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The Windows 7 Firewall is quite robust and for most users, its best set to default and let alone to do its job - which it does pretty well!
While one can always configure the Windows firewall natively, some may want an easier looking graphical interface maybe for creating rules or making changes. We have already blogged about how to manage the Windows Firewall and also on how to control Windows 7 Firewall using Windows Firewall Control tool, which give you much more control in configuring the Windows firewall. But if you are looking for sometime simpler, you might want to check out Windows Firewall Notifier.
Windows Firewall Notifier is a small tool that extends the default Windows embedded firewall behaviorand notifies you when any program tries to connect to the Internet or a Network. It displays small balloon notifications, which then give you the option to Allow or Block the connection and even to create a rule. The program however does not display any icon in the notification area.
This application only uses existing Windows features, enabling some of them when first launched:
- Enables the Windows embedded firewall
- Sets the firewall to block both inbound and outbound connections for which no rule exists
- Enables the default Windows firewall inbound connection notification
- Enables the Windows firewall outbound connections logging (disabled by default)
- Creates a scheduled task linked to the Windows firewall event log entries, allowing Windows Firewall Notifier to be launched when needed only
The only thing that could go wrong is that you could find that your Internet connection has been disabled. In such a case, uninstalling the program will set it back again. You can also go to the control panel / administration tools / advanced firewall settings to enable back all outgoing connections.
Once you download it from its home page, simply click on the .exe file to activate it. To uninstall it click on the .exe file again. In the windows which now pops up, you will see the all the rules, exceptions and logs. You will also see a button to Uninstall the app. Clicking on it will set your settings to prior defaults and then deactivate the program. You are now free to delete the program folder.
Do read its Read Me file before activating the Windows Firewall Notifier. Go get it here.
It is always a good idea to create a system restore point first before trying out any new software or before making any changes to your system.
How to Backup, Restore & Reset to Defaults, Windows Firewall settings may also interest you.
