Windows 7: Prevent programs to access internet (home calls)

Sorry, if this question was answered already, couldn't find it. Maybe somebody could give me a quick hint.

I don't really need a firewall (I use a router).


I'm looking just for something that alerts me if a program wants to access internet (and send out information) and where I have the chance to allow or prevent that (recurring/nonrecurring).

• is there a small (preferably freeware) program availabe for this?
• is this possible and useful with Windows Firewall?
• if not, what Firewall (especially to manage the outgoing traffic) would you prefer?

Thanks a lot!

Wolfgang

Check out Sphynx software's Windows7 Firewall control. There is a free version and it does what you want.

Edit: here is the link: http://www.sphinx-soft.com/Vista/order.html

Not all routers have any/sufficiently strong firewalls. Those which offer SPi are pretty decent as a rule, but to block applications from phoning home it would generally be advisable to handle these with a software firewall which runs in addition to any hardware protection.

@subsonic: yeah, that's what I heard too. Looks I'll go to install this tomorrow - thanks!

@Qdos: well, there's the WF as well. Do you think with the Sphynx Windows7 Firewall in addtion (should I actually run both?) it's sufficient?

Thanks - Wolfgang

PCTools has an older version of Firewall plus free probably about 5 or 4 that told you everything that was going through.

Soory,. couldn't locate it.

Personally I use a different software firewall...

Sphinx Windows7 firewall control runs together with the WF just fine. Its kinda like the "front end" that Microsoft forgot to put on Windows Firewall!

Try this link for PC Tools Firewall Plus 5:
Download PC Tools Firewall Plus 5.0 - Protects your computer from intruders.

They may have replaced it with the newer version,. not sure

Please read Lawrence Abrams :Understanding and Using 'Firewalls' Understanding and Using Firewalls

He gives a lot of insight to the question of using both a software program and your router's firewall.
Recommendations about 'free' firewalls are out dated, but read the tutorial for your own benefit.

Hi there.

I think the OP wants it the OTHER way around -- not people from Outside but to stop applications on his machine INSIDE from "phoning home" -- programs supplied by organisations such as adobe often do this to try and avoid people from using keygens on their programs which might allow a program to actually install but it will stop it working when the activation server is contacted.

However the downside to this is that Legitimate users of the programs go through this as well and if you aren't connected to the internet - your LEGAL program will stop working.

Nice if you are say a photographer having to post process photos for an important client which you are doing off line on your own machine and the application decides at that moment to "phone home" .

I'm sure even basic AV software surely would have some log of what programs are making use of Internet services. Most organisations have programs which detail what sites are visited by client computers on a network with how much time is spent on the net.

Any of these type of programs would do -- or set yourself up a proxy server which handles all Internet requests. Block those you don't like.

Cheers
jimbo