[cr33pyguy]

So, this would be in terms of price. I have seen that many of them are quite expensive, but are they worth it, and how effectively do they protect your network. Not that I would be buying one, just interested.

[Nefarious]

It all depends on what company made the firewall and what you want it for, they are very effective. However they will not fully protect you.

[Nohbdy]

As a dude who manages roughly 40 machine's with 3000 VPS's, here's my thought.

A raspberry pi with 2 USB Ethernet adapters is MUCH more efficient (pricewise, spacewise, et cetera) than any dedicated hardware appliance. However, you have to program them yourself. Also, I'm not sure if the r-pi has USB 3.0, which is required for GIG-E ethernet speeds. Latency is also introduced with this method, as you're using a low-power CPU to do the processing.

The problem with hardware firewalls is that you have to have enough external bandwidth to survive a ddos. That means any ddos capable of taking down your internet will be unhindered by your firewall. The only thing they really protect in event of ddos is the back end equipment (I've had ddos take out a router, shit happens).

So what you have to consider is "Is it worth $3000+ for a half-assed appliance that protects me only a fraction of the time".

[workaholics]

I personally use Comodo firewall personal, it has done me very well. My school and police department use it.
If you want to download it here is the fast link: http://download.comodo.com/cis/download/...sk2=Google

If you want to go to the website here it is: http://personalfirewall.comodo.com/

So I would use it.