TinyWall

2.1.8

Software information

License:

Freeware (Free)


Updated:

11 Mar 2016


Publisher:

Karoly Pados

Website:

http://tinywall.pados.hu

Software Screenshots

Size: 1.1 GB


Downloads: 5628


Platform: Windows 7/Vista/XP

Review by Frederick Barton (Cybersecurity Editor)

on 27 Jun 2012

The Windows firewall is barely noticeable, but it protects your system by blocking unauthorized connections to or from the Internet. Unfortunately, its controls are very flexible. It may take some time to set up exceptions or block certain applications, but you can change this with the aid of TinyWall. You should not let its name fool you. It may be lightweight, but it is a powerful application which gives you a better grip on your firewall. It automatically blocks any application, with a few exceptions for web browsers or critical Windows services, such as network discovery, time sync and others. Furthermore, it lets you set up and manage your own exceptions, without any effort.

Unless you want to make a donation, you can use the application, free of charge, for an unlimited period of time, without encountering hidden restrictions. The setup package is one Mb large, but it may take an extra minute to install it. TinyWall works with 32 or 64-bit versions of Windows Vista, Win 7 and even Win 8.

TinyWall works in the background without hindering you in any way. You can access its functions and make a series of configurations with the aid of its system tray icon. You just need to click it once to reveal its options in a pop up menu. A tabbed options panel is where you can set the application to update itself automatically, enable a block list, prevent modifications to hosts file and create a password.

It is possible to create an exceptions list, on the same options window, where you can add the .exe files of the application that must connect to the Internet, like your web browsers. An automatic detection feature is available and like its name suggests, it will detect your installed applications that need to connect to the Internet. Critical services, like the Windows DHCP or DNS client are added by default in a special exceptions list and you can insert additional ones, like the Windows Remote Assistance or the File and Printer Sharing feature.

Any application can be added to a white list by selecting its .exe file, running process or active window. Once added, you will be notified with a pop up message, in the lower right corner of the screen and you may click the message to open a window with additional options. The new exception can be permanent or it can last from 5 minutes to 24 hours. Alternatively, you can make the exception valid until the next reboot. It is also possible to restrict the application to your local network, allow it only on specified ports and more.

Other options, in the icon's menu, make it possible to enable block lists, unblock LAN traffic or show all connections in a table of contents. The application's operating mode can be changed instantly, with a series of options, located in a sub-menu. You can disable the firewall, allow outgoing connections, block everything or switch to a normal protection mode. There is also an automatic learning mode. If activated, the program will adapt the exceptions lists over time, according to your actions.

Pros

TinyWall gives you a better control over the Windows firewall. You can use it to set up permanent or temporary exceptions, block all connections with a single mouse click and more. Additionally, the application makes it much easier to control the firewall, thanks to its easy to understand functions.

Cons

The application works only on Windows Vista or higher. TinyWall will harden your system's protection, while giving you full control over the Windows firewall. You can let it work in the background and it will not bother you with any pop up messages or notifications.

TinyWall
2.1.8

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TinyWall Awards


TinyWall Editor’s Review Rating

TinyWall has been reviewed by Frederick Barton on 27 Jun 2012. Based on the user interface, features and complexity, Findmysoft has rated TinyWall 5 out of 5 stars, naming it Essential

5

out of 5