Programs : Windows 7 Firewall Control : Sphinx Software

Applications

Programs List

The Programs List contains all the applications registered and controlled by Windows 7 Firewall Control. The list contains two columns - application name and application access permission.

All the operations with the listed programs are performed via the toolbar, the right mouse click menu or the hotkey (see the menu for the hotkey assistance). So the programs can be inserted, deleted and/or edited.

Edit Application Access

If an unlisted application requires network access or you edit a listed application access, "Edit Application" dialog will allow you to set or change the security zone, i.e. to allow/prohibit the application network activity. Choosing "EnableALL" allows the application access in the both directions (incoming and outgoing). DisableAll prohibits the network access. IncomingOnly/OutgoingOnly allows access only in specified direction.

The common rule of the network protection supposes minimal application network access allowed. So, do not allow the access for unknown/unrequired applications. Usually user level network active applications (not system services/servers) require outgoing access allowed only, therefore the best permission for them is OutgoingOnly.

"Allow in Mode: Expensive/Insecure Connection" marks the application to follow the zone set in "Mode: Expensive/Insecure Connection" (available via Tray Icon/Right Click menu) as well. All the other unmarked applications will not be allowed to access the network when the mode is set.
Note: Some applications may require the network access in both directions always (FTP clients, instant messengers etc)

Extra information (Plus version only)

Three additional columns are included:

Run - to show whether the application is currently running
Ext - to indicate the application is configured for external/worldwide access via Port Forwarding
Lim - to indicate the application is marked for "Mode: Expensive/Insecure Connection"

The columns information is not updated immediately. 5-10 seconds delay should be expected in the column data actualization to save the computer resources.

"Show Advised/Recommended Zones Only" option state is not saved within the Edit Application dialog simplifying your choice in the short list of Advised/Recommended zones only.