Windows Server 2008 - Firewall, Antivirus, AntiSpyware

This article list some free, cheap or affordable alternatives for security software for Windows Server 2008 and possibly other Windows Server family of products. I was initially surprised to find that popular security products including Firewall, Antivirus and AntiSpyware do not work for Windows Server 2008, but worked for Windows 7. Especially due to the fact that Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 share the same code base, this means they have the same engine under the hood.

Yet the Firewall and Antivirus and AntiSpyware that worked on Windows 7, refused to work on Windows Server 2008 and I think I know the reason. The reason must be purely commercial. Look at some software from Avira and Emsisoft, their Windows Server products are classified as Business Products but the Windows 7 and Vista are Home products. The Home products are between $50 - $100 while the Server or Business products can be more than $300.


So here are the things I tried and have not worked - so you can save yourself the trouble. Then I will show the things that do work.

Firewall that Don't work on Windows Server 2008
Comodo Firewall
Outpost Security Suite Free

Antivirus that Don't work on Windows Server 2008
Avira Antivirus
Avast Antivirus

Emsisoft Trial did work - but I'm not sure if it will work if I buy the standard edition. There is a server edition that costs hundreds of dollars.

Now for the good news.


Firewall that Work on Windows Server 2008
Zone Alarm Antivirus and Firewall Free

Antivirus that Work on Windows Server 2008
Zone Alarm Antivirus and Firewall Free
Microsoft Security Essentials
WinPatrol
SuperAntiSpyware
Spybot Search and Destroy
ThreatFire
Spyware Terminator

For Reviews, Discounts and Free Security Software, see:
http://xtechnotes.blogspot.com.au/2012/01/security-software-discounts-and-special.html