free firewall to replace Defender

[nyartist]

I use Malwarebytes paid program along with Malwarebytes anti-exploit and Avira free antivirus. What free firewall out there could I use in place of Windows defender that would NOT conflict with any of the malwarebytes programs?

[remember]

First thing first: Defender is not an firewall.

A good free firewall is PC Tools Firewall Plus (only version7.0.0.123), just google and you will find it.

Before install it, disable windows firewall.

 

[Aura]

PC Tools products have been discontinued years ago and aren't supported anymore, so I wouldn't install it.

Also, starting in Windows 7, the Windows Firewall is actually quite good if you manage it properly. Personally, I don't see the need of installing a third party firewall. Here, I suggest that you read this post by quietman.

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/407147/answers-to-common-security-questions-best-practices/#entry2475503

[remember]

34 minutes ago, Aura said:

PC Tools products have been discontinued years ago and aren't supported anymore, so I wouldn't install it.

Also, starting in Windows 7, the Windows Firewall is actually quite good if you manage it properly. Personally, I don't see the need of installing a third party firewall. Here, I suggest that you read this post by quietman.

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/407147/answers-to-common-security-questions-best-practices/#entry2475503

Typically, a firewall needs updates to solve incompatibilities; even though PC Tools Firewall Plus has been discontinued, the latest version (7.0.0.123) works good on Win 7/64 and is compatible with all AV's I tried so far; I would say PC Tools Firewall Plus is the best user friendly firewall on the market .

Windows Firewall doesn't offer protection for outbound connections; in fact will allow ALL outbound connections, so has ZERO value from a  security point of view.

A Firewall is a must  in any layered security approach.

[Aura]

Quote

Typically, a firewall needs updates to solve incompatibilities

Or to fix security vulnerabilities, or add protection against new exploit methods. A discontinued product isn't considered safe, even less when it's a security one. And the Windows Firewall outbound connection settings can be modified. In fact, I'm pretty sure it does offer that protection, otherwise, you wouldn't receive a message from the Windows Firewall everytime you install and run a new program on a fresh install.

[remember]

"In fact, I'm pretty sure it does offer that protection..."

"Pretty sure" is nice, unfortunately, no , doesn't offer outbound protection.