Windows Firewall Archives

Tech Optimizer

January 30, 2026

Bitdefender vs McAfee

Bitdefender and McAfee are both established antivirus solutions that achieve similar lab test scores, often earning 18 points in assessments by AV-Test and AV-Comparatives. Bitdefender offers a more economical pricing structure, with its Antivirus Plus plan priced between .99 and .99 per year for three devices, while McAfee's plans start at .99 for one device. In real-world malware protection tests, Bitdefender achieved a 99.8% protection rate, compared to McAfee's 99.3%. McAfee includes firewall protection at the antivirus level, while Bitdefender reserves its firewall for higher-tier plans but offers better exploit protection. Bitdefender successfully thwarted 11 out of 12 ransomware attacks in controlled tests, while McAfee's ransomware protection is less reliable. Both offer limited VPN services, with Bitdefender providing 200MB per day and McAfee offering between 250MB and 500MB per month. McAfee completes scans more quickly but uses more CPU, while Bitdefender is more thorough. Bitdefender includes additional security features like anti-tracker and secure browser, whereas McAfee's features are more limited.

Tech Optimizer

January 13, 2026

Trusted Antivirus Protection for PCs

Your PC requires robust antivirus protection due to its diverse usage, and Windows 11 offers built-in protections that operate seamlessly. Antivirus software, such as Microsoft Defender in Windows 11, protects against threats like viruses, malware, phishing websites, and suspicious email attachments. However, it cannot fully defend against social engineering scams, new ransomware, zero-day vulnerabilities, or risky online behaviors. Microsoft Defender provides automatic threat scanning, works with the Windows firewall, utilizes cloud intelligence, alerts users to unsafe content, and offers ransomware protection. To enhance security, users should keep software updated, use strong passwords, secure their Wi-Fi, enable firewalls, and back up files regularly.

Winsage

October 20, 2025

Simplewall is the Windows Firewall tuning tool everyone needs

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.

Tech Optimizer

October 9, 2025

Business security worries during the move to Windows 11?

Windows 11 will replace Windows 10 on October 14th and is designed with enhanced security features, making it the most secure operating system to date. It requires a motherboard and CPU that support Secure Boot to protect against malicious code during startup. The operating system integrates artificial intelligence within its Windows Security suite for improved threat detection and data protection. Key components include Microsoft Defender Antivirus, which offers real-time alerts and a centralized command center, and Windows Defender SmartScreen, which analyzes potential threats from websites and downloads. Additional security features include Windows Firewall, Bluetooth Protection, Secure Wi-Fi, and enhanced VPN functionality. Windows 11 also focuses on identity security with biometric access through Windows Hello and multifactor authentication via Microsoft Authenticator. The operating system is linked to Microsoft Accounts for centralized data management and includes a Find My Device feature for locating or locking stolen PCs. RCT Cloud is a recommended vendor for assistance with the Windows 11 upgrade, providing Microsoft licenses and support.

AppWizard

October 8, 2025

How to Fix the GETSOCKOPT Error in Minecraft

The GETSOCKOPT error in Minecraft occurs when the game cannot establish a network connection, often indicated by messages like “Connection timed out: getsockopt” or “Connection refused: getsockopt.” This error is not a bug in Minecraft but relates to network reachability or permission issues from the system or router configuration. Common causes include incorrect IP address or port, server being offline or misconfigured, firewall or antivirus interference, missing router port forwarding, double NAT or CGNAT from the ISP, and router limitations. In a LAN setup, AP isolation or a “Public” network type can also cause issues. VPNs or proxy services may disrupt connections as well. To troubleshoot the GETSOCKOPT error, players can take several steps: 1. Run Minecraft as Administrator to grant necessary permissions. 2. Double-check the IP address and port for accuracy. 3. Use a VPN to bypass routing issues or ISP restrictions. 4. Reconnect the Wi-Fi or Ethernet to refresh the network adapter. 5. Temporarily disable antivirus and allow Minecraft through the firewall. 6. Set up port forwarding for self-hosted servers to ensure inbound traffic reaches the device. 7. Contact the ISP to check for blocked ports or restrictive NAT policies.

