When it comes to computer security, navigating the complicated realm of computer security software can be extremely confusing. There are hundreds of products that are advertised as being able to make your computer “hacker-proof”, or to protect your personal information. However, other security software aside, having a firewall installed on your computer is perhaps one of the most important ways to ensure that your computer is secure.
What is a Firewall?
A Firewall is a program that helps to prevent unwanted intrusions into your PC from the internet. It is designed to greatly lower the chance that your computer will be vulnerable to content which could harm your computer. There are generally three different types of firewalls:
- Software Firewalls
- Hardware Firewalls
- Wireless Routers
Each of these firewalls functions differently, and helps to protect your computer in a slightly different way. For this guide, we will be covering software firewalls.
Why Do I Need a Firewall?
Every time you access the internet, you are opening specific “ports” on your computer in order to view information, email or other content. Through these ports, it is possible that spyware, malware and hackers could gain access to your computer. A firewall functions in a way that allows it to keep a watch on the thousands of ports on your computer, preventing unauthorized activity from infiltrating these ports.
A Note About Windows Firewall
If you are running Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7, you already have a built-in software firewall included in your operating system. However, in order for this to function, you have to ensure that it is enabled. Navigate through your Control Panel to the Network > Internet Connections menu, and right-click the connection you want to protect. Go to Properties > Advanced, and ensure that the checkbox that says “Protect this Connection” is selected. Depending on which operating system you have, this process may be slightly different.
However, it should be noted that the Windows Firewall does not provide complete protection for your computer. Due to the configurations of it, it is only able to monitor incoming traffic, such as the information exchanged when you view a webpage. If your computer has been infiltrated by a potentially harmful program, it will not be able to stop that program from sending outgoing information which could compromise your computer’s security.
Tips for Installing a Firewall
As a general rule, you do not need to purchase expensive software in order to provide your computer with a firewall. There are many free ones available for your computer, which will help increase your computer’s security. Some positively reviewed free firewalls include:
- Zone Alarm (Free Version)
- Agnitum Outpost Firewall Free
- Online Armor Free
- PC Tools Firewall Plus Free Edition
However, if you are looking for one with special features, or a higher security level, you may choose to look for a paid version instead.
No matter what type you choose, your software will have a short instructional period in which you will have to customize how it protects your computer. For someone with little or no computer knowledge, this can be a bit difficult. Basically, the firewall will ask you how much port access you want to grant to each program on your computer. In the first few days with your new firewall, you will have to constantly instruct the program which programs are “safe”, and should be allowed access to the internet. Most firewalls have an option in which your choice for that program can remain permanent, so that you are not constantly required to grant the program internet access.
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