Windows 7 Firewall Control v. 5.0

[majoMo]

Just released newest version 5.0.

. Designed for Windows7/Vista/2008/XP/2003
. Free versions available

Windows 7 Firewall Control 5.0

[darts]

Did anybody test this one already?

Greats,

darts

[zip]

It seems to me that Windows 7 Firewall Control Free accomplishes the same as

WinPatrol and UAC. And vice versa. Yes or no?

[FadeAway]

I run WinPatrol Plus - have for years. It's
basically an IDS with some file and registry protection,
and the ability to block and reverse new start-up programs,
browser add-ons, ActiveX, etc.

Win 7 FC free is an overlay program for the Windows firewall
that allows a limited degree of control over apps seeking
outbound/inbound network access. It does not control apps
trying to modify windows OS like UAC.

See their website FAQ for details:

hxxp://www.sphinx-soft.com/Vista/order.html

I tried the new free version on W7 x64. Seems to be about
the same as the previous version.

[EboO]

Originally Posted by FadeAway

I tried the new free version on W7 x64. Seems to be about
the same as the previous version.

Same here, any changelog ?

[Brummelchen]

Changelog: http://www.firewall-forum.com/the-la...leases-t6.html

Runs fine except the context extension with third party explorer replacements (eg xyplorer) which may crash after a while.

improvements vs v4.1 - not really for a single workstation.

Upgrade will cost but 30% off regular price.

[kupo]

TinyWall and Windows Firewall Control is much better than this.

[FadeAway]

Originally Posted by skudo12

TinyWall and Windows Firewall Control is much better than this.

Do you mean the free version? Or the full paid version?

Why are they better?

[kupo]

Both. AFAIK, Windows 7 Firewall Control actually needs a restart for an application to be able to access the internet once you allow it. TinyWall offers an easy way to add rules to application and the developer is continually developing it for people without knowledge to use Windows Firewall. For the Windows Firewall Control, if you look at it in the other thread, the author will release a new product soon, and it has lots of improvement. You should give both a try

Oh and as stated above, it jumps to version 5 without MAJOR changes or improvements. Lame.

[FadeAway]

Originally Posted by skudo12

You should give both a try

I have not tried either yet, but will do so based on your comments.

Thanks.

[Brummelchen]

AFAIK, Windows 7 Firewall Control actually needs a restart for an application to be able to access the internet once you allow it.

this issue was solved with version 4, or 4.1 - its long ago i noticed it.
anyway some programs are programmed to display an errer if they dont
gain access immedeatly.

Windows Firewall Control

is three times cheaper at all - not my favorite but it offers more covenience
as the built-in windows firewall.

it jumps to version 5 without MAJOR changes or improvements.

as i linked the firewall it self has minor improvements but they made it
network usable - i can gain access to myself (ok, not really funny)
but if XP has it installed i can work remote on W7FC on XP.
The Server-Version - called now "Network/Cloud edition" has the ability,
to do more this - "cloud" here is the wrong term, just a hype.

[adrenaline7]

does tinywall a way to create rules for windows firewall or is it an full blown firewall and you disable the firewall? skudo12's post makes me think its just an interface like windows firewall control is but not sure.

Looks like Windows 7 Firewall Control offers quite a bit for free? Anyone prefer it to windows firewall control or care to compare the two for us? I have WFC installed but haven't donated the $10 to fully tinker with it yet or had time to really read the 29 page WFC thread.

[Legendkiller]

well i tried it and it has two irritating features in free version :
1.no option to minimize the app
2. It has an option to remove it from system tray, but if you do so, it will block "by default" internet access to all new programs henceforth.
This default setting cannot be changed.

[IvoShoen]

The Pro version is available at http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/

[Brummelchen]

topic is here:
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=310262

[kupo]

Originally Posted by Brummelchen

this issue was solved with version 4, or 4.1 - its long ago i noticed it.
anyway some programs are programmed to display an errer if they dont
gain access immedeatly.

Maybe I'll try it if it's fixed. Thanks for the info
EDIT: I've read this in other discussions regarding Windows 7 Firewall Control

Originally Posted by Kees1958

...Download Trial version
It seems that after trial period, you keep some more control features left (compared to W7FWCtrl free)). Have not tested this myself. Since you consider buying, this might be something to try out for yourself....

What are the features left when the trial version expired? Do you know it Brummelchen?

[Brummelchen]

sorry, i never had this situation.

[kupo]

The developer you can use the Plus version indefinitely but you are going to have a registration alert. I'll try the free version.

[kupo]

I take back what I said, this is actually pretty good. .

[majoMo]

Info for free version users (XP or Seven):

. "The Free version blocks any initial network access attempts of the "system" applications, forcibly/implicitly sets "EnableAll" zone."

. It "display the block window on all "system" programs as a notification that a program in the windows folder structure is accessing the network. Even though the program cannot be disabled (enableall readonly still defaults)".

. It blocks easily outgoing connections annoying, like AskToolbar/OpenCandy based installers.

[majoMo]

Info for XP users "Windows 7 Firewall Control" about:

The XP Editions is standalone branch of Windows7FirewallControl project.

The XP Edition is not based on WindowsFilteringPlatform (WFP, the network security core of Vista and Windows7, mistakenly identified with WindowsFirewall). WindowsXP has no WFP inside in spite of WindowsFirewall presence in XP. As the result the XP Edition is based on its own network filtering driver. The driver presence determines majority of the differences between the editions and has several important consequences although the Control Panels of the editions are of nearly the same functionality.

Compatible with Windows Firewall.

[bbp12]

Can someone answer a question about the "registration" license code with SphinxSoftware's "Windows7FirewallControl 5.0 Plus"? It looks like it is a 2-way "activation" type of registration process. When the program is installed, it generates a unique code that needs to be sent to SphinxSoftware so they can send back an unlock code.

Then, if you ever re-install on cleaned system, would need to go through "activation" process again. It is not just a serial number linked with my purchase that I could keep using even if SphinxSoftware went out of business?

Is my thinking correct?

[alexandrud]

Your thinking is correct. But, if a software developer goes off the business, it should provide a free version, or another way to register your software again.

[AMIGA500]

i tried this yesterday and i wish i hadnt to be honest.
The interface was confusing and it blocked everything in its path.
Plus that horrible noise when it blocked was just too annoying.
This is definately not for inexperienced firewall users like me.
I went straight back to comodo which is more user friendly.

[Brummelchen]

w7fc is definitely easier than comodo - word. and it is equal with functionality to any other standalone firewall - even comodo.

ps w7fc went 5.0.3 beta - improvements are only for server build