I came across this new extension called FirePanelXP on Shell Extension City.  Its one of my favorite sites for high quality freeware on the internet.  The application itself is a firewall extension for your XP SP2 and Windows Server 2003 SP1 based computers which, if you choose (actually I think its on by default…but you can shut it off), have the firewall features enabled.

FirePanel XP is an extension for the new firewall found in Windows XP SP2 and Windows Server2003 SP1. It improves your Windows Firewall, with features not normally available to users. Set rules, monitor your firewall activity, filter packets, watch logs, and keep realtime tabs on what exactly your connection is being exposed to. Protect servers from most unsolicited internet traffic and malicious probes, by specifying which addresses can even find that open port. If the IP is not on the list, the packet is simply dropped and logged, limiting the surface of attack on your connection. There are multiples panes to display all important network information and the rules protecting your system. Live Viewer: A sniffer, for real time packet watching. Firewall Log: Displays the contents of Windows Firewall logs in a readable format. Filters: New IP filtering acts as your first line of defense, prevent any incoming or outgoing traffic you choose from passing through your connection; never even reaching the program or port rules. This is a tool never seen in the Windows Firewall. Add a rule with the remote IP as source, and it cannot connect again. Connections: Shows all connections on your system, including the process that owns it. Like netstat, but better. Programs & Ports: Applications and mapped ports can be limited to your LocalSubnet, the Internet or a custom set of IP's. Routes: Shows all your available route info through your network. Stats: Shows your bandwith consumption, number of packets going in & out and errors…

I have installed this on my own PC and think it's a fantastic addition for the high end user who wants more control and better visibility into what the firewall software is doing.  Basically this extension just adds all the stuff the Microsoft left out.  Keep in mind that I have not independently validated the code on this, so use it at your own risk (the website looks a bit suspect).  If any of you have had experiences with this app I'd really like to hear from you.

As an aside, Shell Extension City has an RSS feed to keep you updated with the latest and greatest apps that they review. I highly recommend it.