Google has added a new firewall feature to their cloud offering. Currently in beta, the App Engine firewall, which is in beta, lets developers specify a set of rules, order them by priority and specify an IP address or a set of IP addresses. These are used to block or allow access to an application.

Android: Most of the apps on your Android device probably require a data connection, and you may not even know when they are sending or receiving data. NoRoot Firewall puts you in control of Internet access for apps, as well as how they can access it.

Outbound firewalls, or firewalls that only throw up alarms when a program on your machine tries to call out to the internet, are largely useless, according to our friends at How-To Geek. They don't offer real protection, ignore inbound threats and give you a false sense of security. Here's why.

Planning a trip behind the Great Firewall of China? Make sure to check if the website you need to get stuff done is blocked before you go with this handy tool.

Windows 7/Vista: One of the common complaints with the default Windows firewall is the ridiculous number of pop-ups you'll receive when it is enabled. TinyWall removes that annoyance while still providing an easy to use interface for advanced and beginner users.

While keeping the firewall on is probably a good idea for the less tech-savvy, there may come a time where they have to turn it on and off. Here's a simple guide to help them do it on their own.

The best way to determine if your computer's (or router's) firewall is working and optimised is to effectively try to penetrate it. Browser-based utility ShieldsUP! tests your firewall for vulnerabilities and kinks in your computer's defence.

Got some web space you rent for a personal site? Good, then you can likely get around any restrictions your employer, school or other eye-shielding authority have wrongly put in your way with a quick PHProxy installation.

If you're bent on updating your social network status or checking out a new website, firewalls be damned, Flexamail can help you update your accounts and receive websites via email.

If you're travelling this Christmas and using the wireless networks of hotels or other unfamiliar service providers, CanYouSeeMe.org is a handy way to tell what ports are reachable when you're behind a firewall.

Windows only: Corporate firewall got you down? No Facebook behind your school's filter? FreeProxy is a simple proxy tool for routing your browsing through your home computer.

Connecting your laptop to the local coffee shop's Wi-Fi without a good firewall and thinking you're secure is like using a condom with thousands of holes in it and calling it safe sex. Your antivirus application is a good start, but if you want to make sure you're computer is safe while you're connected to the internet, a solid firewall is a must. Keep reading for a closer look at the five best Windows firewalls.