I am using Windows 8.1 Pro and Avast 2014.9.0.2021 (all active shields are on).
I realized my Windows firewall settings have no effect, even when I “block all connections including apps on the list of allowed apps.” i.e. I can still run my chrome browser, bnet agent, skype etc. I have also restarted my pc after changing my Windows firewall settings, but the outcome is the same.
Is this usual behavior, or am I missing something?
Guys, after reading up more, I realize that the Windows Firewall message is misleading.
By default, Windows firewall allows all outbound traffic and restricts inbound traffic. Therefore, when you are prompted to allow the program to “communicate” through the firewall, you are giving it permission to allow inbound connections, initiated from outside of your pc, to reach your pc. Therefore, even if you do not allow the program to communicate through the firewall by clicking cancel on the Windows Firewall security prompt, it still can initiate outbound connections (by default). That’s why all the apps like Skype, Chrome, and game clients continue to work and are able to communicate on the internet, since the connections have been initiated from your PC (i.e. they are outbound connections).