Scan & Fix 50 registry issues FREECNET Editors' review
PeerBlock is an advanced IP blocking utility. In plain words, it lets you control how your PC interacts with other computers over the Internet, letting you block servers and sites known to be troublesome or even dangerous. It lets you choose what to block, and you can also import or create your own lists. PeerBlock is open source freeware maintained by the PeerBlock project.
When you first run PeerBlock, a wizard helps you set up its options, though you can change them later. These include what you want to block; by default, PeerBlock blocks anti-P2P organizations, ads, spyware, and educational institutions and universities. There's also a checkbox labeled Always Allow HTTP. This option always enables connections over ports 80 and 443 of your PC, even if they're on your blocklist. These two ports are usually for Web browsing, but other programs access them, too. If you're starting to feel your head spin, don't worry! Each step includes a paragraph-long Recommendation explaining your options. If you need more help, the online User Guide and other documentation have it. But we quickly set up PeerBlock's update scheduler and other options and clicked Finish. PeerBlock immediately downloaded an updated list of known threats and troublemakers, displaying the data in the program's simple interface. While PeerBlock's face is one only a developer could love, we appreciate its logical layout and efficient control suite. PeerBlock's interface has two tabs, Protection and Settings, with the Settings tab stretching over two pages. Right-clicking PeerBlock's system tray icon opens its main console; left-clicking it opens a context menu with instant access to Enable and Disable controls, allow HTTP options, basic but useful controls like always on top, and support. If we changed our blocked list, PeerBlock automatically updated its settings and downloaded the latest correct definitions.
Of course, most of the time you won't be aware that PeerBlock is doing its thing, but if you need convincing, just activate it and browse to some perfectly ordinary sites, like major media sites. Then simply check PeerBlock's log view to watch servers trying to slip ads under your eyes. Highly recommended.
Publisher's Description
From PeerBlock:
PeerBlock lets you control who your computer "talks to" on the Internet. By selecting appropriate lists of "known bad" computers, you can block communication with advertising or spyware oriented servers, computers monitoring your p2p activities, computers which have been "hacked", even entire countries. They can't get in to your computer, and your computer won't try to send them anything either.
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All versions:
3.7 starsout of 21 votes
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Current version:
3.7 starsout of 21 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Awesome protection when used for what it was made for"
Version: PeerBlock 1.1
Pros
Blocks the stinking government spies, "over the top" anti-pirating/ anti-p2p spies, advertising spamming computers and a whole lot more. There are multiple 'lists' that you can add to the standard lists that come with the program. Peerblock updates the 'lists' every day or when you choose. If you are unable to access a site, Peerblock will flash in the taskbar and you can manually choose to allow http for the time values given or add the site as an exception, or simply elect to allow http, in which case, the icon will turn from blue to yellow to inform you that the program is effectively not running and blocking known bad addresses. Works perfectly when used appropriately, such as for torrenting.
Cons
None that I can think of as far as it's job goes. Maybe it could have a dirty great big sign on it saying, "NOT A FULL ON FIREWALL,USE FOR ENHANCED SECURITY ONLY", just for all those complete and utter idiots and losers out there who have no clue as to what the software they are downloading is actually used for. Then, instead of giving perfectly good programs such as peerblock a really bad rap for doing what it's supposed to do, they can just shut their cake holes and spend some time learning what programs such as Peerblock actually do.
Summary
If you are into torrents, don't hesitate to use this awesome tool. It's not the be all and end all of privacy programs, if you want to surf or torrent annonomously the use a proxy server, but at least it's another level of protection that can help keep those spying fools away from our front door.
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"Installs Spyware"
Version: PeerBlock 1.1
Pros
False sense of security
Cons
This worthless program bundles with spyware, including programs named Coupon Companion and IB Updater. However, the biggest offender is "Incredibar." It adds a worthless toolbar to IE and Firefox and refuses to uninstall. I googled Incredibar to learn that it's spyware that hijacks your browsers to its advertising. I had chosen "custom install" to make sure to get Peer Block and Peer Block, but instead got this junk forced down my throat. I tried a Windows 7 rollback to a restore point, but that failed to get rid of this crap. Doesn't C-Net check the software here anymore?
Summary
Don't even remotely consider installing this spyware/junkware/crapware. If you do, you'll be sorry.
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"False sense of security!"
Version: PeerBlock 1.1
Pros
Only blocks 1/3 of the IP addresses out there at best!
Cons
Blocks DHT and UDP addresses, which are necessary for downloading. See BitTorrent "Help" section. I was caught twice using PeerBlock. The program itself has not been upgraded in almost 3 years because the owner has been "lazy," his words, not mine.
Summary
Worthless protection! Don't bother. Get a pizza instead.
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"Great IP Blocker!"
Version: PeerBlock 1.1
Pros
Works great, and has already blocked several IPs.
Blocked "oversee.net", which I had no idea was lurking on my PC from a past installation I had tried from CNET.
The program is also blocking over 1,000,000 IP addresses so far.Cons
I have read these reviews and replies, and I hate to see so called "intelligent" people treat other people as if they are idiots just because they don't know that much about this program.
Summary
The program is great
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"Many many thanx to the makers."
Version: PeerBlock 1.1
Pros
Blocks many many a-holes.
Cons
Many many morons who thinks this is a firewall.
Summary
I didn't know there were so many spyware companies/anti-p2p/botnets/campus police trying to block me from happiness untill I got this fine software.
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"Great in theory not in practice"
Version: PeerBlock 1.1
Pros
Easy to use.
Cons
Doesn't work. Been nailed 3 times by Comcast while using it. Even though it's automatically updated i still do it manually before downloading "sensitive" material.
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"Great Freeware"
Version: PeerBlock 1.1
Pros
Quick instalation, great layer of protection against some malware, p2p & ddos attacks
you still need a good paid antivirus & firewallCons
take 25-30 secs to whitelist an IP
Summary
must have software
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"Generally good protection"
Version: PeerBlock 1.1
Pros
Appears to be effective in blocking spyware and other malicious intervenors to your system. It was easy to install and the protection options appeared to be straight-forward and easy to select.
Cons
It is NOT effective insofar as blocking anti P2P tracking and intervention. If you're hoping that it will be a solution for this purpose, don't waste your time.
Summary
In general, a good spyware, pop-up and random spam block; not an effective guard when engaging in P2P activity.
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"PEERBLOCK DOES WHAT IT SHOULD (It's not a firewall)"
Version: PeerBlock 1.1
Pros
PEERBLOCK IS NOT A traditional FIREWALL. It has been poorly categorized and placed on Cnet.
Peerblock simply blocks organizations that track your browsing habits (sites you access, files you download etc.)Cons
none that I know of
Summary
Actual description of what Peerblock does:
eerBlock lets you control who your computer "talks to" on the Internet.
By selecting appropriate lists of "known bad" computers, you can block communication with advertising or spyware oriented servers, computers monitoring your p2p activities, computers which have been "hacked", even entire countries!
They can't get in to your computer, and your computer won't try to send them anything either. -
"does what it says"
Version: PeerBlock 1.1
Pros
easy to use, keeps you safe
Cons
no way to really know your 100% safe.
