the old Sygate where you could at least edit what you have and have not allowed. If they have a reasonably priced upgrade, I'd pay for it. This free version works very well.

petrpublic reviewed v2.4.16.174 on Jan 20, 2007

I have installed it before two weeks and it is uninstalled now, Comodo asked me for allowing apps, which I already allowed and created rule for this, I had no such problem with other firewall like kerio/sunbelt.

Point Zero reviewed v2.4.16.174 on Jan 20, 2007

No matter how much full access I gave mIRC, it wouldn't allow DCC Sends. Also the rules are a mess (should at least been in subgroups). Failed the very first test. Worthless.

JSX reviewed v2.4.16.174 on Jan 20, 2007

So far so good.
I have been a longtime kerio user and I'm liking what I see with it so far so...giving the benefit of the doubt I'll give it a 5. And it's free, can't b*tch.

thebig429 reviewed v2.4.16.174 on Jan 20, 2007

According to the forums you can auto update. And not have to uninstall Then reinstall new one.

lhdal reviewed v2.4.16.174 on Jan 19, 2007

After reading many positive feedback, I decided to give it a try. (I have experience with Kerio, Zone Alarm and Norton)

But imo it's not as good as many say.

First of all the issue of losing ALL settings in a new install. The settings are written in the registry. You must uninstall first to install a newer version. Then you automatically lose your settings. Why, why, why?

Yes, it doesn't use as much "memory" as other firewalls. But that doesn't end it. It uses constant CPU resource. Which equates the total system resource consumption in performance.

It asks permission even if I set it to all access.

thefly42 reviewed v2.4.16.174 on Jan 19, 2007

Hi Dhry,
Just dump the registry key and all subkeys

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Software\Comodo\Personal Firewall.

Uninstall Comodo Firewall Pro and then re-install new version and run reg key to re-instate the old settings.

Currently the Download Servers and Forum Revieware down so cannot download.

My review is for the last stable Version 2.3.6.81

4wd reviewed v2.4.16.174 on Jan 19, 2007

I've found this to be an excellent firewall with all the features that I require, (application and network control), WITHOUT having to turn any off, (unlike ZA Pro which also bogs down my system, ZA Free is too limited).

Very configurable regarding network rules IF you require that aspect.

blast and Pfurri:
coolticker is correct, Comodo loads two programs, CPF.exe and cmdagent.exe, 16.6MB and 10.5MB respectively here. Total ~27MB in use, (out of 2GB - I can live with that considering the benefits).

Apart from that, it is a very responsive firewall that doesn't impact upon my system to any noticable degree.

CPU Usage: Every time I look in TaskManager it's 0 for both programs, and occasionally hits 1.

For those that complain about having to restart twice and not migrating settings:
Are you coming from a Beta version? There is no update path for a Beta version, which you'd realise if you hit the Update button. Personally, I would rather it didn't import any settings from a Beta version into final release as you have no idea what is redundant or changed.

kda reviewed v2.4.16.174 on Jan 19, 2007

Simply GREAT. I've not seen a "permission pop-up" since I updated to this new version early this morning.
I didn't have to uninstall the old version first;, I just waited until I got a notice in the system tray that a Comodo update was available. I told it to go ahead and it updated just fine with now uninstall and no reteaching involved.
One nice piece of software and great protection too.

dhry reviewed v2.4.16.174 on Jan 19, 2007

I give it 4/5 as well thanks to having to uninstall FIRST before installing the new version, then yeah - reteaching it everything. Poster below - care to share the registry key we need to export/import to get our settings back?

adamlau reviewed v2.4.16.174 on Jan 19, 2007

Four out of five as system performance takes a greater hit than that of a BlackICE protected system. Pfurri: You can port your settings over by exporting/importing a single registry key.

coolticker reviewed v2.4.15.161 RC5 on Jan 18, 2007

blast : commodo loads two EXE files, each one eat about 15MB. CPF.EXE is the first, CMD.EXE (if I remember well as I uninstalled it) is the other one.

So total is about 30MB

e144539 reviewed v2.4.15.161 RC5 on Jan 17, 2007

I agree with sophist_dreams..

"Pros: This seems to be a fairly solid Firewall.

Cons: The update path sucks big time. First it requires you to un-install the previous version and forces a system reboot. When this is accomplished, it REMOVES ALL OF YOUR PREVIOUS SETTINGS. Then it requires another reboot after installation, at which time YOU HAVE RETEACH IT EVERYTHING. It seems to me that a program of this supposed quality would have a function to retain all previous learned safe modes.

