Program Control

General Topics
1

I am looking for a simple stripped down application that will let me know
what programs are trying to “reach out” to the net, and give me the option
to allow or dis-allow.
Yes, I know this smaks of firewall, but I do not need a full bloated firewall.
I run behind a hardware firewall, so a software firewall is pretty redundant
for my needs. The windows built in piece of sh** does not keep programs from accessing the net outbound,
and certainly does not even inform me when something is doing so.
So, I have a need for a basic control valve that will allow or not allow without all the extra bloat.
Any ideas?

2

Sorry but IMHO, you need a Firewall to protect your outbound connections.
I use PC Tools Firewall Plus which works well on both XP and Vista.
There are many others to choose from.
Just do a forum search.

3

Thank you for your response.
I have been re-evaluating my need to have sooo many security programs.
The hardware firewall is more than enuf for my uses.
What I need is just a simple on/off switch. I do not like programs accessing the net behind my back, lol

4

Hi PapaSmurf -

Perhaps a program I use can help you. It’s called What’s Running and on the Startup tab, you can choose what you do not want running at startup. But, be careful of what you uncheck as this could cause problems. If you do not recognize the entry, research before unchecking anything unknown to you.

http://www.whatsrunning.net/whatsrunning/main.aspx

5

Then the hardware firewall is very clearly (despite your thoughts) not enough for your needs since most hardware firewalls give you no assurance over outbound connections.

What I need is just a simple on/off switch. I do not like programs accessing the net behind my back, lol

You may well “lol”. It is with the most sincere regret that I post “you do not know what you are talking about” when it comes to programs accessing the net behind your back. You do not have anything telling you about

I do not like programs accessing the net behind my back
that you claim matters to you.

If you want something that will tell you about the outbound connections from your system then pay attention to the advice offered in this forum and use one of the recommended software firewalls.

I will be first here to say that I personally rely on the Windows XP firewall and my Linksys (Unix based) hardware firewall (with up to date 3rd party software), but my Internet adventures are of the most limited and conventional nature and do not venture into those sites that would give anyone concern.