McAfee Firewall 3.0.1 is a personal firewall utility that will protect your system as soon as it's installed. While it's not as configurable as Norton Personal Firewall 2002, it does include some good features. However, advanced users will be put off by its lack of options and control.

One of McAfee Firewall's best features is the firewall intrusion monitor, which is a real-time colour-coded screen that will show any detected threats and assign a colour based on threat severity. Green is for low threat and red for extreme caution. At a glance, you can see any activity and whether or not it poses any threats.

The interface itself is similar to Norton Personal Firewall 2002, but isn't as user-friendly. For example, it's unclear within the interface as to how to access any options screens or configuration areas.

Applications that attempt external communication are met with a McAfee Firewall pop-up. Once you select what action to take from the standard allow or deny list, the available application list will be updated. You can later change what action to take when the application accesses the internet.

Detailed reporting can be done within the software. Reports can be generated on any traffic-related data, as well as by application, system status and users.

The biggest drawback to McAfee Firewall is that it isn't configurable enough. While it works well enough as a firewall straight out of the box, you have no real control over what the software's doing.

Similar to Norton Personal Firewall 2002, it has three default levels - Allow All, Filter and Block All - but there are no options for customisation. When we tested the software, we encountered some problems with email. Even with the security setting set to Allow All, Lotus Notes 5.0 didn't work. As there's next to no manual configuration, we were unable to get Lotus Notes working at all.

McAfee has acknowledged 'a few' issues with email software in general and says the problems will be addressed in a patch update. We also encountered some internet access problems from Internet Explorer, which we fixed by deactivating and restarting the package.

For users who want a basic set-and-forget firewall, McAfee Firewall 3.0.1 will fill the position nicely. If you're after a more advanced solution, where you can configure levels of security and have tighter control over management, then this firewall won't be to your liking. The fact that it has trouble with some software also means that some users will be left frustrated and unsure as to what action to take.

Contact

Network Associates: 227 Bath Road, Slough, Berkshire SL1 5PP
Tel 0800 092 7160, Fax 01753 217520
www.mcafee.com