Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Zenmap VS Windows Firewall Control

Compare Zenmap VS Windows Firewall Control and see what are their differences

Zenmap logo Zenmap

Zenmap is the official cross-platform GUI for the Nmap Security Scanner.

Windows Firewall Control logo Windows Firewall Control

Windows Firewall Control is not the built in firewall system in the Windows operating systems.
  • Zenmap Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-04-01
  • Windows Firewall Control Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-06

Zenmap features and specs

  • User-friendly Interface
    Zenmap provides a graphical interface that makes it easier for users to conduct network scans without needing to memorize command-line options.
  • Visualization Tools
    It includes tools for visualizing scan results, such as network topology diagrams, which can help in understanding network structure and vulnerabilities.
  • Profile Management
    Supports saving scan configurations as profiles, enabling quick re-runs of common scans with predefined settings.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    Zenmap is available for multiple operating systems including Windows, Linux, and macOS, making it versatile for different environments.
  • Integration with Nmap
    Leverages the powerful capabilities of Nmap, a well-known network scanning tool, providing advanced scanning options and performance.

Possible disadvantages of Zenmap

  • Performance Overhead
    The graphical interface can add additional performance overhead compared to the command-line version of Nmap, which may be noticeable during large scans.
  • Learning Curve
    Despite its graphical interface, Zenmap still requires a certain level of understanding about network scanning concepts and Nmap parameters to effectively use it.
  • Limited Customization
    While it supports many Nmap features, some advanced customization options available in the command-line version may be less accessible or harder to implement in Zenmap.
  • Security Risks
    Running a graphical network scanning tool can attract unwanted attention on shared or monitored systems as it might appear in process lists or leave trace logs, potentially indicating a security tool is being used.
  • Complexity in Large Data Sets
    When dealing with very large data sets or complex networks, the visual output can become cluttered or difficult to interpret efficiently.

Windows Firewall Control features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Windows Firewall Control offers an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, making it simple for users to configure and manage their firewall settings without needing advanced technical knowledge.
  • Customization Options
    The software allows for extensive customization, enabling users to create granular rules for both inbound and outbound traffic, ensuring high levels of security tailored to individual needs.
  • Notifications
    WFC provides real-time notifications when a new program tries to connect to the internet, allowing users to approve or block the application on the spot.
  • Profile Management
    It includes profile management features, enabling quick switching between different security profiles, such as work, home, or public network settings.
  • Integration
    Seamlessly integrates with the native Windows Firewall, offering an additional layer of control without conflicting with built-in Windows security features.
  • Low Resource Usage
    The application runs efficiently without consuming a significant amount of system resources, ensuring that it does not negatively impact system performance.

Possible disadvantages of Windows Firewall Control

  • Learning Curve
    Despite its user-friendly design, users with no background knowledge in network security might still find it somewhat challenging to understand all available features and settings.
  • Advanced Features Not Free
    While the basic version of WFC is free, access to more advanced features requires a paid license, which may not be ideal for all users, especially those looking for a completely free solution.
  • Limited Support
    Support options are somewhat limited compared to other commercial firewall products, potentially causing delays in resolving user issues.
  • Compatibility Issues
    There are occasional compatibility issues with certain third-party security software, which could cause conflicts or reduced functionality.
  • Complexity for Novice Users
    While powerful, the numerous options and settings can overwhelm novice users, resulting in misconfigurations that could compromise security.

Analysis of Zenmap

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Zenmap is a good tool.

Why this product is good

  • Zenmap is the official graphical user interface (GUI) for the Nmap Security Scanner, which is highly regarded for its ability to discover hosts and services on a computer network. Zenmap simplifies Nmap's complex functionality, making it more accessible to users who may not be as comfortable with command-line operations. It provides features such as network inventory, managing service upgrade schedules, and monitoring host or service uptime. Additionally, Zenmap is open-source and supports multiple operating systems, making it flexible and widely available.

Recommended for

  • Network administrators who need to map out or monitor their networks.
  • Security professionals performing security audits or vulnerability assessments.
  • IT personnel responsible for managing enterprise networks.
  • Enthusiasts interested in learning more about network security and scanning techniques.

