SpySweeper Firewall

I use and recommend Webroot’s SpySweeper with Anti-Virus. It’s shareware but well worth the price.

I also recommend their firewall, but with one condition. It does not work with Windows Vista. You won’t know that unless you go digging in their FAQ’s.

The bottom line: if you’re using XP, by all means consider getting the full package. But if you have Vista installed on your computer, use SpySweeper and the anti-virus application, but stick with PC Tools firewall or Zone Alarm, both of which work well with Vista. Do not rely on Windows firewall to provide you with full protection.

(UPDATE) December 20, 2007

Webroot now certifies their firewall to work with Vista. It’s too soon for me to want to see if that’s true, but their firewall is performing quite well on my XP Professional laptop.