Publisher's Description
From SphinxSoftware:
Windows7FirewallControl protects both local and remotely running applications from undesirable incoming and outgoing network activity. Controlling an entire network/cloud by implementing a distributed security model and creating virtual sub networks on physical networks/clouds. The program manages external connectability by automatically synchronizing the hardware-firewalls/-routers Port Forwarding.
What's new in this version: Version 5.0.0.15 includes Network/Cloud/Remote network permissions management
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All versions:
3.6 starsout of 51 votes
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Current version:
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"A very nice, easy to use firewall."
Version: Windows 7 Firewall Control 4.1
Pros
Easy to use.
XP/Vista and 7 version compatible.
Light on system resources.
Four options allow/block/incoming only/outgoing only.
Apply once/Apply always (Apply) option.
Effective firewall.Cons
Application Detection Sound scared the life out of me when I first used it.
But the main disadvantage is like most firewalls, first time configuration, you will get several prompts, you may have to run a program twice.Summary
This firewall by default blocks all programs that access the internet, you need to click the enable prompt on the first run of the program (if you want it to access) and maybe close and open the program again. Once its configured its fine but a day of patience is needed. Using a firewall also educates the average user to what is running.
In settings "Windows 7 Taskbar Integration", I think is pointless and I prefer it to use the icon in the tray. The log balloon is sometimes also annoying (if you have blocked some programs), I disabled this setting also.
Conclusion: Its light on system resources, a definite must have if running Windows XP, an upgrade for Vista/7 (as their firewalls are better than the XP one). Recommended to use in conjunction with Microsoft Security Essentials and an up to date web browser for an effective, free security solution. -
"Stalled system"
Version: Windows 7 Firewall Control 4.0
Pros
Would not advise
Cons
Stalled IE to a crawl and would not let me change my folders in gmail. For expamle I was in my trash folder and tried to return to inbox folder and IE stalled and would not process request. Cnet also stalled and would not process request.
Summary
Terrrible for Win 7 64 Bit systme
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"Makes the 7 firewall more user friendly."
Version: Windows 7 Firewall Control 4.0
Pros
Install went smoothly. Integrates with Windows 7 firewall seamlessly. Easy to navigate user interface. Doesn't use a lot of system resources. Simple rule creation for applications. 64 bit compatible. No annoying "buy now" popups.
Cons
Some features disabled in free version (of course). No option to minimize the control panel to the system tray.
Summary
Most experts agree that the Windows 7 firewall is adequate for the average home user. A great improvement over the Windows XP firewall. However configuring the outbound firewall rules can be a bit daunting, especially for a novice user. Plus the Windows firewall isn't transparent, especially when it comes to outbound connections, so you don't know what it's doing unless you get a pop up that it actually blocked something. That's where this little app comes in handy. It gives you the ability to create your own rules governing inbound and outbound connections for applications or processes with just a couple of clicks of the mouse. By default it will block any new process or application automatically until you create a rule to allow incoming, outgoing or both rules. A great plus if your unlucky enough to get infected with malware. The malware won't be able to "phone home" unless you let it do so. Because of this the first time you use your browser it won't be able to connect until you create a rule for the application. That is one slight downside, It won't pause the application until you make a decision. It will terminate the process first and ask questions later.
A couple of things I should have mentioned in my original post. You can view the activity of the Windows 7 firewall by accessing the firewall log file if you care to take the time to hunt down the file and open it. Also by default the program will automatically create a Enable All (read only) rule for authentic Windows processes such as svchost.exe etc...
Updated on Dec 22, 2010
Updated on Jan 10, 2011The Windows 7 FW is indeed superior to XP's. However the main turnoff for me is the lack of transparency. You don't know what it's doing unless it actually blocks something it deems potentially malicious then you get a popup. The free version of Windows 7 Firewall Control does provide you with detailed info about the FW activity plus easier outbound rule creation but there were some shortcomings with the program. By default the program creates a rule for all Windows applications to be enabled but read only and you can't change that option (free version). That rendered some Windows applications that require both read and write capability nonfunctional. Also with the 7 Firewall Control program it will kill a process instead of suspending it until a decision is made which can make installing new software problematic at best. So the bottom line is I installed Comodo Firewall 5.0 64 bit. With the numerous settings, tweaks and transparency of Comodo it is just the better option for me. -
"Great addition to your existing firewall."
Version: Windows 7 Firewall Control 4.0
Pros
Easy to install and use.
Cons
I have no complaints.
