Firewall
Also: Windows Firewall, outbound rule
A gatekeeper that decides which programs can use the internet. You can block one app to prove it works offline.
The fuller definition
A firewall controls which network connections a computer allows. An outbound rule can block a specific program from reaching the internet, which is one way to test that a local AI app works without it.
- App
Tries to connect
- Rule
Blocks it
- Test
Still answers?
A simplified relationship, not a screenshot or a complete design.
A concrete example
New-NetFirewallRule with -Direction Outbound and -Action Block stops one app from making network connections.
The distinction that matters
Blocking an app proves it does not need the network for the task; it does not secure the machine as a whole.
Related terms
Offline test
A test that shows a task can run with no network link. It does not prove that the app will never send data later.
Hardware & hostingLocal model
A model that runs on your own computer, so your documents never leave it.
Reliability & securityConfidentiality
Keeping private material from people who may not see it. Check who can read, store, or share what you put into a tool.
Where it is taught
Test an AI workflow on work you can assessSource and further reading
Anthropic · Evaluating AI agentsThe definition and example are written for this library. The link gives background, official documentation or legal authority as labelled. Legal scope depends on the jurisdiction and current text; product features depend on release and settings.