Symantec to Acquire Sygate Technologies

http://www.symantec.com/press/2005/n050816a.html
from WinCustomize Forums

I have been trying to help my friend get up to speed with firewall and virus protection.  She needed free stuff so I was looking for links to the firewall I am using, Sygate.  When I got to the site I found a notation that Sygate would be acquired by Symantec.  There was a link that took me to this disclosure statement. 

I'm not sure what to think about this.  I have been using Sygate, and avoiding Symantec.  Maybe it's time to shop around for a different firewall.

I was wondering what people are using for firewalls these days?  (free ones)

3,099 views 9 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I've used Zone Alarm (free version) for ~3 years with good results.
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I haven't used it in a while, but Kerio (formerly Tiny Personal Firewall) is pretty good and mangement is similar to Sygate's personal firewall.
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Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I'd have to go with Zone Alarm. I'm not aware of any problems since I started using it (once I got it setup right)

I'm sure if Sygate works now..........Symantec will fix it.
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Yeah Zone Alarm is good. Although I don't understand this widespread hatred of Symantec, I've never had a problem with any of their products.
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Whenever I need a free firewall I have always used Zonealarm. It has never given me trouble. But for myself I bought Trend Micro Internet Security 2005 for my home desktop.
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I've never had a problem with any of their products.

Have you ever tried to uninstall one? It can be fun.

Most of the Norton utilities were exceptional prior to their being bought out by Symantec. I don't think they ever "kept up" after the release of Windows 95.

I remember shortly after the release of Norton Utilities for 95 I rec'd an email telling me not to use certain utilities and only to use others in DOS mode. I kept NAV on my system for 8 or 9 years and it never caught a single virus. It may not have been NAV's fault, it may be that during that time no one ever sent me one or gave me an infected disk.
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Thanks everyone.  I started out using Zone Alarm, then I started having problems getting it to even show up when I tried to open it.  Maybe that is fixed now (or whatever conflicted with it is more friendly now).  I'll check out keno too.
Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I'm sure if Sygate works now..........Symantec will fix it.

That's soooooooooo true.

They [Symantec] have my 30 USD for the next year's sub....but I still ain't gonna use it.

If they screw with my BITS I'll screw with theirs......the short and curly ones....

Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I don't use a software firewall. I believe I have a hardware firewall built into my cable modem. Works good enough. Never have had a problem.