Scan & Fix 50 registry issues FREEWindows 7 Firewall Control User Reviews
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"INSTALLS MAL-WARE - SHAME ON CNET!"
Version: Windows 7 Firewall Control 5.1.7.69
Pros
IT downloads and BOY does it install! three different malwares, all FREE!
Mal-ware free - my assets...Cons
IT DESTROYED my ability to create FOLDERS! It snuck in "SECUREVAULT" which is Mal-ware, and "Whitesnake" which is mal-ware.
CNET is the big con here! SHAME ON YOU!Summary
I was rebuilding after a rootkit; I selected this program by accident, I thought it was another one. Now I have to start reinstalling all over again, because I can't use my computer any more as this TERRIBLE BAD set of sneaky downloads has RUINED it again!
I really hate this! Twi days of rebuilding destroyed by CNET! -
"fantastic program"
Version: Windows 7 Firewall Control 5.1.7.69
Pros
-lightweight and easy to use
-gives me control of outbound programs
-doesn't affect stability of system (b/c its written in same programing language as native windows firewall). in my experiance with firewalls, they eventually conflict due to driver, or have stability issues. this one seems immune to those problems.
-can easily block a program and unblock it for quick updates, etc.
-loads fastCons
nothing as of yet.
Summary
i have used it for a couple years now and have never had a problem. i use windows 7 64 bit. i have tried all other freeware firewalls and eventually had conflicts or stability issues and/or crashes. this one is native windows and works excellent.
program was updated and is now slightly different. still seems to work great. but has more options (some of which are for paid version). not a big deal. just use allow or disallow (block) function and turn off recommended check box. these functions are all you need.
Updated on Feb 22, 2013 -
"Simple, lite, and very effective."
Version: Windows 7 Firewall Control 5.1.7.69
Pros
-I have 0 complaints.
-It blocks EVERYTHING that the stand-alone windows 7 firewall does not detect!
-Has blocked many viruses and ads from attempting to connect to the internet.Cons
-It does its purpose.
Summary
I actually do not get any trial-version prompts or messages.
This thing functions like the full version, if it does not through CNET, then Google another link. I am not using the full or pirated version - but so far its been running flawlessly w/o prompts.
Trial version does not give you the option to block system processes from accessing the internet, but "most" of these don't need monitoring anyway. -
"Incessant "Register" window pop-up"
Version: Windows 7 Firewall Control 5.1.7.69
Pros
Functions like ZoneAlarm to block outgoing traffic
Cons
Pops up a "register" window every few minutes. Apparently the way to register a free program is to pay $30 for a license key.
Summary
You get what you pay for.
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"Total Junk"
Version: Windows 7 Firewall Control 5.1.7.69
Pros
none that i could find
Cons
it installed 2 browser add ons that i did not ask for. it highjacked my home page on 3 of my browsers. it blocked everything and would not allow anything through, even after clicking on enable all. it wasted my time having to get rid of the junk that it put on. i.e. funmode toolbars and wejam search bars.i was very dissapointed with the software, and very dissapointed with cnet for putting such rubbish on their site for download.
Summary
if you are thinking of putting this software on your computer, i have one word of advice for you. DON'T !
i would have given it no stars, but i have to give it at least one in order to post this review. -
"You'll want to Strangle The Author!!!"
Version: Windows 7 Firewall Control 3.0
Pros
It indeed BLOCKS EVERYTHING! Small foot print. Easy to install. Low memory usage.
Cons
IT INDEED BLOCKS EVERYTHING! To the point of not allowing programs you've already given exceptions to to access the internet on a daily basis. I currently have FIVE (5) exception entries for Outlook and Firefox and it just asked me to allow them both AGAIN! Notification sound is annoying as hell and the first thing you'll disable!
Summary
You thought Windows UAC was annoying? You haven't met Windows 7 Firewall Control!
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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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