scythe, Vista firewall has its capabilities, but it does not offer a GUI to manage the connections. Also, the outbound control, although possible, it's for advanced users. Maybe M$ is working with caution to not get into another antitrust process, this time from firewall manufacturers.
Tech,
Maybe I could offer a tad bit more data because I don't agree with your statement that it's for advanced users and
that it does not offer a GUI to manage connections.
Here are a couple positive (precisely intact) user comments that have been publicly posted here and there
on the internet that we should share and consider, since all these users have experience with the program.
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Strengths: I love this program. I have the free version. It was simple to set up and very user friendly. Quite literally, it takes care of itself and very easy to manage. It passed the Shields Up test. Need I say more?
Weaknesses: None as of yet.
Overall Evaluation: This program is perfect for those who are not advanced in computer knowledge.
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Strengths: This program does what Microsoft didn't. That is it allows full outbound protection, as well as inbound. Microsoft decided to ship Vista, even Ultimate which is what i am running, with the firewall only protecting the inbound traffic, even though the firewall is capable of protecting both directions. Other programs available might be able to do the same thing, but they are cumbersome, and difficult to setup and manage. This program takes care of all that for you.
Weaknesses: None yet.
Overall Evaluation: There is a free version availalbe, so you have nothing to lose by trying it.
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Strengths: Simple interface and user friendly program that meets its designed intent.
Weaknesses: Compatibility - None to date.
Overall Evaluation: A very nice and capable program for approving on outbound traffic. The Plus version provides additional and welcome user configurable options for those with more advanced requirements. Well done Sphinx!
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I do notice that contrary to your comment about this program being for experienced users, these people suggest the opposite.
I am now getting a fair bit of experience with VisatFirewallControl myself and am actually looking forward to the MORE in-depth control
that the pay version may offer. This free version TRULY IS simple and easy to control.
As far as when you state that this program DOES NOT OFFER a GUI, I can only assure you that I am using it's GUI, I do not at all
even wish to use from the command line such as others may wish to do. I like easy.
Of interest to me is that statement above from one of the user comments where it states that VistaFirewallControl even passes
Shields Up !!!!! That is the kind of meat and potato justification for which I am looking for before I will pay THIRTY BUX for the full version !!!!!!
I guess I am apprehensive as to why the Sphinx Software company don't submit it to Matousic (or elsewhere) for testing.
If anyone has any data to share with that regard I would truly appreciate to read it.
. Bootchee.
.