I'm in need of the simplest firewall software out there, meaning I only need software which would allow me to tell it which application can access the internet (total upload/download blockage control) and which not at all. It should be small, simple, and hog as few system resources as possible. I'm aware of ZoneAlarm and Outpost, but those hog way too much resources and offer me countless features which I have no need for. Which one do you recommend? Oh, it should support (run on) Win2k3 too.

i have also been looking for the same sort of thing as i dont require resource hogging software based firewalls. i had a quick look around and have come up with this.

http://www.toplang.com/internetlock.htm

going to test it out today and see if its any good

why do u need a firewall? it seems u trust internet explorer. so i think u dont need a firewall.....

i had a quick look around and have come up with this.

http://www.toplang.com/internetlock.htm

Thanks, I'll try that out. But it doesn't appear to have upload/download blockage control which I'd prefer, only total blockage.

I've been a fan of Sygate Personal FW for a while now (freeware). No breaches ever since using it, along w/ Avast AV

SoftPerfect Firewall is pretty simple (and free)

I'm currently using Kerio Personal firewall on one of my desktops, I like it a lot - it has now converted itself to it's free for personal use but not so advanced features mode. That happens after a 30-day trial mode.

You can configure it to use advanced setting while installing it an so it will pop-up messages when some application tries to access the .net, depending on you to grant or deny that access. Simple setting will just act silently but still control what happens on application level.

Quite nice - try it - that's my advice ...

Regards

Jacob

I'll agree with CBC here. Sygate would be my personal choice. It does pretty much exactly what you're asking for - notifies you when a program tries to connect to the internet and asks you if you want to allow it access (Both upload and download).

Other than that, it sits there quietly, taking up a mere 10MB of RAM and very low CPU usage. It only bothers you when it needs your input.

Look 'n' Stop is light on system resources. You might want to check it out.

Look 'n' Stop

The forum.

Wilders Security Look 'n' Stop forum

It is shareware but has a 30 day trial.

u can try netpeeker also really easy on system resources

I agree with techniquefreak, kerio is great!