I've had some experience with Comodo Firewall Free, and I can share a few thoughts based on my use and the broader conversation in the cyber security community.
Effectiveness against modern threats: Comodo Firewall is known for being quite robust. It offers features like default-deny protection, which effectively blocks unknown applications until they are verified as safe. This is pretty helpful in guarding against zero-day threats. AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives have sometimes highlighted its strengths in previous evaluations, making it a viable free option for many users. However, always keep in mind that no firewall can be entirely foolproof and should be part of a layered security approach, including antivirus software and smart browsing habits.
System performance: In my experience, Comodo does a decent job of balancing protection and performance. There are occasional reports of system slowdowns, especially during full scans or when running multiple security features concurrently, but these aren't universally experienced. It's wise to monitor your system's resource usage and see how it impacts your daily tasks.
User-Friendliness: The interface has improved over the years, aiming to cater to both beginners and advanced users. While it might seem overwhelming at first with numerous settings and alerts, the layout is logical once you get the hang of it. They also offer a "gamers mode" that reduces interruptions during full-screen activities, which is a nice touch.
Common issues or conflicts: Some users have reported conflicts when using Comodo with other antivirus software, especially if they both have real-time scanning features. It's always best to check compatibility, as overlap can lead to performance lags or false positives. One recommendation is to ensure all other security software is entirely compatible with Comodo or to use Comodo's complete security suite if you're committed to their ecosystem.
From personal experience, installing one security program at a time and checking for stability before adding another is a good strategy to avoid conflicts.
For further reading, you might look into online forums like the Comodo community, where users discuss their experiences in detail. It's also worth checking recent reviews on cyber security sites or YouTube demos for visual overviews.
Have you considered what your main use case is and whether that aligns with the features Comodo offers? That might help narrow down if it's the right fit for you.