Manage updates with the Download AppWindows 7 Firewall Control User Reviews
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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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"Works Great"
Version: Windows 7 Firewall Control 3.5
Pros
Like Free Zone Alarm used to be.
Cons
None - none - none :)
Summary
Wish it worked with 2K, I would replace Zone Alarm in a flash.
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"Grab This 1, EZ & Free-"
Version: Windows 7 Firewall Control 3.0
Pros
Less bother than a few of the free ones out there- stays alert & uses hardly any resources -
Cons
huh, where...?
Summary
A simple and free firewall for average folks- Total Win-Win !
During first few runs, as with any new firewall it wants permissions to set a baseline for safe surfing & web use.
~ALERT~did you INTEND for IE to go online...oh, well then ok !
~Alert~ do you intend to let apple and google connect to the web ?? ohhh, ok-then firewall will "allow" -
"Very obtrusive little program"
Version: Windows 7 Firewall Control 3.0
Pros
Tightly integrated with Windows 7. Small footprint.
Cons
Very obtrusive. By default it disables all ingoing and outgoing connections. When a connection is made, a small window pops up asking to allow or reject access. The window is sometimes small and hides behind other windows so it is easy to miss.
Summary
Does not "sense" which programs should and shouldn't have access. It was tough to install programs with this on until I finally got fed up and removed it. Then life was good again.
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"too bad it does not grade to minus 5"
Version: Windows 7 Firewall Control 3.0
Pros
fast download
Cons
Everything, started with intrusive questions that made no sense than brought the system down. A blank page.
Summary
. I could see my new unit going back to HP. Fortunately I was able to recover in safe mode. No need for instability like this in 2010.
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