Sphinx Windows 7 Firewall Control

[jsmoline]

Hello,
I tried this firewall control and (the free version) when I launched IE, I got the alert asking me what to do. Allow or block incoming, outgoing or all. I'm not sure what do. If I allow all, what's the point of using it? Thanks, I was able to make it block GRC Leaktest. I guess that's a plus.
John

 

[baarod]

Hello,
I tried this firewall control and (the free version) when I launched IE, I got the alert asking me what to do. Allow or block incoming, outgoing or all. I'm not sure what do. If I allow all, what's the point of using it? Thanks, I was able to make it block GRC Leaktest. I guess that's a plus.
John

What's the point in using it? There really is none unless you are one of the people that cares about every connection that your software makes to the internet (maybe they are spying on me) or every connection that your software might be able to accept from the internet (maybe they are controlling me).

The firewall is the same as what you bought with Windows. This just shows you that it's working and how silly it is to have to make every decision -- and how dangerous. You are so temped to just allow all and not be bothered, right? Lots of people pay $100+ of that privilege and brag about how much better their firewall is than the one built into Windows.

 

[Bill2]

The inbuilt windows firewall has no Outbound rules set up on install. So you need to set up everything yourself and it can be a bit clunky. Sphinx software basically works as an intermediary, showing you pop-ups (that can be disabled), of what is connecting, and how to deal with it. You can create rules for that, allow, disable, create zone rules, such as communication within your LAN only, etc. Once you have pre configured rules in place, depending on what sort of software tries to connect (browser, mail, ftp, DNS, DHCP and so on.), its a breeze.

 

[baarod]

The inbuilt windows firewall has no Outbound rules set up on install. So you need to set up everything yourself and it can be a bit clunky. Sphinx software basically works as an intermediary, showing you pop-ups (that can be disabled), of what is connecting, and how to deal with it. You can create rules for that, allow, disable, create zone rules, such as communication within your LAN only, etc. Once you have pre configured rules in place, depending on what sort of software tries to connect (browser, mail, ftp, DNS, DHCP and so on.), its a breeze.

Thanks actually. That's exactly what it does. It's a breeze? Maybe if you understand it more than the average scareware firewall buyer.

 

[jsmoline]

I am not "one of those". My only concern would be something getting my bank info and phoning home. (Not that they would get much) I believe my system is secure as far as inbound goes. I was just wondering about this program just in case I let something in by mistake.

 

[baarod]

I am not "one of those". My only concern would be something getting my bank info and phoning home. (Not that they would get much) I believe my system is secure as far as inbound goes. I was just wondering about this program just in case I let something in by mistake.

If you do let something go and want to start over it's got that option. Clean the slate and deny everything. Be aware that it does cause some programs to fail (sometimes spectacularly) when they can't access the internet for the first time as you are being prompted whether to allow it. Interesting test for your apps if nothing else.

 

[jsmoline]

Do you use a third party firewall? I really don't want to, unless someone can convince me that I should or shouldn't.

 

[baarod]

Do you use a third party firewall? I really don't want to, unless someone can convince me that I should or shouldn't.

No. I run Windows 7 64-bit and the vast majority of third party firewalls either use a proscribed implementation known as "kernel patching" (see Kernel Patch Protection - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) or implement their own network drivers that can also cause performance, stability or compatibility issues. There is nothing fundamentally wrong with the Windows firewall and very few advantages to be had be using a third party package to supplant it. The inbuilt firewall cannot be removed, only disabled and tools exist in uplevel version of 7 to micromanage it (see Windows Firewall with Advanced Security: WF.msc). Downlevel versions have Sphinx which I have found to be functional. I welcome additional feedback on these opinions!

 

[jsmoline]

I read the Kernel Patch Protection article. I have a 32 bit system with Windows 7 Ultimate. Why doesn't that apply to 32 bit systems as well? I don't know how to create rules in the firewall. That's the only reason for checking out this Sphinx software. I've heard that it has a few problems of it's own, in the freeware version.

 

[baarod]

I read the Kernel Patch Protection article. I have a 32 bit system with Windows 7 Ultimate. Why doesn't that apply to 32 bit systems as well? I don't know how to create rules in the firewall. That's the only reason for checking out this Sphinx software. I've heard that it has a few problems of it's own, in the freeware version.

It doesn't apply because there are so many systems using unsafe antivirus and firewall software. It would be too much of a shock to upgraders, most of whom are 32-bit, to be told that their pet AV or FW is bad and needs to be replaced -- not to mention the anti-trust rumblings. If you don't want to create your own firewall rules Sphinx is your best bet, warts and all. Otherwise you could read How to Manage Windows 7 Firewall. | The Windows Club

 

[Tews]

All of these issues can be resolved if a user would take the time to educate themselves on the proper way to secure their system ... most wont bother because they can't be "bothered". Software developers are aware this and develop (generally) shoddy and, sometimes, risky programs. Windows Firewall Control will allow you to create outbound connection rules quite easily... This is just my opinion .... feel free to disagree...

 

[jsmoline]

I will read this. I take it that you believe more in securing inbound and therefore outbound protection is really not so important. Right? I am aware that all third party firewalls recommend that you use outbound protection and that theirs is best. I also believe Microsoft is, for the most part, a good product. I keep it patched and have never had any problems. I just like to get info from all sides. ( without the MS sucks or Apple sucks opinions) Thanks,
John

 

[baarod]

I will read this. I take it that you believe more in securing inbound and therefore outbound protection is really not so important. Right? I am aware that all third party firewalls recommend that you use outbound protection and that theirs is best. I also believe Microsoft is, for the most part, a good product. I keep it patched and have never had any problems. I just like to get info from all sides. ( without the MS sucks or Apple sucks opinions) Thanks,
John

That's what I forgot -- Apple sucks. Seriously, inbound is most important. Outbound is important if you do not scrutinize the processes running on your machine on a regular basis like many of us here are guilty of

 

[jsmoline]

Thanks, baarod
You have been most helpful.

 

[Greg S]

Windows Firewall Control will allow you to create outbound connection rules quite easily... This is just my opinion .... feel free to disagree...

It's more than opinion, it's a fact. WFC plus is worth the money. If people would like to use the Seven inbuilt outbound control but are reluctant to do so because of rule creation, then install WFC for the trial period and allow it to make the rules for you. Use that info for the inbuilt firewall outbound.