PeerBlockfor Windows

PeerBlock makes your online activities much safer by taking control of who your PC talks to on the Internet. Developed by the PeerBlock Project, it is the most advanced IP blocking utility which gives you the ultimate power to block the sleazy spyware companies, unethical advertisers, and certain cyber entities you don't want to look at your PC's operations. This open-source freeware has been around since 2003 with its predecessor PeerGuardian giving its users a reliable and guaranteed protection from unwanted online attention. But will this software still shine within the array of modern VPN services? There's only one way to find out. Learn more here.

The most popular IP blocking utility

Overall, PeerBlock may be the best online security software for the past years but its current protection is now incomparable with any modern VPN services have to offer.

The software allows you to control how your PC interacts with other computers online. It will scan your computer for in- and outgoing connections to different IP addresses which are deemed malicious or unwanted. While other forms of online security programs such as firewalls will let you block hosts one by one, the software will make it easier for you to block all the malicious online addresses at once by providing frequently-updated lists of host addresses. These lists are further divided into various distinct categories including spyware, advertising, education, and peer-to-peer. The spyware list is the most common problem that can be solved through the software. By using the app to block malicious sites, you can now surf the Internet with peace of mind. Interestingly, the education list is popular for the younger generation. This list is primarily blocked by students who are probably uncomfortable about the fact that their colleges monitor their online activities. While the P2P list is a collection of media companies who are bound by confidentiality and copyright laws and often blocked by the people who like to do the grievous act of online piracy. And lastly, the software’s ability to block the advertising list is probably the most helpful of all. By adding this list to your blocklist, you may now enjoy advertisement-free browsing on your favorite social media and online sites.

If you’re a first time user, a wizard box will pop up to display set-up options on the software’s first run (though you can change them anytime you want). Aside from adding a list of IP addresses to your blocklist, there’s also a checkbox labeled Always Allow HTTP for you to explore. This option will always enable connections over ports 80 and 443 of your PC (which are often used for browsing the Internet) even if they’re included on your blocklist. After completing the software’s easy-to-finish setup, you can now tick the software’s update schedule and other options. To proceed, just click the Finish button. Immediately after, the software will quickly download an updated list of known threats that can be troublesome to your PC in a simple (but intuitive) interface which is composed of two self-explanatory tabs namely, Protection and Settings (which is a two-page stretch). To open the software’s main console, you just have to right-click the system tray icon. While doing a left-click will lead you to the context menu for easier and instant access to Enable and Disable controls, allow HTTP options, basic controls at the top side, and Support.

By using the software, you’ll be protected from certain cyber bodies that can cause harm and trouble with your PC and personal life online. Although, even the software’s creators are seriously warning the users to be careful and vigilant in their daily online activities. You should not depend on the software too much, and if possible, avoid entering malicious websites at all since trackers can easily change their IP addresses in an instant without the software knowing.

Where can you run this program?

The software is currently available for Windows users exclusively. With the software’s slow release of updates, it is hard to say whether the creators are planning to expand its reach to Mac OS, as well as to Android and iOS mobile phones. You can download the software for free by visiting its developer’s official website. Since its release, it still has a minimal user base with only over 690,000 number of downloads up-to-date.

Is there a better alternative?

Since the software doesn’t have the ability to hide your IP address, it will not necessarily make you anonymous online. You can simply block a wide range of IP addresses from giving you unwanted disturbance but they can still be able to see and track your activities online (legal or not). For better and secure browsing, it is recommended for you to use a VPN service such as Private Internet Access and IPVanish. PIA is the most popular choice of VPN users because of its extreme low subscription fee.

Our take

Definitely, the software is more than a firewall program that protects your online identity. It is a useful first-line defense against inappropriate sharing of your sensitive and confidential information to anyone online. While the software offers a lot of helpful features, getting the most out of it may require a little bit of technical savviness. Depending on how your computer connects to the Internet and the settings of your firewall and ISP, you may be required to tweak some things to ensure that its services are still in-line with your cybersecurity needs. On the other hand, it has a neat and easy-to-understand interface with an online well-updated public forum. You can add new particular items to your blocklists, or unblock a particular array of IPs with ease. 

Should you download it?

Only if you're up for a simple (but reliable) first line of online security. The software is only worth trying if you're curious to see how many sites and online entities are trying to reach your computer during your average browsing session. Although, if you're really looking for better cybersecurity with a better scope other than IP blocking capabilities, then try looking for the best VPNs available for purchase.