Analysis of Windows Firewall Control

Overall verdict

  • Windows Firewall Control is generally considered a good tool for those who need more robust control over their Windows Firewall. It has received positive reviews for its intuitive interface and powerful features that go beyond the default Windows Firewall settings.

Why this product is good

  • Windows Firewall Control (WFC) by Binisoft is a popular tool that enhances the native Windows Firewall management capabilities. It offers a more user-friendly interface, as well as additional features such as notifications for outbound connections, simpler rule management, and enhanced filtering options. This can provide more control and visibility over network traffic for users who need advanced firewall configuration.

Recommended for

    Windows Firewall Control is recommended for users who are looking for an advanced, yet easy-to-use firewall management tool. It is particularly beneficial for IT professionals, network administrators, and tech-savvy users who require fine-tuned control over their system's network security.

Zenmap videos

Scan for Open Ports w/ Zenmap - Review

More videos:

  • Tutorial - Zenmap Tutorial - Network Scanning Tool

Windows Firewall Control videos

Windows Firewall Control (WFC) - BiniSoft.org

More videos:

  • Review - Windows Firewall Control review-Promo2day

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Zenmap and Windows Firewall Control)
Monitoring Tools
63 63%
37% 37
Security
100 100%
0% 0
Firewall
0 0%
100% 100
Security Monitoring
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Zenmap and Windows Firewall Control

Zenmap Reviews

15 Best Nmap Alternatives Network Security Scanner
The aim of the Zenmap app is to learning the Nmap tool easy for newbies to use and at the same time giving the best-advanced features to Nmap professionals.
Top 5 Best Port Scanners
Zenmap is not a new port scanner, but the official NMAP Front End interface (GUI). For those who are not familiar with command line terminals, Nmap creators launched this GUI release that will allow you to scan remote hosts in a fancy and friendly way.

Windows Firewall Control Reviews

We have no reviews of Windows Firewall Control yet.
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Zenmap seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 12 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Zenmap mentions (12)

  • Would you like to be a movie star by contributing to open source?
    It is a command line tool that also has an official GUI called Zenmap. - Source: dev.to / 3 months ago
  • Upgrading my opnsense setup. Today I am trying to give names to all my devices checking what is connected to my network, need help.
    Another way would be to use nmap from a Linux machine or virtual machine using: $ sudo nmap 192.168.0.1/24 where the subnet address is replaced with yours. They have a graphic interface, that I haven't used, but you might want to test it. It's called zenmap https://nmap.org/zenmap/. Source: over 2 years ago
  • What is this eye icon on the taskbar? Never seen it before.
    I agree with this but the eye is not exactly the same. https://nmap.org/zenmap/. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • SSL / TLS scanning utility (internal) ?
    There's also the GUI version if you want. https://nmap.org/zenmap/. Source: over 3 years ago
  • If OpenSSL Were a GUI
    I... Kind of like it? Not the fact that using such a GUI would be almost impossible, like the humorous example of an "engineer oriented UI" in the Silicon Valley series https://www.reddit.com/r/SiliconValleyHBO/comments/4nvvnl/pied_pipers_easytouse_tools/ which might be confusing for most people. But rather the fact that all of the complexity the software has is laid bare, so that nobody could mistakenly assume... - Source: Hacker News / over 3 years ago
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Windows Firewall Control mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Windows Firewall Control yet. Tracking of Windows Firewall Control recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Zenmap and Windows Firewall Control, you can also consider the following products

Nmap - Nmap Free Security Scanner, Port Scanner, & Network Exploration Tool. Download open source software for Linux, Windows, UNIX, FreeBSD, etc.

TinyWall - Lightweight and non-intrusive firewall

Angry IP Scanner - Open-source and cross-platform network scanner designed to be fast and simple to use

GlassWire - Visualize network activity in detail, get notified when new apps access the network, look out for...

Nessus - Nessus Professional is a security platform designed for businesses who want to protect the security of themselves, their clients, and their customers.

Emsisoft Online Armor Firewall - Emsisoft Online Armor Firewall is a freemium online firewall protection system by the Emsisoft that is based on the own independent protection technology of the Emsisoft.