Tech Optimizer

October 7, 2025

6 Windows hardening steps that don’t break gaming or DRM

Windows 11 is not the most secure operating system by default but offers ways to enhance security without affecting gaming performance. Gaming PCs are vulnerable to cyber threats and should adopt security measures. Customizing Windows Firewall allows users to maintain internet access for gaming applications while ensuring security. Users should add key game executable files to the "allowed apps" list and consider using SimpleWall for better control over network activity. Using a standard account for gaming sessions enhances security by limiting admin account access, which should be reserved for software installation and updates. Implementing multi-factor authentication for both admin and standard user accounts adds an extra layer of security. Windows Defender has improved and can be an efficient antivirus option, but third-party solutions may conflict with gaming performance. Game files should be added to Windows Defender's exclusion list to avoid performance issues. Disabling unnecessary Windows services can enhance security and performance by reducing the attack surface and freeing up resources. Common services to disable include Cellular Time, Connected Devices Platform Service, and Telemetry. Secure Boot protects against malicious software during the boot process and may require BIOS adjustments. It does not affect gaming performance and is often necessary for games with kernel-level anti-cheat systems. Memory Integrity and Core Isolation are advanced security features that protect against low-level attacks by creating an isolated environment for critical processes. These features require minimal resources if the CPU supports Intel's Mode-Based Execution Control (MBEC) or AMD's Guest Mode Execution Trap (GMET). Balancing security measures with optimal system performance is essential for a secure gaming experience.

Tech Optimizer

September 3, 2025

Malwarebytes Ultimate

Malwarebytes offers a cybersecurity suite called Malwarebytes Ultimate, which includes antivirus protection, VPN services, and identity theft remediation. The pricing starts at .99 per year for a single device, with higher costs for additional devices. The suite provides coverage for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. The identity theft protection is powered by TransUnion but lacks the extensive features of competitors like Bitdefender and Norton. Malwarebytes Ultimate includes a VPN with over 60 server locations across 34 countries, though it does not cover regions like Africa or certain countries. The VPN features include an automatic activation option and split tunneling. Malwarebytes has received high scores in independent testing for its antivirus capabilities on Android but did not appear in some recent evaluations. The identity theft protection system allows users to monitor personal information and receive alerts if their data is found on the dark web. Users can also track financial transactions for suspicious activity and access resources for identity and credit protection. Malwarebytes provides a dedicated resolution specialist for identity theft cases and offers a personal data removal service.

Tech Optimizer

August 20, 2025

I tested the best antivirus software for Windows: Here’s what I’d use to protect my PC

Windows Security is a free antivirus program pre-installed on every Windows PC, offering solid protection. Bitdefender provides a comprehensive antivirus solution with a yearly subscription. Malwarebytes is recommended as the top antivirus choice for Windows users, featuring a user-friendly interface and both free and paid versions. TotalAV is an affordable option with a built-in VPN and system tune-up tool. McAfee Total Protection offers extensive features, including identity theft coverage. Avast One is designed for gamers, providing a Do Not Disturb mode. uBlock Origin is an ad blocker that enhances browser security, while Brave is a secure web browser with built-in tracking and ad blocking features.

Winsage

August 14, 2025

Microsoft asks Windows 11 users to ignore yet another error message

Microsoft has advised users to disregard a new error related to the CertificateServicesClient (CertEnroll), logged as Error ID 57 in the Event Viewer, which may appear after installing the optional July 2025 update or later updates. The error message states that the 'Microsoft Pluton Cryptographic Provider' provider was not loaded due to initialization failure. Microsoft clarified that this error can be safely ignored, as it does not indicate an issue with any active Windows component and is related to a feature under development. There is no impact on Windows processes, and no action is required from users.

Winsage

August 14, 2025

Microsoft asks users to ignore certificate enrollment errors

Microsoft has advised users to disregard certain CertificateServicesClient (CertEnroll) errors following the installation of the July 2025 preview update and subsequent Windows 11 24H2 updates. Users were also encouraged to overlook Windows Firewall configuration errors after rebooting post-installation of the June 2025 preview update. In April 2025, Microsoft confirmed and rectified a known issue causing invalid 0x80070643 failure errors after applying April 2025 Windows Recovery Environment updates, and addressed a bug triggering BitLocker drive encryption errors on Windows 10 and 11 devices. In October, Microsoft clarified that a specific issue primarily affected managed Windows environments with enforced drive encryption. Recently, Microsoft updated its Windows release health dashboard, asking users to ignore an error logged in Event Viewer with Error ID 57, related to the 'Microsoft Pluton Cryptographic Provider' not loading due to initialization failure. They emphasized that this error can be safely ignored and does not indicate issues with active Windows components, as it stems from a feature still under development.