Guest six-h Posted February 28, 2009 Posted February 28, 2009 I am totally unable to find out how to enable this feature, though I'm told that it exists. I'm running Vista Ultimate. I've attempted to follow an article in PC Advisor (issue 165) and fell at the first hurdle! Quote from Mag :-<span style="color:blue"><span style="color:green"> >>Click the start button and in the search field, type "wf.msc".<<</span></span> I've heard tell of this "Search Field", but it does not appear when I click my start button. Using the "Search" > "For files and folders" method which is the only "search" I can find doesn't recognise the entry "wf.msc". No where in the "Help" files can I find reference to enabling it, only some guidance which assumes that you already have it enabled. Help!!....Please! Quote
Guest six-h Posted March 1, 2009 Posted March 1, 2009 Eurika! Having found out where Microsoft buried it, I think I can understand why it has been so deliberately hidden! Truth is it's so complicated to configure, all but committed geeks will quail at the prospect and turn to "Comodo", which according to the grapevine is not only free, but : - More secure: Easier to configure: More user friendly: Why can't Microsoft offer a product like this?? "six-h" wrote: <span style="color:blue"> > I am totally unable to find out how to enable this feature, though I'm told > that it exists. > I'm running Vista Ultimate. > I've attempted to follow an article in PC Advisor (issue 165) and fell at > the first hurdle! > Quote from Mag :-<span style="color:green"><span style="color:darkred"> > >>Click the start button and in the search field, type "wf.msc".<<</span></span> > > I've heard tell of this "Search Field", but it does not appear when I click > my start button. Using the "Search" > "For files and folders" method which is > the only "search" I can find doesn't recognise the entry "wf.msc". > No where in the "Help" files can I find reference to enabling it, only some > guidance which assumes that you already have it enabled. > Help!!....Please! > </span> Quote
Guest Mick Murphy Posted March 1, 2009 Posted March 1, 2009 RE: Why is the "Two way" feature of Vista's Firewall such a secret Vista firewall, when configured correctly, is superior to Comodo firewall. Even just incoming control, Vista's is better. -- Mad Mike "six-h" wrote: <span style="color:blue"> > Eurika! > Having found out where Microsoft buried it, I think I can understand why it > has been so deliberately hidden! > Truth is it's so complicated to configure, all but committed geeks will > quail at the prospect and turn to "Comodo", which according to the grapevine > is not only free, but : - > More secure: > Easier to configure: > More user friendly: > > Why can't Microsoft offer a product like this?? > > "six-h" wrote: > <span style="color:green"> > > I am totally unable to find out how to enable this feature, though I'm told > > that it exists. > > I'm running Vista Ultimate. > > I've attempted to follow an article in PC Advisor (issue 165) and fell at > > the first hurdle! > > Quote from Mag :-<span style="color:darkred"> > > >>Click the start button and in the search field, type "wf.msc".<<</span> > > > > I've heard tell of this "Search Field", but it does not appear when I click > > my start button. Using the "Search" > "For files and folders" method which is > > the only "search" I can find doesn't recognise the entry "wf.msc". > > No where in the "Help" files can I find reference to enabling it, only some > > guidance which assumes that you already have it enabled. > > Help!!....Please! > > </span></span> Quote
Guest six-h Posted March 1, 2009 Posted March 1, 2009 RE: Why is the "Two way" feature of Vista's Firewall such a secret If "Mad" Mike's opinion is true, then I am indeed sad that I am not clever enough to be able to configure the rules for "out going" traffic. Is there anyone that can offer a "fool's guide" to help me? I am inclined to think that I should set the all three profiles to "Block" all outbound traffic. Since my PC is in splendid isolation, connected to the Internet by wireless router, not part of a corporate "intranet", and is also "static", the only profile that concerns me is the "Private" one. Is that correct? Assuming for the moment that the answer to the above is "yes", the next step, creating rules for outbound traffic brings me to the rather daunting list. Some of the items are "enabled" and "allowed", others not, and I do not understand most of them so am loathe to make any alterations here. Having "blocked" all three domains, and left "the list" unchanged, do I move on and select "New Rule", firstly allowing "Internet Explorer.exe" outbound access? Will I be advised of other attempted outbound communications, with the opportunity to allow or block as and when these attempts are made, as with "Comodo"? Any help appreciated, Thanks. "Mick Murphy" wrote: <span style="color:blue"> > Vista firewall, when configured correctly, is superior to Comodo firewall. > Even just incoming control, Vista's is better. > -- > Mad Mike > > > "six-h" wrote: > <span style="color:green"> > > Eurika! > > Having found out where Microsoft buried it, I think I can understand why it > > has been so deliberately hidden! > > Truth is it's so complicated to configure, all but committed geeks will > > quail at the prospect and turn to "Comodo", which according to the grapevine > > is not only free, but : - > > More secure: > > Easier to configure: > > More user friendly: > > > > Why can't Microsoft offer a product like this?? > > > > "six-h" wrote: > > <span style="color:darkred"> > > > I am totally unable to find out how to enable this feature, though I'm told > > > that it exists. > > > I'm running Vista Ultimate. > > > I've attempted to follow an article in PC Advisor (issue 165) and fell at > > > the first hurdle! > > > Quote from Mag :- > > > >>Click the start button and in the search field, type "wf.msc".