After a little more research, I was able to find a way to permanently turn off/turn on Windows Firewall in Windows 8 (with Avast Internet Security 2014 installed). When trying to control Windows Firewall in Control Panel Items, it shows that Windows Firewall is being controlled by Avast and there are no options to control Windows Firewall (everything is in bold and there is no way to select/un-select any choices).
This is sticking through Reboots as well. I just restarted my computer and the settings I made have stayed permanent through-and-through.
What I did was go into the Start Menu, Programs, then into Administrative Tools Folder, then click on "Windows Firewall with Advanced Security", and then select "Windows Firewall Properties".
I was then able to turn Windows Firewall Off/On in both Public and Private Profiles.
Note below that most options are still unavailable, but that you can open "Windows Firewall Properties"
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CJgkfF6XNWo/UmqaNUiZCjI/AAAAAAAAFEE/Nsat2AYcEd0/s1200/screenshot-windows-advanced-firewall-options.PNG)
UPDATE:
Or, you can go into Control Panel (like you normally would), hit "Windows Firewall", go to "Advanced Settings" and then hit "Windows Firewall Properties".
You can then turn Windows Firewall On or Off.
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-157m_Pv2L8Q/Umqi6DGJDUI/AAAAAAAAFEg/YgOqffqxskY/s1200/screenshot-windows-advanced-firewall-options-2.PNG)
NOTE:
Windows 8 doesn't come with a Start Menu. I have Windows Classic Start Menu installed.
Also, this method should work fine with Windows 7 and Avast Internet Security 2014
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