What is the best alternative to TinyWall?

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score 12 · Answer 1

Windows Firewall

Top Con

Not very intuitive

The already included Windows Firewall is not very easy to set up. Although new rules might be set up very fast, it's hard to understand what's going on for normal users. See More

Top Pro

Most other firewalls use the Windows Firewall API anyway.

Most experienced (amateur) users use just a frontend application beside Windows Firewall like TinyWall, Glasswire, Windows Firewall Control. If you don't want to bother and spend a lot of time tweaking: use solely the integrated Windows Firewall. Wilders Security Forums can be used to learn and know about the lastest trends. See More

Top Con

The notifications aren't very helpful

The notifications just pop up once. If you press the wrong button it's hard to go back and change your choice. And not all programs that connect to internet will trigger a notification. See More

Top Pro

Automatic updates for newly installed/ removed programs

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score 5 · Answer 2

Windows Firewall with "Windows 10 Firewall Control"

Top Pro

Stand-alone

Doesn't install to registry. Runs from a folder. Have it start with Windows boot. See More

Top Con

Very nasty default sound

But can be disabled. See More

Top Pro

Gives control over outgoing

This is the primary deficiency with Windows Firewall. With Windows 10 Firewall Control you can get notifications of programs trying to send, and approve/deny, permanently or one-time. See More

Top Con

The free version does not allow you to configure ports or IP addresses

Top Con

Some programs require timing to install

eg: Java manual updates. Have to wait a bit during the install process to get notice from WFC and then approve the outgoing, one time only, before hitting "try again" in Java install. See More

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score 32 · Answer 3

Avira

Top Pro

Fast, and free version seems powerful

I've used AVG Free in the past, and it seemed to slow my computer more than Avira does. See More

Top Con

Occasional pop-up ad in the taskbar

The ad is nagging the user to purchase Avira See More

Top Pro

Can install more components if you wish.

Optional installs include VPN, System Speedup, a password manager, browser extensions, and a hardened browser. In the case that you've downloaded the Free Suite (not recomended), you can uninstall the above mentioned additional downloads with Avira's Connect app or any uninstaller utility software. This flexibility to cherry pick your extra software keeps the bloatware down somewhat. See More

Top Con

Extras like Browser Safety include offers/deals when you're shopping

This is exactly the sort of behavior users want to prevent when using antivirus and similar security tools. See More

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