McAfee.com Personal Firewall
As you might guess from the name, McAfee.com Personal Firewall is tightly linked to the McAfee Web site. You pay an annual subscription fee of AU$53.90 and receive automatic updates as they become available.
Geared in large part toward the corporate market, this program shields users from much of the decision making. Accordingly, it's not easy for users to add new Internet applications or trusted IP addresses. The help section often suggests that you check with your network administrator for additional information. As with BlackICE Defender, a simple control panel hides the complex rules that determine who gets in and who doesn't. Typically, corporate users don't want to be bothered with the details, so the event log includes only short descriptions of attacks.
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Most of the menu choices are simple and straightforward. For example, one screen lets you block everything, filter everything, or allow everything. You can block fragmented packets--most applications don't need to send or receive them--or add password protection to the firewall program, adding another layer of security. You can also allow or disallow a wide range of protocols for network adapters.
McAfee.com Personal Firewall is one of a group of subscription-based applications that McAfee is selling to corporations. The firewall program shares a common system-tray icon with McAfee's VirusScan, Privacy Service, FirstAid, Oil Change, and wireless security programs. That's a real advantage for corporations preferring to buy utility software from a single source, but for individuals and small businesses, especially those without networks, McAfee.com Personal Firewall may not offer enough configuration options or help.
McAfee.com Personal Firewall
Company:McAfee.com
Price:AU$53.90 for 12 month subscription
Distributor:Network Associates
Phone:1800 644 646
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