I wont be updating this again until the final version is available."

forum says

"This is the final change in language setups and the final release is going to be on Thursday without any changes unless issues reported by wednesday"

I guess we'll be updating very soon.

blast reviewed v2.4.15.161 RC5 on Jan 17, 2007

coolticker: Only just 12.5 Mb!

cpf.exe.00000438__12 451 840__2007.01.17__07:26

takmanager screen:
http://img293.imageshack...4/20070118170803kw3.png

coolticker reviewed v2.4.14.157 RC4 on Jan 13, 2007

Nice interface and freeware but :

30MB memory is too much !

When an alert display, you cannot tune the rule before accepting it like Kerio of Kaspersky Internet Security.

CMD component uses sometime lot of CPU whenever you are not doing network, may be it contain the feature that check what your application do appart from network transfert.

adpawl reviewed v2.4.13.153 RC3 on Jan 11, 2007

news build
Comodo Firewall Pro 2.4.14.157 RC4 Released

lien here http://www.personalfirew...lish_2.4.14.157_RC4.exe
We are postponing release to 18th Jan, 2007.
Following are the changes:
1) Fixed bug causing UPHClean not to load properly
2) Fixed bug causing incorrect traffic amount
3) Chinese setups have following corrections:
a) Font used size is slightly greater than it was in previous BETA so that charaters are visible.
b) Text is not bold anywhere as charaters are not clearly visible if bold. This is true for text on images and used in general.

Known issues:
1) Under Securit->Advanced->Miscellaneous section alert frequencey level shows three stages rather 5.

source: http://www.9down.com/story.php?sid=8098

guercheLE reviewed v2.4.12.146 RC2 on Jan 11, 2007

Installed it at home and kept it for only two days then turned ZoneAlarm back. During the time I used it, my computer froze many times, I guess due to a memory leak on Comodo Firewall. After turning ZoneAlarm back freezings were gone.

FmlyRnn reviewed v2.4.12.146 RC2 on Jan 10, 2007

I love this Program but it is difficult to Uninstall! My Security Center in XP says that it is still running. I am having some difficulty finding all of what is left after the Uninstall. I have been through the Regestry, Programs and Startup. So, it appears that I am running two Firewalls!!! Still looking for remnants that are running.

Vimes reviewed v2.4.12.146 RC2 on Jan 10, 2007

Having removed the previous build and then installed this one I am glad to write that my PDA is fully working, as being part of a trusted zone.
I am pleased that I also got a response, albeit this build has been able to help to resolve my previous problem, from the official forum.

Vimes reviewed v2.4.11.135 RC1 on Jan 7, 2007

Couldn't get this to work with my PDA (running WM5) even though the zone and range of IP addresses were 'trusted'.
No support offered within their forums even though a post was placed.
My previous post and the post at their forums gives more details.

minasinahanmetehe reviewed v2.4.11.135 RC1 on Jan 7, 2007

anomoly
See earlier comments, you do not get IP address because maybe you have blocked some application which then blocked service behind. See your block list, and remove the block. I have had had same situation as you several times. This is the reason why I give 4 instead of 5. Somewhat annoying behaviour.

Banquo reviewed v2.4.11.135 RC1 on Jan 7, 2007

Works fine for me so far, though I hate the name. Sounds too much like commode, which is a terrible name for a piece of software (although sometimes appropriate).

amweiss157 reviewed v2.4.11.135 RC1 on Jan 6, 2007

PROS: Great program with an active community that includes the developers. Still my favorite free firewall, even better than some of the pay ones I tried.

CONS: Default level seems TOO protective and will prompt multiple times for each program, however this can be changed in the options.

anomoly reviewed v2.4.10.131 Beta on Jan 4, 2007

It's OK for the casual don't know s***e user. Refuses to give me an IP with my wireless nic on reboot. I have had to disable it from starting and then reenable it after boot. I use Vidalia (always enabled), but use FF with direct connect and this also seems to confuse it. In fact, Comodo refused to give me an IP until I disabled it entirely, uninstalled & reinstalled (without Vidalia) made no difference. I switched back to Agnitum as it has never let me down and works flawlessly with my config.

minasinahanmetehe reviewed v2.4.10.131 Beta on Jan 3, 2007

I have used Comodo in 3 machines last 6 months or so. Good firewall, however read good comments from
justme123 at 27 Dec. If you deny applications Comodo may also block the service behind. In case of troubles, check out blocked items in Comodo.
This would got 5 without that annoying behaviour.

