Windows
has an in built firewall that blocks inbound connections. If the program acts
as a server then Windows would prompt you. This firewall allows you to connect
without your permission. Windows firewall shows a single application related
firewall prompt. When the application wants to function as a web server, prompt
appears informing this. If you allow, then applications can receive incoming
connections from the net or even local network. You would have to forward the
ports on router if application is not supportive of UPnP forwarding it
automatically.
These
are not frequent and not easy to deal with. Whenever an application wants to
connect Internet or local network you get to see a prompt. If connection is
declined, the firewall would prevent application from connecting.
Outbound
firewalls are not that useful for an average user. These prevent applications on computer from
connecting online. If you get to see a
malware which is connecting then you are in trouble as it is running on the
computer. The malware does lot of damage.
If
the program was running on the system and had access then it would open
loopholes in firewall program. Malware
could ally with other programs in order to communicate over net. It is not easy
to isolate any particular application from the net.
Outbound firewall is quite effective against any type of malware. Focus is mainly on
effective antivirus program thereby keeping it updated and ensuring that Java
is not installed. This would keep PC more secure compared to an antivirus which
would not be that effective. If for once the system has been compromised then
it cannot be undone.
However
geeks feel that this application would block apps which cannot be trusted
blindly. However no unreliable application should be allowed to run on the
system. Outbound firewalls cannot be totally discarded. In case you have some
particular need and want to prevent the application from connecting to net then
this can be valuable. However not many require this.
You
can also make use of Windows Firewall in order to create a rule to block the
application from connecting to net. If you are configuring any server then this
can be done to arrange outbound firewall rules thereby locking the machine.
You
can surely install an external firewall on Windows PC and avail benefits of the
software. Sure, you could install a third-party firewall on your Windows PC and
get outbound firewall capabilities. You should be able to control applications
which connect with net.
However
every application would be connecting to the net for updates. Most programs on
computer connect for some reason or the other.
While
outbound firewalls are not harmful they do not come with many
disadvantages. It would take up more
system resources and irritate you to upgrade. In case it is part of internet security suite
it adds up to other programs which are not required in the system.
The
firewall adds complexity. You have to
determine which applications should or must not connect. You would not surely
like to deal with prompts always. On the other hand if you want to manage
programs on the system which can connect easily, then install an external
firewall.
