Interactive scorecard and NetResults: Firewall software
Every network is unique. This calculator lets you change the weights given to scores from our review to see which product might be best suited for your needs. Here's how it works: In each category, our reviewers rated the apps on a 1-10 basis. These ratings are then multiplied by the percentage weighting, and then added up to give an overall product score. Any score above 9 is considered "world class." For each category below, assign the percentage weight you think is most appropriate. The percent-o-meter box on the right will keep track of your weightings to let you know when you've reached 100%. When you fill in the last box, hit your enter key, and you'll see how the apps rate (along with our final scores for comparison).
| Norton Personal Firewall 2000 | PC Firewall | Personal Firewall | |||||
| Features | 8 | 8 | 8 | ||||
| Security | 4 | 8 | 6 | ||||
| Ease of use & setup | 8 | 4 | 6 | ||||
| Mgmt./admin. | 7 | 5 | 5 | ||||
| Documentation | 7 | 7 | 5 | ||||
| Our total | 6.50 | 6.15 | 6.05 | YOUR TOTAL | |||
NetResults
Secure Desktop 2.1
Rating: 8.85
Company: Sybergen Networks, (510) 742-2600
Cost: $29.95; $39.95 with upgrade protection
Pros: Outstanding all-around protection.
Cons: Two of its five security levels are somewhat
unnecessary.
ZoneAlarm 2.1.25
Rating: 8.25
Company: Zone Labs, (415) 547-0054
Cost: $19.95; free for personal use.
Pros: Easy to use; free for personal
or nonprofit use.
Cons: Lack of detailed port control.
BlackICE Defender 1.9.25
Rating: 7.45
Company: Network ICE, (650) 532-4100
Cost: $39.95
Pros: Tough port security.
Cons: No application monitoring.
Norton Personal Firewall
2000 2.0.35
Rating: 6.5
Company: Symantec, (408) 253-9600
Cost: $49.95; one year free firewall rules updates.
Pros: Best user interface.
Cons: Doesn't stop some intrusions.
PC Firewall 2.06
Rating: 6.15
Company: ConSeal, (519) 439-1780
Cost: $49.95 for Windows 95/98; $150 for Windows NT Workstation; $295 for Windows NT Server.
Pros: Maximum control.
Cons: For experts only; expensive for a personal firewall.
Personal Firewall 2.06
Rating: 6.05
Company: McAfee.com, (408) 992-1800
Cost: $19.95
Pros: Simple to use.
Cons: Some menus are cryptic.
