rule creation

A firewall acts as a barrier against threats to devices, with most operating systems including one for basic protection. The Windows Defender Firewall has a complex interface, but it features a powerful packet filtering engine. Simplewall is a standalone network filtering application built on the Windows Filtering Platform (WFP) that offers users straightforward control over network traffic. It includes a rules editor that allows users to manage applications and services, enabling them to block or allow specific traffic easily. Users can create custom rules based on protocol, ports, or IP addresses, which is particularly useful in home lab environments. Simplewall also provides an OS-level blacklist to limit Microsoft's data collection and can block known advertising and tracking IPs. It is compatible with various Windows versions, including Windows 7 and ARM64 architecture, and can filter traffic from the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). Simplewall is available in a portable version, does not log telemetry data, and is open-source. However, users must manage rules carefully, as blocking critical services can lead to connectivity issues. The development of Simplewall is supported by a community that contributes to its improvement.