Ive been using windows firewall for a while, and I thought it worked fine. Never had any spyware adware malware problems. But reading rav009's guide changed my mind and convinced me I need a firewall. Now I have a few questions.
First off, I understand windows firewall still blocks ports and stuffin the background,even when its turned off. So, for instance, if I use a program (eMule) and I need to open ports, do I have to do it in my disabled windows firewall as well as the new one I select?
Second, I use eMule and I know that a p2p firewall would be great, and everybody really recommends peer guardian, so this is my primary option. But rav009 really likes his COMODO, and he doesn't talk about PG 2 at all, so I need to know if I should pick pg2 or comodo... I used Zone Alarm a while ago and I despise that program, its a huge pain in the butt to use, and causes more problems than it fixes. None of my links where working in any sites, took me a while to single the problem down to ZA (a week) and I uninstalled it. If comodo is anything like that Ill take PG 2...
Last question, I CANT use both comodo and PG 2 correct? its not like pg2 just focuses on p2p protection and comodo focuses on everything else? just making sure.
I lied, one more question. rav009 only talked about free AV, I was wondering what his, or anybody elses, profesional opinion was on NOD32?? cause thats what I happen to use, and I like it I guess...
Anyways, I just followed a guide to install spybot's search and destroy real time spyware protection which I didn't even know it had. Glad I did, I didn't even know there was real time spyware protection.
Edit: I lied again, one more question. rav009 doesn't call spybot s&d a realtime spyware thing. I scan with Ad-Aware, Spybot S&D regularly, should I install Spyware Blaster (writers choice) and use that live feature alongside the live feature offered by Spybot S&D? Or get rid of the spybot live feature, use Spyware Blasters live feature and still run regular scans with Spybot?
And should I dl windows defender as well? Only to run regular scans with it but not keep it in real time if I use Spyware Blaster's real time option.