Vimes reviewed v2.4.10.131 Beta on Jan 3, 2007

I loved this firewall but I just can't get this to accept a trusted zone from my HX4700 PDA using active sync. Regardless of how many times I set it as a trusted zone it gives a problem when the PDA is attached - it can't assign an IP address on Windows Mobile-based Device, although the range of IP addresses are allowed via Comodo.
Lets see if their support can help.
I still rate it highly as I hope the issue can be sorted out.
The only other 'issue' that I have noticed is that it is a little zealous when reporting application type hijacking, you really have to be careful what you deny...!!!

dhry reviewed v2.4.10.131 Beta on Jan 2, 2007

Fantastic, FREE firewall program. I'd have to give the edge to Outpost as a better firewall overall, but then again it isn't free.

Skizelli reviewed v2.4.10.131 Beta on Jan 2, 2007

It keeps getting better. I'm still waiting for the x64 version, though. Can't wait!

berserkchaos reviewed v2.4.9.126 Beta on Dec 31, 2006

If you are tired of zonealarm like me you ought to try Comodo.

justme123 reviewed v2.4.9.126 Beta on Dec 27, 2006

The best free firewall but it's not without its quirks. For instance, expect lots of confusing popups where two programs are displayed. The top is the actual program that the firewall wants to allow or block while the bottom is a security warning. I've had programs try to use my browser to update. However, if you decide you want to block the program (listed as a security warning), the browser will be blocked also and you can't surf. The browser will have to be restarted again to get it to work. Also worth noting, is that I have some applications that are listed on the Activity section but it's not in the Security --> Application Monitor. Shouldn't it be both? Kinda odd that it's on one and not the other. This would be a 5 if the firewall allowed locks like in ZA where a select program is allowed internet access during a lockout.

mikeyx11 reviewed v2.4.9.126 Beta on Dec 22, 2006

Excellent firewall!

I've been using ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite for a few years now, and then tried this. Ofcourse it doesn't have anti-virus as it's only a firewall, but it doesn't slow my system down like ZA did. I'm using AVG Free for my anti-virus, and these two make a great combination, better than all other pay-for software that i've ever used by FAR.

vashts121 reviewed v2.4.9.126 Beta on Dec 21, 2006

One of the best firewalls for both freeware and shareware. I've been using Zone Alarm Pro before I wanted to try Comodo, and I could care less about the $50 I paid for Zone Alarm, Comodo is just better. One of the best things is the rules, which is for experts. You can do so many things with it, link get the IPs of ads (examples: srvices.google.com, ad.doubleclick.net ect ect) and it will block them from your screen. The logs are great too, they give you very detailed info about who was trying to hack you, what ports, how many bytes, and times. This is a must download.

siryak reviewed v2.4.9.126 Beta on Dec 21, 2006

Great firewall. Just wish it would show the speed of data instead of or in addition too how much data.

Blackhole8746 reviewed v2.4.9.126 Beta on Dec 21, 2006

Just amazing, I love this piece of software... Great streamlined interface, works great no compatibility issues as with Zone Alarm, no system lag like Norton, my friend sort o' MADE me try this out by installing it on my laptop while i was gone and seriously I'm glad he did that before I renewed my Norton Internet Security subscription

SuzzyWoozy reviewed v2.4.8.122 Beta on Dec 20, 2006

Had a similar issue with Outlook2003: it didn't wat to start unless all Comodo modules were stopped (service and control program).

Still couldn't figure out what is was (the setting were full permisive), but it was a previous beta.

I think I give a try again usign this version - I was quite impressed and wated for a good firewall for sme time now.

4.99 out of 5

thebig429 reviewed v2.4.8.122 Beta on Dec 19, 2006

Avast working just fine here, great firewall.

darthbeads reviewed v2.4.8.122 Beta on Dec 19, 2006

santuccie, how much is NetVeda paying you? Honestly, I really don't care about your rant regarding the sorry state of firewalls in this forum. The program listed above, Comodo Firewall Pro 2.4.8.122 Beta is a fine piece of free software that, in my experience, functions well and as it should and as advertised. I have never, ever in any of my time on the internet been bothered by any of the offending experiences you describe ... but I would have to imagine that our surfing patterns are a bit different?

In any case, the point of this site is to review a specific piece of software, not to troll about band mouthing an industry or hoisting another product.

5-stars to Comodo for a fine product.

santuccie reviewed v2.4.6.113 Beta on Dec 17, 2006

Ever since people started scoffing at the close of the millennium, the primary function of an Internet PC's first line of defense has been grossly distorted. They said there was no way for a hacker to break in from the outside unless allowed in by a prospective victim, and that infected downloads were a bigger issue. While the second part of this statement is true, the first part is far from it. Machines can indeed be invaded from the outside, especially when professional hackers started to embrace the concept of harnessing a worm's self-propogating ability to distribute Trojans for them.

