Comodo Internet Security
Posted Under: Free PC Security,Free Program,Technology
Update March 2010 - Comodo IS V4 released, click for details
Comodo Internet Security is a superb free pc security program available to home and business users. I last reviewed this is June 2009 with V3.9 which was Comodo Firewall + Antivirus and found that the Defense+ impacted on a computers resources.
Since then, there have been many changes and V3.14 has become Comodo Internet Security and is much more effective and lighter on resources with superb protection. This version was released on February 1, 2010.
In June 2009 Comodo achieved 96% in the Matousec Proactive Security Challenge, it now achieves 100% along with PC Tools Firewall Plus V6, but Comodo has more features and is also simple to use.
When installing, users have the option to install the antivirus or firewall individually and also a 30 day free trial of Comodo LivePCSupport. If you have another antivirus that you are happy with do NOT install the antivirus.
During the installation process if there are any incompatible programs such as K9 Web protection or anti-keyloggers users are prompted to uninstall them first as the firewall will not work correctly and may not even start.
Installation is simple and straightforward, although I declined to add the Hopsurf toolbar, making Ask.com my default search provider and changing my homepage to HopSurf - simply untick the boxes.
After installation a reboot is necessary to initialise the firewall components and this is standard with all firewalls.
Comodo also allows users to use Comodo's Secure Servers which use redundant DNS servers and this will hide your real IP address, a bonus for the security conscious users with an added layer of personal protection.
The firewall references a list of over two million known friendly applications and if a file is not on this safe list, the firewall immediately alerts you to the possibility of malware intrusion. This occurs before any malware can infect your computer and the popup will give you the option to Allow or Block. This can stop a lot of the malware that attempts to install itself onto users machines.
There is also an Installation Mode when installing new programs - less popups make installation simpler.
Defense+ protects all important areas of your computer, the drives, registry, monitor, keyboard and much more along with an advanced host intrusion prevention system.
Should you experience a large number of popups when installing programs, open the firewall interface and click on the Defense+ shield icon and click the Advanced settings on the left, lower the rights to Training Mode and click OK.
Download Comodo Internet Security here - V3.14
Comodo Support Forum click here - registration required
Matousec Proactive Security Challenge Results click here
System Requirements:
Windows XP / Vista / Windows7 32Bit and 64Bit
Related Posts:
PC Tools Firewall Plus
Online Armor
Surf Safer, Surf with WOT - Click Here or the links below
Web of Trust for Internet Explorer
Web of Trust for Firefox
Web of Trust for Google Chrome
Free PC Security, Comodo Internet Security, Malware Prevention, Free Program, HIPS Protection
Reader Comments
Yes, Comodo used to be a bit of a resource hog, but that is long gone.
Today it is simply the most effective, easy to understand, configurable FW/HIPS out there even if you include paid versions.
Cotojo is right in advising not to install the AV; it still has work to be done. But any free AV will work well alongside: MSE, Avira, Avast. He's right also about HopSurf and Ask... just uncheck the boxes.
Remember one thing though: Defense+ is a pure HIPS, it's not easy to work with. If you don't know what a HIPS is or don't feel confortable with one, take your time to search and learn about the subject before installing CIS or you're on for a surprise (it happened with me; when installing GoogleEarth I had so many pop-ups I thought I was being attacked by all the hackers in China).
It is worth the learning curve and some patience because it's such a wonderful piece of software. After trying the alternatives I just went back to it, not only because it's better, but because I missed it... yes, you get attached to it.
Two small notes to finalise: it installs on almost whatever machine (unlike most others) and even in highly infected ones; and its forums are by far the most active.
Oh, and it's free.
From Portugal to the British Empire,
Regards to you Colin,
Jose.
Jose - Thank you for your valued comment my friend
If the AV was improved then in future it may change, but at the moment it simply is not as effective as many others, as you so rightly point out.
It is the only firewall that will install on any machine, others that are popular and free have problems with some machine configurations. This gives Comodo a great advantage and the Defense+ is no longer as intrusive and heavy as it was, although some may find it problematic at times but as long as permissions are correctly set users will soon get used to its oddities, it is well worth it for the extra layers it offers.
Can't beat the price tag either, it offers more than many paid for firewalls for absolutely nothing and the forums a re a great benefit to anyone seeking further assistance or guidance, I shall add a link to the forum in the article.
All the best my friend, it's always a pleasure to hear from you
Colin
Interesting!!!!
know more about security tools which makes easy to quickly detect, diagnose, and resolve performance issues with your dynamic network.
check it at
http://www.solarwinds.com
Prabhdeep - All security apps are down to what the user is comfortable using, all I do is provide the information to enable users t make informed choices.
As for 'performance issues with my dynamic network' - simple, I don't have any
Regards
Colin