[Partial]

Should I start using this? According to my router I have 200 or so connections to my computer right now. How can that be? Surely there are some ports open, but how are these people connecting? SSH? How if they don't know my password (which is 10 characters of randomness)?

Should I use this? Do you use this? How can I keep fast connection to bit torrent with this enabled?

[Wyatt]

Assuming you have Leopard or Snow Leopard, you can set up exceptions to the firewall to allow specific applications access in and out. Just add your BT client to the exception list.

[tomoe]

If you want to exercise more control over the firewall, you can use Waterroof. This provides a GUI for ipfw, which is the firewall OSX uses. For a starting point, I used the ruleset from Securosis, with modifications where needed.

[Swox]

I use it, set to "Set access for specific services...". I get a prompt whenever a new app wants to go on the internet (I think that's how it works).

[thegeriatric]

Originally Posted by Swox I use it, set to "Set access for specific services...". I get a prompt whenever a new app wants to go on the internet (I think that's how it works).

It did in Leopard. In Snow Leopard however it's either on or off. But you still get the prompt.