There aren’t many free firewalls available for PC users, but the ones that are available may give you all the protection you need. COMODO offers a host of free security software applications. You might expect the free version of COMODO to be a stripped down version of its paid counterpart, but that’s not the case here. This is a feature rich application with providing all the protection you would expect from a firewall with a yearly subscription.

So how does COMODO make money like this? Their philosophy is that by providing quality security for consumers, they are more likely to make purchases online. This provides a great incentive for online business to purchase COMODO security software for their end. A win win situation for consumers and businesses.

Features of the free firewall include:

• Complete protection from Hackers, Spyware, Trojans, and Identity theft
• Malware prevention
• Asks for approval before allowing applications to be installed on your system
• A Malware scan prior to installation

The user interface is clean and user friendly and COMODO updates its self automatically.

I found few complaints before downloading and installing this firewall, but one gave caused a slight hesitation. One user stated the firewall had a problem remembering when told to allow and remember. Most firewalls, when first installed, have to learn what what applications the user wants to allow access the Internet or network. Despite this, I decided to give it a try. Once installed, I had little problem with it at first. I didn’t downloading any software right away, but when I did this memory problem became apparent.

When an application tries to install, COMODO pops up a little box asking you if you want to allow it, block it, or treat it as an application along with some information about the file performing the actions. There is also a little check box where you can tell COMODO to remember your answer so it (supposedly) doesn’t have to ask you again. Although I had this box checked every time, the firewall seems to ignore it. I’ve installed several applications since and it’s the same thing every time - check allow and click OK over and over and over and… well you get the picture.

This is not only a nuisance, it causes a real slow-down when installing software. I’ve installed software that normally would take no more than 30 seconds but ended up taking several minutes because of COMODO. The more I have to go through this the more I am considering going back to Sygate or some other firewall. This is disappointing because I know COMODO is giving me quality security and totally free.