DoorStop X 1.0 is intended as an easy - to - use replacement for the software firewall build into OS X , and it offers finer restraint of configuration and logging . The program ’s software documentation and interface achieve a good balance of simplify the basics of configuring a firewall while avoiding complexness that might flood out novice users . The program ’s centering on simplicity may explicate its deficiency of feature article in comparison to other third - party firewall programs .
Firewall configuration
DoorStop X is easy to instal , and the firewall is configured by default to deny all TCP requests . Individual service , such as printer communion or personal file communion , can then be configure to admit or deny all access , either completely or for a specific reach of IP addresses . The program comes with a default option list of common services and associated ports to choose from , each with a like icon to aid novice user locate the right token chop-chop . Users also can enter additional services , to append those not found in the preconfigured list .
What’s missing
DoorStop X performed as expected , denying and log access attempts as configure . However , while DoorStop X can be set to lumber malicious admittance attempt , the program lacks real - clock time alerts . open up Door Networks does offer a companion product called Who ’s There ? Firewall Advisor (; February 2002 ) , which allows user to psychoanalyze firewall logs , but with no real - time analysis and alerting , access attempts such as port CAT scan could go unnoticed until long after the event .
Once you ’ve closed the main DoorStop X Setup window , the program offers no indication of the firewall ’s condition . Since it is not rare to temporarily disable a computer software firewall while troubleshooting electronic connection job , a toolbar icon or other index would be a welcome addition to remind users of the firewall ’s condition .
Another lacking feature mutual to several corresponding add - on firewall packet such as Firewalk X2 (; March 2005 ) and BrickHouse is the power to save up and easy exchange between multiple configurations . This can be handy for laptop substance abuser who might desire to swop between dissimilar firewall preferences at home , at body of work , or on public wireless networks .
Open Door Networks aver that the caller reckon implementing some of these features , but they were left out in the interest of keep on the program easy to expend , and some may be moot for future releases .
Macworld’s buying advice
DoorStop X may be the correct intersection for novice substance abuser seeking more feature of speech than the firewall built into OS X , and using an user interface that is easy to understand . However , users willing to deal with complexity may opt for more features at a corresponding price in vie firewalls .
[ Matt Vanceis a technology advisor , Web developer , and freelancer writer living in Austin , Texas . ]
