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Windows 7 Firewall Control Free (32-bit version)

Version: 2.52

Downloads Count: 67,370

License Type: Free

Price: Free

Date Added: Jun 29, 2009

Operating Systems: Windows Vista, Windows 7

Requirements: 32-bit OS

File Size: 1091 KB

Author: Sphinx Software

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Avg. User Rating 4

Editorial Review of Windows 7 Firewall Control Free (32-bit version)

Want fine-grained control over the firewall built into Windows 7 and Windows Vista--especially the way it blocks outbound connections? Good luck. Even if you manage to unearth the controls buried deep in Windows menus and applications, you'll be baffled. Windows 7 Firewall Control Free solves the problem for you.

Windows 7 Firewall Control Free lets you tell the Windows firewall to block applications from making outbound connections to the Internet, or to customize the way they make those connections. Outbound filters like this are important, because if you've been infected with a Trojan or similar software, that malware makes an outbound connection without your knowledge, letting someone else take control of your PC. Some malware can also turn your PC into a spam-spewing robot, sending out email without your knowledge.

When you run the program, whenever an application tries to access the Internet, a screen pops up, with the application name, the publisher, and similar information, as well its path and file name. You can then enable or disable inbound or outbound connections it tries to make, either permanently, or just this one time. If you're not sure if the program is malware or not, go to www.processlibrary.com and do a search for the file name, for details.

Without the Windows 7 Firewall Control, you won't be able to control how programs access the Internet to this degree. You'll have to instead rely on the decisions that the built-in Windows firewall makes on its own. In most instances, those decisions are the right ones, but if you're more comfortable making those decisions yourself, you'll want this program.

Be aware that by default, the control is very aggressive in the way it uses the Windows firewall to block outbound and inbound connections. You won't even be able to access the Internet using Internet Explorer until you use the control to tell the firewall to let it through. So the first time an alert pops up telling you Internet Explorer's access to the Internet has been disabled--or another program you want to hop onto the Internet-- make sure you enable it. Also, the alert sound that the control uses to tell you about events is incredibly annoying--kind of a loud, baby shout--so you'll want to change it.

Despite these annoyances, if you want fine-grained control over the way that the Windows firewall works in Windows 7 and Windows Vista, you'll want to download this free program.

This software is available in 32-bit and 64-bit versions; choose the one that works for your OS. Note that there is also a for-pay version of the firewall available that offers extra tools, including advanced features such as port forwarding management.

--Preston Gralla

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Most recent User Reviews for Windows 7 Firewall Control Free (32-bit version)

Reviewed by: danijelkovacs2

07-31-2009

Duration of ownership: 30 Months

Strengths: dfgg

Weaknesses: gfgf

Overall Evaluation: gfgfg
Reviewed by: blegs38552

05-27-2009

Duration of ownership: 1 Months

Strengths: Free. Easy to use. Fills in all of the gaps that VISTA left out.

Weaknesses: Alert sound can't be changed despite the option to do so.

Overall Evaluation: Superior
Reviewed by: Buckscaper

02-14-2009

Duration of ownership: 1 Days

Strengths: It picks up where Microsoft dropped the ball with Vista's built-in firewall with respect to outbound connections.

Weaknesses: No way to turn it off (you can close the control panel and remove the systray icon but you can't stop the app without uninstall). No tech support that I can find. MAJOR CONFLICT WITH FIREFOX 3 - all tabs are in continuous state of "loading" even though they're really done - the spinners keep spinning (I'm getting dizzy); it blocked my Google toolbar and did not ask. I have a feeling it's also blocking other things but not asking.

Overall Evaluation: Pretty cr*ppy. Any program that doesn't have an "OFF" switch goes to the bottom of any list as far as I'm concerned. The concept of this app is excellent; the execution abysmal.
Reviewed by: sharonespi

09-23-2008

Duration of ownership: 3 Weeks

Strengths: I love this program. I have the free version. It was simple to set up and very user friendly. Quite literally, it takes care of itself and very easy to manage. It passed the Shields Up test. Need I say more?

Weaknesses: None as of yet.

Overall Evaluation: This program is perfect for those who are not advanced in computer knowledge.
Reviewed by: dalb8623

09-10-2008

Duration of ownership: 1 Months

Strengths: This program does what Microsoft didn't. That is it allows full outbound protection, as well as inbound. Microsoft decided to ship Vista, even Ultimate which is what i am running, with the firewall only protecting the inbound traffic, even though the firewall is capable of protecting both directions. Other programs available might be able to do the same thing, but they are cumbersome, and difficult to setup and manage. This program takes care of all that for you.

Weaknesses: None yet.

Overall Evaluation: There is a free version availalbe, so you have nothing to lose by trying it.
Reviewed by: boltzons

10-03-2007

Duration of ownership: 5 Months

Strengths: Simple interface and user friendly program that meets its designed intent.

Weaknesses: Compatibility - None to date.

Overall Evaluation: A very nice and capable program for approving on outbound traffic. The Plus version provides additional and welcome user configurable options for those with more advanced requirements. Well done Sphinx!

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Windows 7 Firewall Control Free (32-bit version)

Editorial Review of Windows 7 Firewall Control Free (32-bit version)

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Most recent User Reviews for Windows 7 Firewall Control Free (32-bit version)

Reviewed by: danijelkovacs2

Reviewed by: blegs38552

Reviewed by: Buckscaper

Reviewed by: sharonespi

Reviewed by: dalb8623

Reviewed by: boltzons

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Windows 7 Firewall Control Free (32-bit version)

Editorial Review of Windows 7 Firewall Control Free (32-bit version)

Add Your Review

Submit your Review

Most recent User Reviews for Windows 7 Firewall Control Free (32-bit version)

Reviewed by: danijelkovacs2

Reviewed by: blegs38552

Reviewed by: Buckscaper

Reviewed by: sharonespi

Reviewed by: dalb8623

Reviewed by: boltzons

See more user reviews »

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