Information security today worries not only directors of large companies, but also ordinary users. On each computer, antiviruses and firewalls are installed without fail . However, installing components alone is not enough. They always require proper configuration. This article will focus on the Windows Firewall Control program . This utility is an addition to the standard firewall. It will become more comfortable to work with it with the means of suppressing access built into the OS.
Introduction
Programs like the firewall prevent the penetration of foreign elements through the Internet. Also, they do not allow the use of network applications installed on a PC. Typically, Windows is already configured for comfortable operation, but rarely allows you to perform a deep configuration of built-in elements. When it is necessary to prohibit or allow access of applications to the global network, novice users fully trust the firewall. If you need total control over installed programs and their permissions, you should use Windows Firewall Control .
I must say that the described utility does not add new functions and algorithms, but provides comfortable access to the firewall configuration. The application is fully compatible with all modern operating systems of the Windows family: both with home and server ones. The program can filter traffic by working in 4 different modes. The utility interface is simple and straightforward. Therefore, it can be recommended to a user of any level. The demo version of the utility is not limited by the time of use, therefore the application is very popular. However, it should be noted that in this case it will allow you to change the firewall settings , but it will not display visual alerts. To remove the restrictions, you will need to pay the developer about 700 rubles.
Installation
The installation process does not require special skills. It is enough to run the installer with elevated rights. It should be mentioned that the program will create shortcuts in all the main sections and automatically write itself to autoload. This will allow it to turn on after each start of the system. After starting Windows, Firewall Control does not open windows, but simply displays an icon in the system tray. By double-clicking on it, you will see a panel on the screen that can be used to select a filtering level, perform configuration, or use other built-in tools.
Profiles
It was previously mentioned that the utility can work in four modes:
- A high filtering level will block absolutely all network activity.
- Medium - limits outgoing traffic.
- Low - will skip any connection, except for those for which special firewall settings are not specified .
- The last option is to completely disable the lock. It is recommended to activate it if at the same time another firewall is running.
Settings
Switching modes occurs after clicking on one of the buttons located at the bottom of the main window. To block applications, use the classic Windows Explorer interface. The program also allows you to create a rule by simply clicking on the active window of the desired application.
By default, the operating mode changes only in relation to the outgoing traffic of public and private networks. However, manual settings do not need to be tied to the type of connection. Only incoming connections cannot be blocked. Windows 7 Firewall Control is equipped with a function to export and import rules inside a file. With this tool, it is easy to save all the settings, for example, before reinstalling Windows.
Slim configuration
The utility control panel is launched from the Firewall menu. You can call it by right-clicking on the icon located in the tray. The Rules Management window lists processes that are prohibited or allowed to use network resources. For clarity, they are highlighted in scarlet and green.
The program can add several items to the context menu of the file manager built into the operating system. This will allow you to most quickly block or allow access to the network of applications and libraries. Windows 10 Firewall Control saves all user settings right after it is completed, whatever it is called. At the same time, the built-in firewall mode switches to the most secure. After turning on, the utility immediately restores the configuration.
The user is allowed to view and change the rule settings. Moreover, the configuration is not limited to the choice of process. IP addresses, ports, services, protocols, traffic direction are amenable to change. A couple of clicks in Windows Firewall Control is enough to activate or disable the rules, delete them, copy, merge. To minimize errors, the utility has a function to request invalid rules. In addition, filtering by many other parameters is allowed. This simplifies navigation, especially if the application has been installed for a long time, and it has accumulated a lot of records.
Advantages and disadvantages
Windows 10 Firewall Control works equally stable on all supported operating systems. OS freezes do not occur, messages informing about errors appear extremely rarely. The application responds to all user actions in minimal time. The central processor almost does not load. At the same time, he copes with his duties perfectly. All created rules are automatically protected by software. Other firewalls are blocked to prevent conflicts. The user can configure the use of a particular configuration for a specific event or timer.
All the main functionality is activated using hot keys. Reputation of an IP address or domain can be checked in the control panel. To limit access to the program, the entrance to the settings window is password protected. The main disadvantage of the product is the lack of an integrated help system. Despite the simplicity of the interface, some concepts will require explanation for users who do not have experience in such utilities. The functions notifying of new threats are blocked in the free version. Windows Firewall Control in Russian does not apply. To switch the language to native, you need to download the localization file.