I’ve used Windows Firewall for my whole life but I’m curious if anyone has any recommendations for a solid FOSS replacement. I do still use Windows on one of my systems on a daily basis but I always try to replace as much as possible with FOSS alternatives.
Any suggestions for a good FOSS alternative for Windows Firewall (and not at the router level)?
No, “just use Linux” is not a suggestion. I already do use Linux, but there are some things I do have to use Windows for.
If you’re going to use Windows … just use Windows firewall. There’s no real reason that I can think of anyways to replace that one component with something FOSS.
I suppose there’s not really a crucial reason but I just like to do so when I can. More peace of mind that way.
AFAIK, Windows firewall is perfectly fine, usable in commercial spaces, etc. You’re probably going to be getting into more “hobbyist” firewalls even if you do find one … and a firewall isn’t something you particularly want that with. You want something that’s well designed and well maintained.
(I say this as a guy that has run Linux on basically everything for … over a decade)
You don’t always need a “reason” to replace proprietary software with libre software. It’s perfectly ok to want something that gives you the four freedoms.