<< > > > > > > I've heard tell of this "Search Field", but it does not appear when I click > > > my start button. Using the "Search" > "For files and folders" method which is > > > the only "search" I can find doesn't recognise the entry "wf.msc". > > > No where in the "Help" files can I find reference to enabling it, only some > > > guidance which assumes that you already have it enabled. > > > Help!!....Please! > > > </span></span></span> Quote
Guest Bruce Chambers Posted March 1, 2009 Posted March 1, 2009 six-h wrote:<span style="color:blue"> > I am totally unable to find out how to enable this feature, though I'm told > that it exists. > I'm running Vista Ultimate. > I've attempted to follow an article in PC Advisor (issue 165) and fell at > the first hurdle! > Quote from Mag :-<span style="color:green"><span style="color:darkred"> > >>Click the start button and in the search field, type "wf.msc".<<</span></span> > > I've heard tell of this "Search Field", but it does not appear when I click > my start button. Using the "Search" > "For files and folders" method which is > the only "search" I can find doesn't recognise the entry "wf.msc". > No where in the "Help" files can I find reference to enabling it, only some > guidance which assumes that you already have it enabled. > Help!!....Please! > </span> It's not a secret, at all. Vista's built-in Windows Firewall is adequate for most users, but not particularly easy to configure. Vista's built-in firewall, although superior to that of WinXP, is of a rudimentary nature, intended to meet the simpler needs of most home consumers (or business/enterprise clients already ensconced behind more advanced perimeter defenses). One 3rd-party add-on (Sphinx's Vista Firewall Control http://sphinx-soft.com/Vista/) might make the Vista Firewall a bit more useful to you, but nothing but a completely independent product will be able to provide the detailed control you want. There are two interfaces for Vistas built-in firewall: 1) A simplified one accessed through the Control Panel that is the only one most people see. 2) And the more advanced "Windows Firewall with Advanced Security (WF.msc)," accessed via the Start Menu's Administrative Tools folder, for the experienced user who wants better control. -- Bruce Chambers Help us help you: http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375 They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has killed a great many philosophers. ~ Denis Diderot Quote
Guest six-h Posted March 1, 2009 Posted March 1, 2009 Re: Why is the "Two way" feature of Vista's Firewall such a secret Sorry Bruce, I can't see how a fire wall with free access to any and all outgoing traffic meets the needs of any home consumers. Thanks for the link to Sphinx's Vista Firewall Control, I'll have a look at it and see if it can help me to configure a workable outgoing regieme. "Bruce Chambers" wrote: <span style="color:blue"> > six-h wrote:<span style="color:green"> > > I am totally unable to find out how to enable this feature, though I'm told > > that it exists. > > I'm running Vista Ultimate. > > I've attempted to follow an article in PC Advisor (issue 165) and fell at > > the first hurdle! > > Quote from Mag :-<span style="color:darkred"> > > >>Click the start button and in the search field, type "wf.msc".<<</span> > > > > I've heard tell of this "Search Field", but it does not appear when I click > > my start button. Using the "Search" > "For files and folders" method which is > > the only "search" I can find doesn't recognise the entry "wf.msc". > > No where in the "Help" files can I find reference to enabling it, only some > > guidance which assumes that you already have it enabled. > > Help!!....Please! > > </span> > > > It's not a secret, at all. > > Vista's built-in Windows Firewall is adequate for most users, but > not particularly easy to configure. Vista's built-in firewall, although > superior to that of WinXP, is of a rudimentary nature, intended to meet > the simpler needs of most home consumers (or business/enterprise clients > already ensconced behind more advanced perimeter defenses). > > One 3rd-party add-on (Sphinx's Vista Firewall Control > http://sphinx-soft.com/Vista/) might make the Vista Firewall a bit more > useful to you, but nothing but a completely independent product will be > able to provide the detailed control you want. > > There are two interfaces for Vistas built-in firewall: > > 1) A simplified one accessed through the Control Panel that is the only > one most people see. > > 2) And the more advanced "Windows Firewall with Advanced Security > (WF.msc)," accessed via the Start Menu's Administrative Tools folder, > for the experienced user who wants better control. > > > > -- > > Bruce Chambers > > Help us help you: > http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html > > http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375 > > They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary > safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin > > Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell > > The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has > killed a great many philosophers. > ~ Denis Diderot > </span> Quote
