I am a new user to Sunbelt Kerio Firewall (Ver 4.5.916 running under Win XP/SP2) and there are a number of things that have struck me during my first few days of using it.

Firstly, during installation, it specifically states that you can switch from Simple to Advanced Mode after installation, which implies some sort of switch. In fact in answer to a post on this subject back in October 2006 it was explained that this "switch" does not in fact exist and that individual changes need to be made. The installation instructions really need to be changed to clarify this point.

The above post also explained about changing the "Any other application" rules from the default settings of "Permit" to "Ask" in order to obtain prompts. I had discovered this by playing around with the program but surely the current default settings are the wrong way round. Yes, there will be no possibility of confusing pop-ups to worry the new user. Unfortunately he will actually be living in what amounts to a fools paradise under the mistaken impression that he is fully protected. Surely the default settings should be for maximum protection not an "everything is allowed" setting.

The October 2006 post also recommends enabling "Application Behaviour Blocking". In fact the note to this function states, "Behavior blocking is only recommended for advanced users", a statement that is likely to prevent any new user from even attempting to use this function.

What seems to be missing from the manual is a highlighted introductory section that discusses these important topics.