Like some other OS X firewall product , such as Flying Buttress ( ) , DoorStop X Security Suite puts a friendlier front end on OS X ’s build up - in firewall , make it an excellent solution for drug user who like the idea of using that built - in firewall but would like to be able to configure it more all without recur to the Terminal . The question is , are you willing to make up $ 80 for such admission ? I think it ’s definitely worth the ducat . But if you ’re on a tighter budget , you’re able to prefer to buy the firewall alone , without the residual of the Suite , for $ 49 .

DoorStop X walks you through a brief setup process , during which you choose the amount of access other users will have to your Mac . The nonremittal scene is to allow no access code , which is more stringent than you ’d want if you are partake your iTunes euphony library , for object lesson . The alternative is to customise the configuration and select the services you want to make available to others users .

Once you complete the setup mental process , the primary DoorStop X windowpane display a leaning of all the services currently available ; a lock icon signifies whether you ’re allowing or barring access to each service . Updating your contour is as simple as pick out a service and get across on a radio push button to allow or restrict access .

If you operate down access to a service inadvertently , you may require to perform some internet detective employment . For case , if you need to share your iTunes library , but no one is able-bodied to plug into to it , you may have lock it down . To fix this , you ’ll need to reckon at your firewall setting and make the appropriate change to allow admission .

DoorStop X come with excellent documentation and an even good Christian Bible , Internet Security for Your Macintosh . This guide distinguish you why you need to secure your Mac and leave specific selective information about each of the services assure by DoorStop X — and why you should or should n’t secure them .

The DoorStop X Security Suite ship with a 2d program , Who ’s There ? , which let you to view detailed information stored in the firewall log . Who ’s There ? tracks the type of connection that are being attempted with your electronic computer , and the diligence can make proposition about how to change your firewall conformation to confine exposure . As with DoorStop X , Who ’s There ? is paired with the included due east - Koran , so you’re able to get specific information about which service or interface on your Mac is being attacked .

Macworld buying advice

DoorStop X Security Suite is an well-to-do - to - configure front end to Apple ’s built - in firewall software . When used in bicycle-built-for-two with the Who ’s There ? log viewer and the splendid supporting documentation , it can aid keep your Mac safe , as well as teach you more about Internet security .

[ Jeffery Battersby is a web analyst and a regular contributor toMacworld . ]