The Windows Vista (and 7) Firewall has default outbound firewall policies in place, to prevent even Services from making outbound connections that they have no business making in the first place. Thus, not only does it run users in restricted mode, but goes as far as running all its services in restricted mode.

There are 5 tools which can be used to configure the firewall. Of these, Windows has 4 in-built ones with whose help you can configure and control it.

• Windows Firewall-Control Panel application, is the simplest—and the least capable. But with it you can complete routine tasks, such as allowing a program through it or blocking all incoming connections. This Technet link true will help you get started .

• Windows Firewall-Advanced Security. This one is a snap-in and predefined console for Microsoft Management Console, offers much more granular control over rules, exceptions, and profiles. More about this here.

• The Netsh utility (in particular, its Firewall and Advfirewall contexts) lets you make firewall settings from a Command Prompt window or a batch program. More info about this utility here.

• Group Policy Object Editor (available only in Business, Enterprise, and Ultimate editions) incorporates the Windows Firewall With Advanced Security snap-in (under Computer Configuration\Windows Settings\Security Settings\Windows Firewall With Advanced Security). In addition, Windows Firewall can be managed with a number of policies, which can be found in Computer Configuration \ Administrative Templates \ Network \ Network Connections \ Windows Firewall. Some nice info about this here at Bookpool.

Incidentally, nearly a total 0f around 2500 settings can be configured in Vista through Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc). However, Group Security Policy is not included in Visa Home Edition.

• Vista Firewall Control is a good and easy-2-use, 3rd party tool, you can try for managing the Vista Firewall.

Some Windows Firewall Support Locations :

Windows Help Firewall FAQ’s

Relationship between Windows Firewall and Windows Security Center in Vista
Windows Firewall General Information
Windows Firewall in Windows Vista