TinyWall logo

TinyWall

By Karoly Pados Free Editors' Rating

Editors' Review

Download.com Staff Jun 2, 2014

A firewall controller utility developed by Karoly Pados, TinyWall improves the operation of the default Windows firewall and effectively blocks Trojans, viruses, and worms. It's largely based on application whitelisting picked by its corresponding executable, process, or window.

Pros

Robust: TinyWall does not install its own kernels but cleverly adds some very robust features and protection to your Windows firewall by initially blocking practically everything and then creating exceptions. Even after we deactivated it, it reactivated itself after a computer restart.

No pop-up messages: Taking a cue from the default Windows firewall, TinyWall does away with those extremely annoying diversions. Plus, you do not have to understand anything about DLL files, ports, or other technical details to use this app effectively.

Updates: For a utility developed by a single person, it is surprising to have updates, although admittedly cloud functionality is a much more immediate way to respond to new threats.

Cons

Learning mode is not foolproof: When entering Autolearn mode you must be absolutely certain that your computer has no malware; otherwise it will unavoidably be whitelisted by the firewall and not detected at all. It kind of beats the logic of having protection in the first place.

Manual unblocking: We had to manually whitelist Firefox, Skype, and Dropbox. Even though this is done only once for every application, popular applications should be whitelisted by default.

Bottom Line

TinyWall increases the control you have over the default Windows firewall and enhances its level of protection. It requires very limited user input and does away with all the irritating messages and pop-ups. We highly recommended this well-made app.

Full Specifications

What's new in version 2.1.10

Fix accidentally introduced dependency on .Net 4.8.

General

Release July 22, 2019
Date Added July 22, 2019
Version 2.1.10

Operating Systems

Operating Systems Windows, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8
Additional Requirements Microsoft .Net Framework 3.5 SP1

Popularity

Total Downloads 25,157
Downloads Last Week 8
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Developer's Description

Designed to harden and control the advanced firewall built into Windows, TinyWall includes a combination of features that sets it apart from both commercial and freeware firewalls.

TinyWall does not display popups that "urge users to allow". In fact, it will not notify you of any blocked action. Rather than displaying popups, TinyWall allows users to whitelist or unblock programs via various methods. For example, you can just initiate whitelisting by a hotkey, then click on a window that you want to allow. Or, you can select an application from the list of running processes. (Of course, the traditional way of selecting an executable also works.)

This approach avoids popups but still keeps the firewall very easy to use. It will also limit the list of unblocked programs to those that the user really needs, which is optimal from a security standpoint. TinyWall gives Windows Firewall a sane and secure configuration and presents you with a simple interface where you can easily define what has network access and what not, while preventing other programs from modifying or overwriting your firewall settings.

Key features: - TinyWall lets you work while protecting you. There are no annoying popups but configuration is very simple. - Using the advanced Windows Firewall built into newer Windows versions, TinyWall's performance impact is negligible. - No drivers or kernel-components are installed so it does not influence system stability. - Automatic learning, blocklists, password lock, firewall tampering protection and built-in tight firewall rules help increase TinyWall's and your computer's security even further. - Firewall modes and lots of other convenience features make TinyWall extremely easy to use for anybody. - All packed into a download that is about a megabyte.
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