What is a 2 way Firewall program?

Hello,

I use the Vista built in Firewall.

But I have read that it's only 1 way Firewall, and that I need a 2 way Firewall.

What exactly is a 2 way Firewall?

And is there a free one for Vista?

Thank you

 

A firewall that monitors both inbound and outbound connections, binding packets to applications.

Vista built-in firewall is 2-way (not by default)

 

So how do I get the Vista Firewall to work 2 ways?

 

Actually, the Vista Firewall is two-way by default.

It does not, however, permit auto-discovery of outgoing connections by programs; they must be discovered manually and configured manually.

 

Thanks AKAJohnDoe
I stand corrected.

 

Outgoing packets are allowed by default whether you use the control panel or the Advanced Firewall interface.

 

The vista firewall in the outbound filtering mode is mainly designed to enforce IT policy. It will not pass many leak tests, if that is what you are worried about. Despite all the noise about leak tests, I believe them to be of dubious value.

 

Actually, my PC passed the GRC tests with only Vista Firewall active. However, I really prefer a firewall that provides an easy interface into program blocking for connections, incoming and outgoing. And that is certainly not the Windows Firewall. As examples of program blocking: the various instances of Windows Media Player and that oddball SPOOLSV.EXE.

 

I share that opinion. If you do some searching you will find that
many technically experienced members don't even use out-bound protection
from a firewall, or if they do, it's not out of concern for leak tests.

It seems to be a debate about personal preference based upon individual
experience.

 

Agreed. I do use outbound (or, more correctly, Program) protection, but for specific programs and reasons, not for protection against some nebulous or euphemistic "leak".

 

Spoolsv.exe always freaks me out too -
From which firewall is this screenshot taken AKAJohnDoe?

 

I guess it's Zone Alarm.

 

You are correct. It is ZoneAlarm AntiVirus on Vista.