Comodo is just another example of today's misdirected firewall solution prototype: all IDS and little or no anti-hacker. Leaktester websites applaud this firewall's ability to block most Trojans from phoning home, while completely overlooking the fact that it is powerless to prevent them from slipping by in the first place. I installed this firewall on a clean, fully patched machine prior to reconnecting the cable. Within minutes, the machine was overrun by the currently circulating SQL Slammer and Stack Bot, and the piggybacking Trojans had shut down System Restore and simply gained too much control for me to waste my time with attempted disinfection. I restored from Acronis and moved on.

I'm happy to say there is one effective freeware firewall called NetVeda Safety.Net that offers full-featured stateful inspection, the key element in ISS BlackICE. While this familiar name may be dismissed by some due its unattractive scores on leaktests, its bulletproof protection against external attacks is the one reason why the hackers themselves use it!!! And who better to consult about PC vulnerabilities than the very people who exploit them?

Bottom line: don't be mislead by leaktester propaganda. If you want effective IDS protection, use a dedicated IDS program alongside your firewall. Most vendors out there either focus on detection or prevention. And your first line of defense should be prevention. That's what firewalls were originally designed for!

Note: Jetico also uses stateful inspection, and also does real well in the leaktests, but its unintuitive interface, forgetfulness with regard to permissions, intrusiveness, and compatibility issues can be a real turnoff.

yokozuna reviewed v2.4.6.113 Beta on Dec 16, 2006

@cowgaR

Maybe you should try this way?

A mini tutorial of how to open ports for eMule.

First you must go at the "Network Monitor" panel.
There you should click with the right button of the mouse and choose "Add rule"->"add"
at the new window that appear you should put the following rules:

1. Rule for TCP protocol

Action = Allow
Protocol = TCP
Direction = In
Source IP = Any
Destination IP = your IP address (you can also use "Any", if you are using a modem and not a router; by this you won't have to change the IP address every time you connect in to the Internet)
Source port = Any
Destination port = the port your eMule uses for the TCP connections

2. Rule for UDP protocol

Action = Allow
Protocol = UDP
Direction = In
Source IP = Any
Destination IP = your IP address (or "Any")
Source port = Any
Destination port =the port your eMule uses for the UDP connections

Bittorent

A mini tutorial of how to open ports for bittorent and similar p2p programs:

Go at the "Network Monitor" panel and add the following rule

Rule for TCP/UDP protocol

Action = Allow
Protocol = TCP or UDP
Direction = In
Source IP = Any
Destination IP = your IP address (or "Any")
Source port = Any
Destination port = the port your bittorent program uses for the TCP/UDP connections

You must move the rules up, over the default rule "Block IP in". (CPF "reads/applies" the rules from the top to the bottom)

cowgaR reviewed v2.4.6.113 Beta on Dec 16, 2006

pcmagazine citations...

- "One cannot "activate" the free license with IE7 currently. "

- why is it locked on IE and not on default browser (Firefox 2.0) when we are talking about SECURITY???

"The biggest weakness I found was in the connection download speed: it slowed down my DSL connection *a lot*, from a max of 3000 Kbits/sec (using Symantec's firewall) to 300 to 700 on average. I tried to find out if there was a tweak I missed but couldn't. Now I'm using Kerio and it's back up to the speed..."

http://discuss.pcmag.com...004322197/ShowPost.aspx

Why couldn't we have simple, tray only firewall that would have enough security for casual user (as I am behind 2 hardware firewalls already) but wouldn't be hard on system resources, memmory or touch too much network traffic...like more advanced windows FW with just added PC-> internet filtering and some...

steamfish81 reviewed v2.4.6.113 Beta on Dec 14, 2006

http://www.personalfirew...lish_2.4.7.114_BETA.exe

ag2ieric reviewed v2.4.5.111 Beta on Dec 13, 2006

Excellent...Very powerfull!

I just give a 4/5 becoz of the incompatibility with Avast!AV which is the top free antivirus at the moment. CPF blocks the main interface of Avast and prevent it to launch (to do so, you must use the ashSimpl2.exe to launch avast while CPF is running)

I also read on the forum that lang translations are in progress...

bugmenot reviewed v2.4.5.111 Beta on Dec 13, 2006

Now, that would be nice of Comodo to release also a 64 bits version...!

halc reviewed v2.4.5.111 Beta on Dec 13, 2006

One of the best, if not THE best currently free application firewalls.

Allows fine granular control of application network access (in/out, destination address/port/protocol) and is very good in preventing leaking apps.

However, it is somewhat resource hungry. Not bad if you have a decent machine, but on older machines and with most of the features enabled, it can cause a perceptible slow-down.

