This type of topic is often discussed in several security forums, newsgroup or mailing lists. It is also covered many times by several security analysts, researchers and even technology writers. However, it is always a question by many of us if a third party firewall software is needed to use instead of the free and built-in, Windows Firewall. It’s also good to discuss this type of topic again since the firewall software in Windows has new features and this might change how other people believe that the Windows 7’s Firewall program is lacking features that third party firewall software have.
By looking at the controls in managing Windows Firewall in Windows 7, no doubt that it is easy as 1-2-3 to handle but for most people, the Advanced Security option in Windows Firewall is something they will not even touch unless they are familiar with it already.
The Windows Firewall with Advanced Security Control Panel is actually very powerful but messing it up might put you at risk so it’s best to modify the settings if you know what you are doing. Unlike third party firewall software, the Windows Firewall will not ask you on which network do you trust, and which applications to do you allow even if you have configured it to notify you if it allowed or blocked a program to access the internet. For example, after I installed Windows 7 and alternative browser, Windows Firewall did not ask me whether I want Opera browser to connect to the internet. Also, Windows Firewall will automatically create firewall rules on features or applications that it trusts. Example: Windows Media Player, Office Programs or other features in Windows that requires connection.
The above can be modified by every person so nothing is allowed to make a connection unless you have explicitly allows it by creating your own firewall rules. With Windows Firewall in Windows 7, you are still in control but you need to adjust it if you will use it which is similar to using third party firewall. Difference is, the third party firewall is easily manageable during and after installation. With Windows Firewall, some people has no idea which features in Windows or programs has the ability to make a connection to another network unless they will review the list of firewall rules and applications that have permission to make incoming and outgoing connections.
The features and options in Windows 7 is good enough for people to use. However, Firewall software is not only about network controls, UI and manageability alone but it should have the ability to protect you from malicious attackers so your computer will not become computer zombie, intruders, exploits, bad packets and port scanning. See my other article: Windows Firewall: Is It Good Enough?