Windows outbound firewall implementation

Using Windows 7 Premium 64 bit.
I learned that the Windows 7 firewall also has outbound capability that is not turned on by default and that it can be turned on in its "Advanced settings". I've gone to that screen but do not see how to turn outbound on and I certainly do not know how to write outbound rules.
I used Zone Alarm in XP and that was easy to use. When a program tried to send something out, ZA asked me if I should permit it, this time only, or always.
Can I do something similar in Windows 7's firewall?
So my questions are:
a) how *exactly* do I turn on (or off) Windows 7' outbound firewall?
b) Is there a simple way to write the outbound rules for the W7 firewall without being a programmer or security expert?
Thank you

Outbound setting can be turned ON in Advanced settings



Quite a nice article here if u wish to read:
What's new in the Windows 7 Firewall?

IMO.....

I also use Comodo Firewall but I do not enable sandboxiie. I use it with MSE AV, SAS, CCleaner which keeps me pretty safe. I saw Microsoft Firewall and outbound feature but like Carl said "Too much hassle!"

Anderson2 said:

Thank you all.
(Manhunter, love your name <g>).
A friend recommended "Windows7FirewallControl" from Sphynx. Has anyone used it? (Hope it is safe to use and not malware).

{thanks Anderson }

A few other decent firewalls too:
Free Firewall Software ? Sunbelt Personal Firewall

http://www.online-armor.com/products...armor-free.php

Have a look here too -- Corrine's posts in particular are noteworthy.
Dark side of COMODO...

Now I am wondering. I thought I was told (and assumed) Windows7FirewallControl was just a front end to Windows 7 outbound firewall. Are you saying it is a separate firewall? Similar to Zone Alarm and others?

Anderson2 said:

Thank you all.
(Manhunter, love your name <g>).
A friend recommended "Windows7FirewallControl" from Sphynx. Has anyone used it? (Hope it is safe to use and not malware).

P.S. I just installed "Windows7FirewallControl" and it makes Windows outbound firewall work like any other firewall. When any app tries to access the internet, it pops up and asks me whether i should permit it and gives me various options. Seems to do the trick.

Hope it is safe to use.

I added "Windows7FirewallControl" in Dec and really like it... GL :)

Anderson2 said:

Now I am wondering. I thought I was told (and assumed) Windows7FirewallControl was just a front end to Windows 7 outbound firewall. Are you saying it is a separate firewall? Similar to Zone Alarm and others?

It is a separate firewall but uses the same interface to the kernel.
Here is a note from their web site. If you liked Zone Alarm you will like it.

Windows7FirewallControl is completely based on Windows Filtering Platform (WFP), the security core introduced in Windows Vista and does not install any third party kernel drivers. The Built-in Firewall is based on the same WFP as well. The both products work entirely independently. Windows7FirewallControl uses the Built-in Firewall only once, at the first start to grab the initial settings. Due to complete product independence you can switch the Built-in Firewall ON or OFF at your option.

Jim