Also, in learning mode it does ask quite a lot of pop up questions initially about each app's access rights. This might be an issue with beginner installations.

Yes, these are very minor snags, but still, I hope it keeps on improving.

If it was as fast & light as Look'n'Stop, I'd give it 5 stars immediately.

KayNine reviewed v2.4.5.111 Beta on Dec 13, 2006

Getting better and better with each release! Completly replaced ZoneAlarm on all my PCs, since finally I found a highly configurable firewall that's still easy to use. Thanks, Comodo!

pjb reviewed v2.4.5.111 Beta on Dec 13, 2006

I started using this yesterday, and have had no issues with it todate. It seems like a very good firewall. I lookforward to the final release.

siryak reviewed v2.4.5.111 Beta on Dec 12, 2006

Great firewall. I just wish they would make it where I can see the actually speed that the data is moving instead of just how much. That is the only advantage I can see that Kerio has over this firewall.

blast reviewed v2.4.4.107 Beta on Dec 8, 2006

Comodo Firewall Rated Top Overall Personal Firewall
(Jersey City, NJ (Dec 4, 2006)

http://www.matousec.com/...s.php#firewalls-ratings

Skizelli reviewed v2.4.4.107 Beta on Dec 7, 2006

I love this firewall. I was a long-time user of ZoneAlarm, but got tired how how bloated it was, as well as bogging my systems down. I then went to Outpost, unaware it was actually a downgrade in protection. Now I use this and I have no complaints thus far. Even the memory footprint is small. I can't believe it's freeware. Like all good things, this will most likely change in the future. But I hope that my activation key will never expire like they claim. All the more reason to get this NOW.

darthbeads reviewed v2.4.4.107 Beta on Dec 7, 2006

Please stop yelling.

A terrific freeware firewall that has replaced ZoneAlarm on both of my PCs....

THE REAL TAO reviewed v2.4.3.106 Beta on Dec 7, 2006

I USE THIS FIREWALL ON MY MAIN PC.
I THINK ITS VERY GOOD,IT HAS FEATURES AIMED AT BLOCKING MODERN NET-ATTACKS LIKE DDOS FLOODING/NUKEING(MOST FIREWALLS DONT DO THIS) IN ADDITION IT AUTHENTICATES CHECKSUMS (ANOTHER THING MOST DONT DO),IN ADDITION TO BEING THE ONLY FIREWALL THAT PASSES ALL LEAK TESTS (A half open door is still open!)THE CONFIG CAN BE CONFUSING,IT HAS A DEFAULT RULE WHICH WILL CONFUSE MANY (RULE 4/BLOCK IP IN/OUT) IF YOU HAV A ROUTER YOU MAY NEED TO ADJUST THIS RULE,OTHERWISE ITS GREAT-I LOOK FORWARD TO THE NEXT RELEASE !!

eyv reviewed v2.4.3.106 Beta on Dec 5, 2006

Very good potential, but buggy.

Vimes reviewed v2.4.2.102 Beta on Dec 2, 2006

I had some difficulty at first, my fault most of it...
I had Sygate firewall that I just turned off and then installed Comodo - big mistake. I NEEDED to remove any third party firewall as Comodo will not work correctly, oh hum must follow instructions...

Next I had problems using shared files and folders from the other machine on my network - it really does help when you read the manual :)

Stopping repeated pop ups from applications that have been previously allowed (and ticked) seems to be a little problem as yet but now I've started to define them as a 'trusted application' and that seems better.

Very impressed.

phiber0ptik reviewed v2.4.2.102 Beta on Dec 1, 2006

Best firewall of its kind atm.

For all who likes outpost, I loved outposts scores against leaktests before but after reading this... well, see for yourself :) hf!
http://www.matousec.com/.../leak-tests-results.php

udz2002 reviewed v2.4.2.102 Beta on Dec 1, 2006

I have to give it a three. It passed the firewall tests I found online. However, I had a heck of a time trying to get it to learn which programs are safe. It kept popping up asking me about the same program, even after clicking the remember check box. I uninstalled it for the moment, maybe I will try it again later. One thing have to say about Comodo products, they sure are easy on the eyes.

Flemens reviewed v2.4.1.96 Beta on Nov 27, 2006

Great firewall. After gone through ZA, Looknstop, Outpost Pro Tiny personal Firewall 2005, Mcafee I have found home. Completely free firewall, this is the best one. It beats many of the payware firewalls. You can choose how much control (popups) you want. As with every firewall it will need some initial learning. But since it has a big database of known apps the learning time is reduced significantly.

