Block hacker attacks and detect brand new malware with this powerful, configurable firewall
Outpost Firewall Pro is a software firewall that will also protect you from spyware, and includes many other useful security extras.
Once installed the firewall will protect you from incoming attacks, as well as monitoring outgoing connections. It automatically creates rules for known safe applications, but still manages to raise more alerts than many competing tools, and these pop-ups can be a little complex: this isn't a program for complete firewall novices.
It's a similar story with Outpost Firewall Pro's Proactive Protection, which monitors your programs for suspicious behaviour: writing to system areas of the Registry, adding IE plugins, accessing memory belonging to other applications, and more. These are valuable tools that really could help you detect brand new and previously undiscovered malware, but they're also prone to false alarms, and you'll need some Windows experience to interpret what these alerts are telling you.
Outpost Firewall Pro has plenty of more straightforward features, though. An ad blocker removes many annoying ads and speeds up your browsing, for instance. There's a site blacklist which prevents you accessing known phishing and malware sites, and an "ID Block" option prevents private data from leaving your PC.
That's the plan, anyway, but if you have a problem with any of these features - or anything else Outpost Firewall Pro does, really - then you can tweak it, maybe turn it off altogether, in the detailed Settings dialog. This is a very configurable firewall and can be set up to work in whatever way you'd like.
Outpost Firewall 8.0 ships with a whole host of new features. Take a look at the "What's New in 8.0" PDF document for more information.
Final Verdict: Outpost Firewall Pro raises more alerts than we'd like, and it's not always clear what action you should take. The program is highly configurable, though, packed with powerful malware detection features, and relatively light on system resources - a good choice for experienced Windows users
Freeware
Prevent Flash, JavaScript and other plugins from running on the sites you visit.
Trial Software
Protect your PC from just about every possible danger, both online and off, with this comprehensive security suite
Trial Software
An effective antivirus tool with strong browsing protection features
Trial Software
A solid mid-range security suite which will keep your system safe from most potential threats
Trial Software
An internet security tool specifically designed for Windows 8
Shareware
Take control of Windows built in firewall
Freeware
A lightweight, free and extremely simple antivirus client
Trial Software
Hunt down and destroy malware with AVG's latest release
Freeware
AVG's latest free antivirus package is faster, more accurate and lightweight than before
No Trial Available. Purchase Only
Block malware and hackers, speed up your PC and protect yourself from identity theft with this enhanced security suite