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"Basic firewall that works"
Version: Windows 7 Firewall Control 3.5
Pros
Simple interface; 64-bit application; works fine with 64-bit Windows 7
Cons
Setup can be somewhat tricky
Summary
I installed it after getting tired with ZoneAlarm pop-ups on start up offering to upgrade to pro version. First I installed it when my Firefox was up; it blocked my internet access completely, and I couldn't even restart Firefox, after I shut it down it was still running on the background. Only after I reinstalled the firewall with no web applications running, it started working. No problems since, it does what it's supposed to do.
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"Mediocre at best"
Version: Windows 7 Firewall Control 3.5
Pros
It provides you with an interface where you can (SOMETIMES) allow/deny programs.
Cons
Sadly it all too frequently does nothing when a new application tries to run. Adobe updater,Opera widgets and many other apps have been rendered useless as this blocks them but fails to notify or give a choice of action.
Summary
Could be a good aplication, I ran it for a monh on 2 machines but have now got so fed up with it the un nstaller was run ........ now my programs and updaters work again.
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"HAS WORKED GREAT FOR VISTA & WINDOWS 7"
Version: Windows 7 Firewall Control 3.5
Pros
Runs silently in the background. Can be used along with your regular firewall and will not slow down your computer. I run it along with Comodo Firewall. It is not annoying like some firewalls.
Cons
NONE- have been using it for quite a while with no problems
Summary
Love this firewall
Great firewall. I have been using versions of this for years and it always works great. 5 stars!!
Updated on Sep 11, 2010
Updated on Apr 23, 2011I APPRECIATE A COUPLE OF REPLIES I HAVE RECEIVED WARNING ME THAT I CAN'T RUN TWO FIREWALLS AT THE SAME TIME BUT YOU CAN. THE FOLLOWING IS FROM THE FIREWALLS WEBSITE:
Windows 7 Firewall Control and the Built-in Firewall
Windows7FirewallControl is based on Windows Filtering Platform (WFP), the security core of Windows7/Vista/2008 completely and does not install any third party kernel drivers. The Built-in Firewall is based on the same WFP as well. The both products work independently entirely. You can switch the Built-in Firewall ON or OFF at your option due to complete product independence. -
"Actually Makes Windows Firewall Useable"
Version: Windows 7 Firewall Control 3.5
Pros
Easy way to control what programs you want to allow or deny access to the Internet using the Windows Firewall that already comes with your operating system.
Cons
It's not as fully featured as some other programs.
Summary
Windows Firewall is a great 2-way firewall but its interface is ridiculously and unecessarily complicated. It also doesn't pop-up a warning when a new program tries to access the internet like other firewalls such as ZoneAlarm. But since Windows firewall already comes with your operating system, and it is lightweight and effective, then Windows 7 Firewall Control is a welcome addition that finally makes it easy to use Windows Firewall to control exactly which programs you want to allow or deny access. This alone would make it worthwhile for most people. The first time a program tries to access the interent, a popup dialog box prompts you to allow or deny the connection and asks whether you want this choice to be permanent or just this one time.
The program also provides an easy click to instantly disable all connections to the internet whic can be useful for security reasons.
There is a plus edition for those who require more features, but the basic feature set of the free version is more than enough to finally make the Windows 7 Firewall easy to use. Highly recommended. -
"Horrible! Disables programs for daily computing."
Version: Windows 7 Firewall Control 3.0
Pros
Integrates into the Windows 7 Quick Launch bar pretty easily, but thats it.
Cons
Very intrusive and will block normal updates. I have had this program for over a year and I finally became so fed up after it would not allow me to in a GotoMeeting webinar, because it blocked Java from running. The "way way" voice is annoying.
Summary
You can try it, but if you are a somewhat competent a using a PC, you will be completely frustrated by this intrusive program!
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"Easy to use and free but limiting if you are an IT Pro"
Version: Windows 7 Firewall Control 3.5
Pros
This product is free, and it does what it says on the box, restricts and allows programs as they pop up. It is easy to use, beginners will enjoy this.
Cons
If you are downloading this you are probably looking for more. This firewall is simplistic and similar to a built in Windows Firewall, it cannot allow or block specific ports, you need the paid version for that.
Summary
This product does work, there is no spyware or anything like that, however if you are downloading this product you are probably ready to move past the functionality of the firewall inside Windows to something more and this is not the answer, it is a replacement for the in built Windows Firewall not an improvement. I would reccomend trying Zone Alarm instead.
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