Guest Kayman Posted March 1, 2009 Posted March 1, 2009 Re: Why is the "Two way" feature of Vista's Firewall such a secret On Sat, 28 Feb 2009 21:47:01 -0800, Mick Murphy wrote: <span style="color:blue"> > Vista firewall, when configured correctly, is superior to Comodo firewall. > Even just incoming control, Vista's is better.</span> The truth is, Vista by default contains 82 default filters that prevent 34 services from communicating out other than on a very narrow set of defined ports. You are not going to find anything better than the Vista FW and Vista in itself due to the advanced features the FW and Vista are using. PFW Criticism. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_firewall#Criticisms Jesper's Blogs- At Least This Snake Oil Is Free. http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jesper/arc...il-is-free.aspx Windows Firewall: the best new security feature in Vista? http://blogs.technet.com/jesper_johansson/.../01/426921.aspx Exploring The Windows Firewall. http://www.microsoft.com/technet/technetma...ll/default.aspx "If you try to block outbound connections from a computer that’s already compromised, how can you be sure that the computer is really doing what you ask? The answer: you can’t. Outbound protection is security theaterâ€â€it’s a gimmick that only gives the impression of improving your security without doing anything that actually does improve your security. This is why outbound protection didn’t exist in the Windows XP firewall and why it doesn’t exist in the Windows Vistaâ„¢ firewall." Tap into the Vista firewall's advanced configuration features http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-10877-6098592.html "...once you discover the secret of accessing its advanced configuration settings via the MMC snap-in, you'll find it to be far more configurable and functional. At last, Windows comes with a sophisticated personal firewall that can be used to set up outbound rules as well as inbound, with the ability to customize rules to fit your precise needs." Or Configure Vista Firewall to support outbound packet filtering http://searchwindowssecurity.techtarget.co...1247138,00.html Or Vista Firewall Control (Free versions available). Protects your applications from undesirable network incoming and outgoing activity, controls applications internet access. http://sphinx-soft.com/Vista/ The free version may be all you need, check the comparisons under the "Download and Buy" link. Managing the Windows Vista Firewall http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/cc510323.aspx (read twice!) Easy guide to make Windows Firewall better in Windows Vista. http://www.expertvista.com/2009/01/08/twea...ndows-firewall/ SolutionBase: Take a look at the Windows Vista Firewall http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-...?tag=rbxccnbtr1 Vista Firewall Control 32-bit version http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/downloads/index...46&itemId=64950 Windows Firewall: the best new security feature in Vista? http://blogs.technet.com/jesper_johansson/.../01/426921.aspx Good luck style_emoticons/ Quote
Guest Root Kit Posted March 2, 2009 Posted March 2, 2009 On Sat, 28 Feb 2009 16:02:02 -0800, six-h <sixh@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote: <span style="color:blue"> >Eurika! >Having found out where Microsoft buried it, I think I can understand why it >has been so deliberately hidden! >Truth is it's so complicated to configure, all but committed geeks will >quail at the prospect and turn to "Comodo", which according to the grapevine >is not only free, but : - >More secure:</span> Please explain how the comodo crap can possibly be more secure. Quote
Guest Root Kit Posted March 2, 2009 Posted March 2, 2009 Re: Why is the "Two way" feature of Vista's Firewall such a secret On Sun, 1 Mar 2009 06:35:01 -0800, six-h <sixh@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote: <span style="color:blue"> >If "Mad" Mike's opinion is true, then I am indeed sad that I am not clever >enough to be able to configure the rules for "out going" traffic. >Is there anyone that can offer a "fool's guide" to help me?</span> Just pull your network plug. That will effectively block outgoing traffic. You could also reconsider whether the Comodo way of dealing with outgoing traffic makes any sense from a security perspective at all. Quote
Guest Dave Warren Posted March 5, 2009 Posted March 5, 2009 Re: Why is the "Two way" feature of Vista's Firewall such a secret In message <B17EDEA4-E6C7-4F90-937B-115F9B8D23CB@microsoft.com> six-h <sixh@discussions.microsoft.com> was claimed to have wrote: <span style="color:blue"> >Sorry Bruce, I can't see how a fire wall with free access to any and all >outgoing traffic meets the needs of any home consumers.</span> It's really simple: If you don't like the behaviour of a piece of software, don't install it. Playing games to limit malicious behaviour of software will ultimately be futile. Quote
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