There are many firewall choices for Windows x64 users, so I've decided to take a look at some of the most popular products that are compatible with Windows Vista x64. The first firewall I will look at is the one included in AVG Internet Security 8.
AVG Internet Security 8 64-bit is approximately a 50mb download. Installation was very straightforward, with just a few simple dialogs asking the location you want to install the product to, and what features you want to be installed. Unfortunately, the installation is probably the easiest part of configuring this product.
After the product is installed, a Firewall Configuration Wizard launches to guide you in initially setting up the firewall. The first question it asks you is, "How is your computer connected to the Internet?". The wizard gives you four choices: Standalone computer, Computer in domain, Computer on the move, Small home or office network, and instructs you for the ideal configuration you should select ALL. This part of the wizard is very confusing, and does not really provide a clear explanation of the right choice. For example, if this computer is joined to a domain, isn't it on a office network? Why is joined on a domain even a choice? Also, it is unclear what settings each choices effects.
Network configuration options
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The wizard then scans your hard drive for known applications that will need access through the firewall. I think this is a good feature, but I worry that scanning my computer will give access through the firewall to applications that I might not necessarily want. In fact, after the search completes, it does not even show you the results!
Scanning for applications
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After the Wizard was finished, a "Network Detected" dialog appeared, asking me to name the network, and choose how it is used. Now it wants me to pick which type of network that I've specified I had earlier in the initial wizard. Still confusing!
Network Detected
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Next, a safe adapters settings screen pops up. It seems like this setting will override the network setting I just chose prior in the Network Detected screen. Does this mean my firewall is protecting my main network card at all? It is not clear!
Safe adapters settings
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That is the last screen that pops up. Configuration is now done! Although, I'm not quite sure if the configuration is correct! The usability of this firewall is extremely poor, and needs a lot of work. One nice bit of UI that the product has is the main screen of AVG Internet Security 8, showing all of its services and the status of each.
AVG Internet Security
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To conclude, AVG Internet Security 8's firewall is compatible with Vista x64. It's configuration is extremely complex, due to the poorly designed setup wizards. I recommend consulting the help documentation if you were to use this firewall on your machine, as the wizards themselves do not contain enough information to help you make good decisions! The usability problems have affected this products overall rating!
AVG Internet Security 8 Firewall
Extended64.com Overall Rating - 3/10
Pros:
- Nice looking dashboard showing all services
Cons:
- Extremely hard to configure due to poor wording in the UI!
Posted
Jun 28 2008, 12:32 PM
by
Ryan Hoffman