Our Firewall Shop offers hardware firewalls (wired or wireless routers) and software firewalls because security experts recommend using both. They complement each other. Hardware firewalls are better at blocking incoming attacks and software firewalls are better at blocking malware trying to call home.

Personal Firewall Software

Download ZoneAlarm Pro (Zone Labs via Commission Junction) or get a Zone Alarm Pro CD (Amazon)

• Features -- Inbound and outbound personal firewall, advisor services, ad and pop-up blocking, cache cleaner, cookie control, mobile PC protection, password protected settings, my Vault, ID lock, host file lock, advanced and outbound mail safe, hacker ID, and expert firewall controls.

• Endorsements -- PC World Best of 2004 (6-2-04); tied for editor's choice PC Magazine 11-25-03; also a CNet editor's choice 11-25-03.

Norton Personal Firewall 2004 CD (Amazon)

• Features -- Inbound and outbound personal firewall, ad blocker, network detector, intrusion detection, privacy control, program control, live update, and integrates with other Norton products.

• Endorsements -- Tied for editor's choice PC Magazine 11-25-03.

Hardware Firewalls (routers)

Linksys BEFSX41 Wired Firewall Router (Amazon)

• Security Features -- 4-port switch and VPN Endpoint with Stateful Packet Inspection firewall protects PCs from Ping of Death, SYN Flood, Land Attacks, IP Spoofing, and Other DoS (Denial of Service) attacks.

• Endorsements -- Scot's Newsletter top product 11-25-02; PC Magazine editor's choice 11-19-02.

Linksys WRT54GS Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster  (Amazon)

• Security Features -- 128-bit encryption, DHCP Server, Stateful Packet Inspection firewall, VPN pass-through, and web browser-based configuration utility. Also offers optional new Linksys Parental Control Service for browser and email.

• Endorsements -- CNet Editor's Choice June 9, 2004; PC Magazine Editor's Choice May 18, 2004.

Firewall Testing

• Security Space Desktop Audit -- Use this service to make sure that your firewall is working correctly.

Firewall Shop Notes

• Each product link goes directly to a vendor's website or their affiliate service like Commission Junction, or to a retail site like Amazon. The links are provided by the vendors. They are responsible for the privacy and security of purchasing transactions. See our Privacy Policies for more information. We receive a commission on each purchase.