Windows 7 Firewall Review

A firewall is a system designed to block unauthorized access to the computer and permit authorized access. It can be a hardware device or a software or also a combination of both. It can be a device or a set of devices, that is configured to permit or deny access to computer applications, depending upon the set of rules and other criteria. Firewalls are more prominently used to prevent unauthorized access over the Internet. And also to prevent access to private networks or intranet, hence are a part of computer security authentication. All the messages, that enter or leave the intranet or private network pass through the firewall. Each of these messages is examined and then blocked if these messages do not meet the specified security criteria. Microsoft introduced firewall with Windows XP and was upgraded with subsequent versions of the computer operating system, like Windows Vista. A number of new features were introduced with the new versions, yet there was the Windows Vista problem, hence the system needed a change, which was made with Windows 7 version of the operating system. Most of the reviews of Windows 7 Firewall till date have been very positive and it can be said that the firewall has finally come of age.

Review of Windows 7 Firewall

Firewall for Windows 7 is a basic firewall, which may seem too stealth for you, however, if you are looking for a high level of security for your computer system or for the network security, then it is recommended, that it be installed. Once the firewall has been installed, it will stop all malware and any other malicious content to enter the system. Like, was the case with Windows Vista, the Windows 7 Firewall is also turned on by default, which makes things easier for novice as well as expert users of the computer to guard against any malware. You can go to Start, then to Control Panel and System and Security to check the firewall settings on your computer.

Home Group
Unlike the previous versions of the firewall, you can create home group with the new age firewall. With the home group, one has the liberty to add the other computers to the network, who also have Windows 7 installed on their machine. Due to this facility, resources like printers, or specific folders like music, videos or documents can be shared safely over the network. At the same time, you are also able to stream video to the PlayStation.

In Windows Vista, the firewall made the distinction between public and private network, but Windows 7 has gone, one step further and the private network has been split into Home and Work networks. You will be able to log into the home network, only if you choose the home network.

Security
When you are working in a public network, the firewall will block access to and from other devices on the Internet for security purposes. However, you will nevertheless be able to send and receive emails and you will also be able to view webpages of your choice. The new firewall will also notify, when certain programs are blocked by the Windows 7 Firewall, and if the programs in the list of allowed programs have been ignored.

Notifications
The Windows 7 Firewall comes with the notification, when a program has been blocked. To some it may seem like a two way firewall and a step by which, Windows wanted to add program control and make the firewall a true two way firewall. This is however, an old practice, that was introduced almost a decade ago. Hence, it cannot be looked upon as a new feature introduced by Windows 7.

Usability
This is an important factor in Windows 7 Firewall review. Changes have been made to the Windows Vista firewall to make Windows 7 Firewall more user-friendly. An example, in the previous firewalls, it was necessary to put in the port numbers and IP addresses one at a time, however, now in the new firewall a range can be put in. Due to this, the speed has improved greatly, and complex rules can easily be set up. At the same time, it is also possible to make computer security rules, that specify the protocols or ports, that are subject to IPsec requirements within the firewall control panel, hence, the requirement of using the netsh command is negated.

There is also dynamic encryption, which is provided with the connection security. In other words, if a server receives an authenticated unencrypted message from any of the client computer, the security association can be negotiated dynamically and allow more secure communications.

Although, there are certain shortcomings in Windows 7 Firewall, review of it is satisfactory, as it scores over all the previous versions of the firewall. This has also reduced the need for a third party firewall to a considerable extent.