The support is second to none at their forum. I have found all the answers I need there so I can not say anything about direct (email) contact with the support team though.
You will probably read alot of praise for this firewall on various forums. When a software gets all this positive comments it is bound to have some negative ones too. Some are valid but many are just written because some people cant take the hype and feel they need to complain just for the sake of it. You should not rely on any "side" - you should try it. Either you like Comodo or you dont. Nothing to loose since it is totally free with no hidden agenda. It is really a "free lunch" :D

Vicconius reviewed v2.4.1.96 Beta on Nov 26, 2006

I really like this firewall. Used to like ZoneAlarm 4.5.594.000, but it won't install on my new computer. BSOD whenever it starts. I tried the newest ZoneAlarm, but it seems so bloated and slow.

This reminds me of the older ZoneAlarms, which is a good thing. Not quite as user friendly, but excellent for the price.

jeromy reviewed v2.4.1.96 Beta on Nov 26, 2006

Easy to use, very efficient. I highly recommend.

utomo reviewed v2.4.1.96 Beta on Nov 25, 2006

This is good software, however need to improve:
- it need to learn and list more safe software, such as kaspersky antivirus, Firefox, Maxthon, Outlook, YM, Etc.
- It also need to allow us view the result better. such as the connection, we need to be able to sort the traffice, Etc.
- It also need to explain sometimes the traffice is so big and suspicious, we need to learn more about it.
and other improvements.
I hope we will see better Comodo.

lordgibbness reviewed v2.4.1.96 Beta on Nov 24, 2006

Sammo, the problem is most likely somewhere between the chair and the computer screen...

tbresson reviewed v2.3.6.81 on Nov 23, 2006

Seems like a nice app. It works pretty well. As one said filesharing locally is disabled which was kind of annoying but I found the safezone feature and now it works fine.

I had one major problem like one user said and then was when running full-screen games and the popup shows up behind the game screen and hence block the game from starting if it sends out data or requests incomming.

Nikkie reviewed v2.3.6.81 on Nov 5, 2006

Zonealarm does the whole pop up box thing.It is fine,you will get used to it and start to love these programs...I support this program fully.Great work,keep it up!!

Sammo reviewed v2.3.6.81 on Oct 29, 2006

After installation NOTHING would work, even when I choose 'block none'. Do not waste your time with this crap.

Lionschild reviewed v2.3.6.81 on Oct 28, 2006

This firewall is fantastic. It installs easily, works well with AVG Plus and protects from all attacks out of the box. It's free too! All the complaints of the pop up box asking permission is being a little picky. The bottom line is does it protect your computer from attacks or not? I can testify that it does and very well at that. Great product and I highly recommend it.

Logain reviewed v2.3.6.81 on Oct 16, 2006

Pros: The installer will request you to uninstall other firewalls (as highly recommended from me as possible), very good idea. The firewall passes the known tests (shiny star). I wasn't able to create a connection with a file which would pass the firewall's attention if all settings are on. The component monitor is a nice feature, which is mising from many other titles, this can help you to prevent executable injection technics (loading additional dll into an approved file). The simple rule createing is quite easy, click Add, specify the rules, click ok.

Another new feature is to specify parent, which can also pevent some hackers tricks (like somehow the guy gots rights for a command prompt and would like to launch an approved application), 1 more plus. For the best defense, the user specified setting is the best but you should change it to learn the parent at the first usages. Take care that even if you approve abcd1234.exe with an explorer.exe parent, you mightn't run it from - example - command prompt, etc.

The flood protection might help you to prevent DOS-based attacks, i think this can also prevent to work as a zombie.

You have the ability to save the log in HTML format, looks fine for a review.

It's free and i'll be later as well (Author sad) and the support through the forum is very good and it's userfriendly. They may even accept your ideas so you must give it a try!

Cons: After the first meeting i had problem with it and it took time to find the answers to all my problem at the forum. On the default level, too much basics are blocked (like to see mapped drive, etc.).

The popup windows - which asks permissions - won't be on top of any other windows which leads to many failures if the actual program covers the window. This might happen with full screen games, etc., which require Internet connection and even worse if they won't report back the Internet problems so you won't notice this as CPF will close the permission window asap. after the gamet (etc.) is closed. Not funny.

There are confusing messages which users won't be able understand (fe. allow iexplore question and the bottom part contains infos about notepad, etc.).

I really wonder why i _must_ activate the firewall with the free code. What if you want to use the firewall in a LAN environment where PCs can't access the Internet?

At current release, it'll ask if the example.exe can open ports, i sad no, then i'll ask to connect to 123.123.123.123 .... not too smart. Without opened ports there is no seven hell to establish the connection.

The Advance settings are not yet clear what can prevent and what can stop to work.

