Keeping the outside out: Seven desktop firewalls tested

Symantec Client Security 8.0

The Symantec Client Security Suite comprises the Symantec AntiVirus Client and the Symantec Client Firewall, making it an excellent integrated package. The setup process for the combined products is rather lengthy, and finishes with the Live Update package which checks with the Symantec servers for the latest signatures.

Firewalls: Introduction Check Point SecureClient Computer Associates eTrust EZ Firewall ISS RealSecure Desktop Protector Kerio Personal Firewall McAfee Desktop Firewall 7.5 Symantec Client Security 8.0 Zone Alarm Pro Sample scenario How we tested Glossary Specifications and results Editors' Choice About RMIT Test Labs

When we tested the system with a port scan, an alert flashed in system tray and stayed flashing. The port scan found no result from the system at all; it was completely invisible. However, the firewall software detected that it was being port scanned (rather than just registering connections to a series of ports). The ping flood was not blocked or logged (other than as inbound packets). Attaching to a Windows share, browsing the Web, and reading e-mail all created individual alerts and requested a rule be created to block or allow the behaviour in the future.

The Symantec suite is very comprehensive, including antivirus and firewall as well as intrusion detection and content filtering. It also provides snap-ins for Microsoft Outlook/Exchange and IBM/Lotus Notes and is able to run standalone or be managed by the Symantec Client Security Management Server.

The client software was a little difficult to navigate and the interface felt slow, but overall protection is excellent, management is well integrated, and documentation is quite good.

Product:	Symantec Client Security
Price:	From AU$95.50 per user
Vendor:	Symantec
Phone:	02 8879 1000
Web:	www.symantec.com
Interoperability:	½ Very good system with virus checking and management.
Futureproofing:	½ Excellent features but interface needs some tweaking.
ROI:	Very good pricing with virus checker.
Service:	Good documentation and online help.
Rating:	½

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central silent installs?? was ...Anonymous -- 20/05/04

central silent installs?? was in ice cap but to my knowledge not yet wriitten into SP!!

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You did not review the new eTr ...Anonymous -- 03/11/04

You did not review the new eTrust EZ Armor. It is different now; it consists of eTrust EZ Antivirus and eTrust EZ Firewall (which is ZoneLabs technology). So you have a good antivirus, not a resource hog, uses less space on hard drive, and "ZoneAlarm." There are not many better.

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