This is a quick tutorial on how to install and set up PeerGuardian 2.



First of all you can get PeerGuardian 2 from PeerGuardian2
If you already have PeerGuardian set up its vital that you add the current block lists and allows lists we have.  For instructions see Block The RIAA

Once you have it downloaded you just doubleclick to begin the installation Wizard.  This is pretty much a standard installtion.




As you continue with the installation PeerGuardian 2 will ask you for settings.
The first is a Select Lists box. In the example below note we have ticked P2P, Ads, and Spyware IP ranges to be blocked from accessing the machine. In red you will see a area to block HTTP sites, this is not recommended as it can keep you from getting to places or instant messanger programs.




Next it will ask you how you would like to handle your Automatic Updates. In the example it is set to check for updates.
Everyday or other day and look for updates for both PeerGuardian 2 and the IP Range Lists.




Next you be asked about the Optimization Setting, normal is fine as this program is easy on the CPU usage anyway so recommended.




Now you have successfully installed PeerGuardian 2 your firewall may come up with an alert to let you know PeerGuardian 2 needs internet access to work.
You will need to allow access at all times for it to work properly to protect you.




Now as you continue, you will see the Updating box. This is PeerGuardian loading its lists of known dodgy IPs.
You will also see this box when ever you click on the Check for Updates button on the PeerGuardian screen under Protection Tab.




Once you have done this you will see the PeerGuardian 2 box. There are two tabs there, Protection and Settings. We will start with the Protection Tab.

Looking at the Protection tab you can see that PeerGuardian 2 is Blocking, and that your lists are updated and when.  Also from here you will see the option for Disable,List Manager, Check For Updates, Block HTTP, History, and Clear Log. This is where you can take a quick look also at your logs of what is being blocked.  This list can be made longer for quick view under settings we will see in a moment.




Under List Manager you can change the types of IP,s blocked like P2P, Ads, etc...
You can also customize a list of IP,s you wish to allow or block,
or add lists you get manually from the PeerGuardian site, by clicking on the Add button as shown below.



You might find that PeerGuardian is blocking or allowing a certain URL address, like Yahoo for example.
You can add a URL in that you want to allow or block..simply type it in Add URL and tick Block or Allow.



The View History tab will give you a place you look at what has been being blocked, allowed or all.  Very useful if you are concerned that an ip is being blocked that should not be or should be.  Also this screen gives easy access to older logs.




Now looking at the Settings tab, here you can change How often you want to look for updates, Log options, and List optimization.
In this example it is set to check for updates of both PeerGuardian 2 and the Lists Every other day.
The Logging can be changed to suit how many you wish to preserve in the log window. (Mine is set to 50 so that I can see whats been going on for a period of time).
The List Optimization options are for power saving effects and leaving it on Normal is recommended as PeerGuardian 2 is easy on the resources anyway as mentioned.




There is also a way you can adjust settings by right clicking on the icon in your task panel.




You will see a drop box that you can choose to Enable, Disable, Block HTTP. Put a check beside PeerGuardian, and Enable.



You can see from the picture the search I prefromed just to test it out, and the logs on my Peerguardian 2.
You will see some amazing things if you watch your logs.
Keep in mind this is a firewall "like" program and in no way replaces a good Firewall.
Big Thanks to the dedicated folks at Methlabs for their great work on this wonderful tool.

©2005-2024 WinMXWorld.com. All rights reserved. Page last updated Sun Dec 04 2005