You can create rules which can kick each others, very funny....

I've opened a html file from my computer then CPF asked me if i allow IE to open up by a total commander parent... So many questions about these functions.

I'd suggest CSV format for log files, too.

hari_the_barbarian reviewed v2.3.6.81 on Sep 29, 2006

i kind of agree with ZenWarrior, its not for the non-geek and it sure needs work on the "remembering" applications bit !!

As for this new build 2.3.6.81, it slows down the whole booting up process a fair bit !! but it was working fine with the previous build, i cant figure out whats wrong ?!

ZenWarrior reviewed v2.3.6.81 on Sep 29, 2006

This is a review of the version(s) released before 28 Sept 06. Hopefully, the problems I found have been resolved with subsequent releases.

Comodo is not a firewall for your tech-clueless mother, but I surmise the developers thought it would be. The interface needs significant work. Too many things are not made entirely clear to users. Also, this firewall simply refuses to remember too many rules. I cannot begin to count the number of times I had to grant the same browser the same access in only three weeks of testing. After creating a rule the first time, the repetition quickly became a hassle, unproductive, and even counter-productive.

The repeated requests for [supposedly] already granted permissions made this firewall frustrating, if not impossible, to use by every "normal" person I had use it for a couple of days. That same repetition also meant I could not perform first-run setups for users and walk away. The permissions one thinks one has granted for an application will very likely be requested again.

(Note to developers: You are geeks; customers are not, and don't wish to be. You seem to have forgotten that simple maxim with this firewall. Every "normal" person who tested it also wanted it uninstalled. Unfortunately, I couldn't blame them.)

TC17 reviewed v2.3.5.62 on Sep 16, 2006

Impressive looking firewall with alot of features. And FREE. I really like how well its laid out, and its MUCH better than Kerio in appearance.

wat0114 reviewed v2.3.5.62 on Sep 14, 2006

I thought I would give this firewall a test run just to see how it compares to others I have tried. Comodo impresses me beyond belief! Contrary to what some have said, it does not pass all known leaktests, but it does pass most of them. The interface is a little gawdy, creating rules could be a little more streamlined, saving the rules and settings configuration could be better, and logging needs some improvement.

That said, it runs stable, memory usage is excellent (why do people complain about a product that uses over 20 Mb RAM when they are running systems with a 1000 Mb or more??)there was no system instability at all and it does allow quite restrictive rules creation on a per-application basis. Comodo is not quite in the same league as Outpost Pro, but with a little further development it will give Outpost some serious competition, if it hasn't already.

yokozuna reviewed v2.3.5.62 on Sep 14, 2006

Cons: a bit RAM hungry, needs around 20 megabytes RAM for itself

Pros: definitely the best freeware (and not only freeware) firewall

QBgreen reviewed v2.3.4.45 on Sep 8, 2006

I'm giving this a "5" because it's one of the best software firewalls available, paid or free. It blocks all known leak tests, and the developers are very responsive to user comments and observations. Nice to get such a quality product for free!

hari_the_barbarian reviewed v2.3.4.45 on Sep 8, 2006

This new version is really good except that sometimes *very rarely* it refuses to detect my UpnP feature in the router, but i think maybe its something to do with the configuration, even though im running the default options.
Anyway, theyve managed to iron out quite a few bugs as you can see. Especially the one with the slow booting up of WinXP. Now evrything works just fine.

comeoffit reviewed v2.2.0.11 on Aug 12, 2006

Some of you people really make me wonder what is wrong with the world's water supply. Of course you have to uninstall other firewall software! Not doing so is, as you say, "an open invitiation for trouble". As for uninstalling your AV, well I doubt that's the case. I wasn't asked to remove NOD32, and I don't believe that CPF asked you to remove yours, unless it was some crap AV that was bunded with your precious firewall.

Regarding the activation: What on earth is the big deal? You enter a name and email address, then you get an activation code in your inbox. Clearly you can enter whatever name you want--so what's the problem? As for the email address, if you're so concerned about it, aren't you already concerned about spam and other email address abuses? If so, you should already have one or more disposable email addresses that could also be used here.

As usual, nothing but nonsense from you people.

The firewall is very effective. But the interface could be easier to use. I also hate any kind of skinned application, hence the 4 rating.

bellgamin reviewed v2.2.0.11 on Jul 26, 2006

Comodo's activation folderol smacks of Microsoft. It is even more convoluted to activate Comodo than it was to register applications I paid for.

Also, the requirement to uninstall my current firewall, deactivate my AV, and to be connected to the internet during install of Comodo is an open invitation for trouble IMO.

niknet reviewed v2.2.0.11 on Jul 11, 2006

Its Not Freeware!Very Slow

bishope reviewed v2.2.0.11 on Jul 10, 2006

NIKNET : It is free. No license fee, no upsell to pro version, no nothing!

