NoobProof - 1.4

I tried this to see if it was really easier and better than 10.5.6's own firewall tools for a "noob" to use. I stuck to the "recommended" settings suggested in the software. After giving it the go to change my settings, I found that I could no longer connect to the internet. I undid my changes using the program, saved them, uninstalled the program, double-checked my connection settings using back-up snaps... physically reset my modem... and rebooted my computer... but nothing worked.

For the first time ever, I was stuck with a glaring red stop light on my long trusty modem,
which always had reset easily and smoothly.

I tried Apple's built-in configuration assistants and they determined that everything was a-okay. Everything except my connection to the internet. The assistants worked feverishly but finally gave up and suggested that I contact my ISP for support. Unfortunately the only expedient way to contact them would have been on the internet. And that wasn't happening.

Since I had been planning to upgrade my computer soon anyway, I finally gave up and switched computers. My connection was automatically reset.

Needless to say, this is one program that this noob (who's used all sorts of computers for decades and has happily maneuvered the web since '94) will NOT be installing on his new computer.

Try it only if you understand everything you're doing every last step of the way and don't have to trust the program's recommendations. In fact, it's probably a good idea to cruise through the whole program without changing anything, to ascertain you understand it completely before changing anything. Otherwise you have been warned!

I tried Noobproof to resolve a security issue with my desktop installation and some concerns with Apple's latest Firewall. My issues have to do with PCI compliance on my desktop MacOS OS X 10.5.5 (Leopard).

Noobproof has specific handles that I need to control both TCP and UDP port issues that I found only in way more expensive utilities. Since NoobProof is free (donations only), I figured to give it a try.

Should say that I consider my self a newbie to port control, esp. on MacOS. Have done some reading as to security issues and found a lot of info in the public domain refuting the idea that Mac are somehow impervious to being hacked into. The serious security guys are certainly saying that most of the 'holes' though Windows prone are certainly available to Mac hackers as well. Apple clearly believes it too as they have patched the big ones recently and continue to do so. The problem with an 'easy-to-use' system like OS X (open GUI? is that the right term??) is that the IP ports are purposely rendered invisible to the GUI and are difficult to see status on to control. Well, this software solves some visibility and control issues. What you, the user, choose to do with all that power in NoobProof, that is up to you.

So I would urge caution in using this software, especially if you don't know what you want to do or have any advice on what to turn on both with NoobProof and Apple's Firewall (which NoobProof uses). NoobProof is basically a scripting tool for Apple Firewall and they do not reinvent that wheel (nor should they).

All said, I think NoobProof is very good with the tools they use. For me right now it seems to do the trick. I'd actually rate it 3 1/2 stars if there were such a thing. There is a learning curve and when proficient with it, I may come back and rate it higher. This is my initial review. Kudos to the authors!