I know we usually only look at free antivirus software but today I also wanted to take a look at a free firewall software.  Also don't be concerned by the name the software is also compatible with Windows Vista.

Background:
Interestingly, Windows 7 and Vista already come with a firewall built into the core of the Windows operating system.  However, the firewall is under utilized as it only provides inbound protection and not outbound.  Outbound protection is crucial to a secure computer because Trojans and viruses will often try to contact a hacker’s website to send a user’s personal details, download additional viruses and automatically install them, or sit idle waiting instructions from an attacker to attack other systems.  A firewall can also be instrumental in detecting unknown viruses or other malware.  If an unknown program attempts to connect to the internet, a user will alerted to the program and its location.

Review:,
Windows 7 firewall control adds this crucial outbound protection to the already built in windows firewall.  Therefore, a user will not have to deal with additional firewall software that will hog CPU and memory.   Windows 7 firewall control also adds individual application protection.   While the standard firewall has a basic application setting, Windows 7 firewall control lets a user tweak inbound and outbound settings for each and every application detected.

The free firewall add on also includes zones settings.  This will allow a user to create customs zones based upon usage.  For example, a user can set a zone to only enable internet browsing or only p2p traffic. I personally liked the LAN only setting which allows a computer to only communicate with computers on a LAN and not on the internet; this is great for local servers. The different security zones can also be activated with a simple hotkey.

Additional Features:
Windows 7 firewall control includes many of the similar features in other firewalls including port forwarding and rules based firewall.  However, there are a few features that I think really make the software amazing.

Taskbar Integration – currently not available on a regular windows 7 or windows vista computer.  A user can easily access the firewall from a simple icon rather than navigating countless menus.

Special Firewall Modes – In addition to the standard enable or disable all connections, the firewall includes an expansive or insecure connection mode.  This mode is perfect for a public hotspot in which a user only wants to give a specific program access through the hotspot.  For example, you’re at a coffee shop and only want to browse the web.  You can enable insecure connection mode and only allow the web browser but not other programs, to access the internet for an intermittent period.

Shell Integration –  The Windows 7 firewall control can be integrated directly into the Windows shell.  When a users right clicks a program,  the firewall will give the user a ton of available options such as adding the application to a zone or blocking etc.

IPV6 support – a user can easily discern and categorize IPV6 traffic with this firewall.

Conclusion:
Windows 7 firewall control is a must have freeware for any Windows 7 or Vista computer.  Download it here.