Flying Buttress Editor's Review

'Flying Buttress' (formerly known as Brick House) is a front-end for the Mac OS X built-in firewall.

While I tested this program, I kept in mind other applications that do the same thing, like WaterRoof or Door Stop X. This application has somehow combined the features from both programs mentioned above.

It also has a weird licensing. I can't say it better than the author himself did, so I am giving you his words. "As always, you may evaluate Flying Buttress without registering as long as you wish. If you believe it's worth the shareware fee, please register it. However, all features are enabled in the download as they were in previous versions."

The application can define and manage rules into your IPFW built-in firewall. This kind of configuring is much more useful than the terminal configuration.

The program has a built-in 'Assistant', which allows you to define a basic set of rules for your firewall easily. It has the support for the usual servers that require an open port into your firewall, such as HTTP hosting, FTP server, SSH logins, etc. It also allows you to use various types of tools, which make your life easier.

Pluses: It's pretty easy to use. You can configure basic sets of firewall rules with this program. It has a built-in assistant that makes your life easier.

Drawbacks / flaws:

In conclusion: If you need an application that can manage your firewall, Flying Buttress is a good choice.

version reviewed: 1.4