Yes you have to activate it with the free license string sent to the emaill address you used when you downloaded it, but this activation merely convert the license from trial to lifetime.

Even if you don't activate it, it will still work beyond the trial period but you get the activation window every time it starts.

What makes you think its not free?

The main reason for CPF runing slowly is the "Secure host while booting" setting was enabled by default. This setting is set to OFF in the latest beta release (V2.3.0.19). This latest version also has a high performance mode and has a much smaller footprint. The beta also has Comodo's own installer/uninstaller, which overcomes the problems found with the InstallShield routines used in previous versions.

BOBAD - "Although it's huge for a firewall, the memory footprint is not too bad. A few dislikes: Tray icon menu to turn firewall On, Off, and Custom should be top level, not a submenu. "

Comodo are aware that the memory footprint is still too big and they are addressing the issue. Re. the launchpad icon, this is subject to a debate on the forums at the moment as to whether users would prefer individual tray icons of an aggregated one like now. Go to forums.comodo.com and give them your opinion.

cheers,
ewen

betasun reviewed v2.2.0.11 on Jul 5, 2006

good features and design ,but the features are cluttered and not friendly .i like it in a compact window not to fill my screen .

bobad reviewed v2.2.0.11 on Jul 5, 2006

On balance, it works very well. I like the GUI and menu access. Although it's huge for a firewall, the memory footprint is not too bad. A few dislikes: Tray icon menu to turn firewall On, Off, and Custom should be top level, not a submenu. Although I have permanently allowed certain common apps to connect to the internet, I still get permission dialogs. I see no way to add trusted MAC addresses. Did I mention it was huge?

kda reviewed v2.2.0.11 on Jul 5, 2006

This program is an Easy FIVE stars. I've been running this one for over a week. PC Magazine gave Comodo (CPF) its "best free firewall" rating and said CPF was even good enough to be used on commercial and business systems. So, I uninstalled ZA which, in that latest release was giving a lot of us trouble and installed Comodo. Comodo Firewall is definitely a great firewall passing all the tests one can throw at it.

Comodo Personal Firewall is free now and they promise it will be free for ever. Comodo is a "security" company (like VeriSign) and second in size and scope behind VeriSign ... so they are not amateurs playing around. I understand Comodo is the company that is responsible for SSL and that little gold padlock you see on secure web pages.

NOTE: I liked this firewall enough that I signed up to test the new version 2.3 beta which they hope to finalize in mid-late July. It has a completely new installer / uninstaller routine.

I would suggest that if you need a firewall, grab this current version. But if you can wait until mid to late July, just wait for version 2.3 final. A brief wait might save you the task of training version 2.2 and then having to uninstall it so you can install the newer 2.3 which will give you improved features, speed and the new install/uninstall routine.

Better yet and if you are into helping out ... just visit the website, go to the forums and sign up for testing the beta. There is a download link on the forums you can use. Anyone that wants to help is invited to download it and give it a try. I find it very solid and stable and trouble free.
Just remember to not try and run two firewalls at once. So if you have a firewall running now (including Winxp's firewall), unplug your Internet connection, them make sure your current firewall is uninstalled and that the WinXP built in firewall is not running. Then install Comodo.

It's like PC Magazine said ... now you have no excuse for not having a good firewall in place ... or something to that effect. :-)

I like this product. I've converted both home computers to CPF as have most of my friends. Zero problems.

TIP: I found they also offer a free digital signature ... you may want to look into that also if you are into letting people know for a fact that the e-Mail they get from you is really from you and has not been tampered with .. and their free digital signature also makes encryption fast and easy using Outlook or Outlook Express. I grabbed one for each of my e-Mail addresses.

You can check the corporate statement (on the forums) as to why they have decided to make this software available for free and free forever.
It is an interesting read in itself.

No I don't work for them or have anything to gain from my relationship with them except some really professional high quality software and services for free.

roj reviewed v2.2.0.11 on Jul 5, 2006

I find most personal firewalls to be clunky, buggy pieces of junk (Zone Alarm), exacting of FAR too much overhead and thoroughly invasive (Symantec) or next to useless (Microsoft).

That being said, I've tested this one thoroughly in one of my sandbox VMs and it falls into NONE of those categories.

I have to give it FIVE stars for functionality balanced with performance and the price tag simply cannot be beat. It embarasses certain commercial products that will remain forever maneless. ;)

You do have to register it but that's like avast! 4 Home Edition, another excellent freeware protection product.

A job well done.