Firewall Leak Test

[Broni]

Vista here, Vista firewall enabled + router

Out of curiosity, I just took Steve Gibson "Firewall Leak Test" (http://www.firewallleaktester.com/leaktest1.htm), and it made me unhappy:



So, I went back to Gibson's site, and I found this:

The Windows XP built-in firewall:

Just so you know, WinXP's built-in firewall does not attempt to manage or restrict outbound connections at all. It appears to be a useful firewall for hiding the machine from the Internet (it has "stealth mode" unsolicited packet handling), but you will still need to use a good third-party personal firewall if you wish to manage and control outbound connections from your system.

As I said, I'm on Vista, but it looks like I have same problem.
In this case, I'll seriously consider shutting down Vista's firewall, and installing Comodo.

What do you guys think?

There are more test at that site, so I'm going back there to do more tests.

[JPH]

In this case, I'll seriously consider shutting down Vista's firewall, and installing Comodo.

I think that's a great idea! So you weren't prompted by the Vista Firewall that Leaktest was attempting to access the internet?

[Broni]

Well, it looks like Vista firewall:

does not attempt to manage or restrict outbound connections at all

Same as XP.

[JPH]

The new Vista firewall was suppose to restrict outbound traffic, apparently it doesn't.

[Broni]

Good question. Let me check.
I'm still only 1 month "old" with Vista, so I keep discovering new things.

[Broni]

I think, I'm getting ready for Comodo...
As I can read here:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/technetmag/issues/2007/06/VistaFirewall/

Also like Windows XP, Windows Vista by default allows all outbound traffic

and to do something about it:

The big difference between Windows XP and Windows Vista is the new Advanced Security interface and full Group Policy support for configuration and rules

Since in my Home Premium I don't have an access to Group Policy, I'm ready to say "bye, bye" to Vista's firewall.

Oh, well good ole M$.

[Broni]

I'm just in a process of testing Vista's firewall, and posting results at my web page...
If anyone interested, feel free to check it out:
HERE

[Broni]

OK...
After running bunch of tests (link above), I was really disappointed with Vista firewall performance.
So, I did some research, visiting several firewall rating sites, and more, or less, on average, situation looks like this:



Among free firwalls, basically, I have two choices: Comodo (not compatible with Vista, yet...I signed up to be informed, when they are ready), and "PC Tools Firewall Plus" (compatible with Vista).

So, right now, I'm gonna shut Vista firewall down, install PC Tools Firewall, and wait for Comodo.
I'm done.

[patio]

Try jetico...ready for Vista.
Scored in the top 3 in the last firewall leaktest i read which included free and paid programs.

[Broni]

Hey, thanks...On some other page, I've read, that they are not ready yet for Vista, but I'll check.
I temporary installed "PC Tools Firewalls", waiting for Comodo.
Better, then crappy Windows firewall. I mean PC Tools.
I'll go to Jetico to check it out.

[Broni]

Unfortunatelly, only paid version is compatible with Vista:



plus, free version is way behind paid one

[patio]

I've dashed a message off to them...i've been recommending them for awhile now.
Don't know if this will produce any rapid results though...