We knew that Outpost Personal Firewall Pro 2 would improve on its predecessor, but this version is a major upgrade. I'm not just talking about the superb revamped interface, which couples simplicity with power, but a quick look under the pretty skin confirms that this is a serious development. This second-generation product is rock solid when running on Windows XP, and also supports Internet Connection Sharing, Remote Desktop and Fast User Switching -- exactly the kind of thing that confuses and crashes inferior products.
Installation is a breeze -- you go from click to configure in a couple of minutes -- and the default Wizard mode makes for easy work thereafter. The first time any application wants outward-bound access, you get a pop-up that lets you allow it or block it, just once or always. Like ZoneLabs' ZoneAlarm Pro, the default privacy and permissions worked well, dividing applications into allowed, semi-trusted and blocked categories.
Another new feature is boot-up protection for Windows, so the system is defended before any malicious apps get a chance to start. Plus, the component-control feature means that your applications are monitored for activity, as well as their components, making it impossible for a Trojan or virus to impersonate a trusted app. Outpost uses the Message Digest MD5 algorithm to calculate a checksum for each trusted app and authenticates this digital application signature each time that app is launched.
However, the crowning glory is the event logging. The database-driven system allows activity to be filtered and output according to your needs, and it outstrips all the competition, including ZoneAlarm, for ease of use. Look at the screenshot -- it really is that straightforward.
Like ZoneAlarm, however, you shouldn't confuse the 'Pro' product with the free versions, which are lacking in numerous areas. A Pro licence gets you round-the-clock technical support direct from Agnitum, whereas the free version enables you to access the user forums only, although these are still excellent places to look when you have a problem. Still, many features such as stateful inspection, component control, boot-up protection, Flash banner blocking and advanced logging are only available to Pro users.
If you throw in the reduction in CPU load by more than 50 percent and memory hogging by 40 percent over previous versions -- thanks to the new logging system -- the case for Outpost Pro gets even stronger. Of all the software firewalls we've tested in the last year, Outpost has the least impact upon system resources, despite its ability to handle up to 1GB/s of continual traffic and monitor 200 simultaneous connections.
There are also a number of pricing options, including an excellent value Family License for five users for only $125, along with volume pricing options from 2-50+ users.
While no software option could claim to be a perfect firewall, Outpost feels like the best of its breed.