What I like about ZoneAlarm is that asks me if I want to allow internet access for all programs that try to access it.
I can deny or allow access only for this one time, or have I remember my choice. Win Firewall does not do that. I could deny programs internet access using it, but I would have to manually go and do it. ZA asks me for every program automatically. So it is convenient.
All 3rd party firewalls that I have tried do this, but I like ZoneAlarm because it is light on resources and it is unobtrusive - does not bug me with unnecessary pop-ups or ads.

It does not have issues with the default Windows firewall either, so I have my Router's firewall, ZoneAlarm and Windows Firewall running.
Never had any incompatibilities, slow-downs or issues. So far I haven't had anything unwanted get through that I have noticed either.

 

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if you have a hardware firewall (router), why install a software one on your pc as well? if a hacker gets through your hardware firewall, the computer's firewall will be a joke to get through.

the software firewalls on the pc that block everything by default and ask you to open access as necessary are nice, but still, i'm not sure the point. if you get infected with something that tries to go out, it seems the AV software should fix that. the firewall doesn't do much to prevent it from happening in the first place.

 

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I still use the software firewall even behind a hardware firewall to limit virus spreading within a corporate network, to keep one user from prying on others, and otherwise adding a second fail-safe to protect against misconfiguration and other human errors.

Hardware firewalls are generally more resilient, but still require someone to not make a mistake. Also, it is easy to port scan an external firewall to start penetration, but once you get in, you gotta scan again to get past software firewalls. In many ways, this needs to be done by exploiting the Operating System instead of a firmware.

Anyhow, my point I guess is not to underestimate the software firewall and the Windows's one at that. It was pretty bad back in XP days, but these days, it is fully featured (if not a bit too complex at times). Zonealarm is nice for the popups. Windows does have this if you turn on outbound filtering, but it doesn't seem to be as user-friendly.

 

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The ultimate hardware firewall: unplug your network cable when you're not using the computer.

And like everyone said, MSE is a pretty good Antivirus. Also, MS's malicious software removal tool is nice too (MRT from the start menu in admin mode).

 

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Windows firewall is fine and easy to configure on the fly. I would suggest coupling it with your rotuer's firewall. It's a lot of overhead for the home, but every time you get things squared away within Windows, take a few minutes to duplicate the settings on your router. That way if you accidentally change something in Windows later you're still covered at a lower level.

 

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