A firewall is software or hardware that helps guard your computer against hackers as well as some computer viruses and worms that try to reach your computer when it's connected to the Internet. In many ways, a firewall is like a gate; it lets in connections from sources you trust, and it keeps out the ones you don't.
On the Internet, hackers use malicious code—such as viruses, worms, and Trojan horses—to try to find unprotected computers. A firewall can help protect your computer against these and other attacks. A firewall works by examining information coming from and going to the Internet. It identifies and ignores information that comes from a dangerous location or seems suspicious. If you set up your firewall properly, hackers searching for vulnerable computers can't detect your computer.
There are two basic types of firewalls:
·Software firewalls
·Hardware routers with firewalls
Get a free PC scan!
Find and fix safety and health issues on your PC now.
What does it mean?
network A group of computers connected by communication technology.
Software firewalls
Windows Firewall If you're using Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), the most updated version of Windows XP, you have a firewall built in and turned on by default. If not, you can download SP2 from the Microsoft Update site.
If you're using Windows XP and you choose not to download Service Pack 2, you'll still have access to the Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) that's built into Windows XP, but you'll need to turn it on. For more information, see Use the Internet Connection Firewall.
Windows Live OneCare Windows Live OneCare is a comprehensive, subscription-based PC health service that includes full antivirus protection and monitoring, a two-way firewall, automatic PC maintenance, and automatic file backups. The two-way firewall works like a gate in two directions—not only does it keep bad things from getting in, but it also keeps bad programs that might have slipped onto your computer from sending your data out.
Other software firewalls Of course, there are other software firewalls available from other software companies as well. For special offers on antivirus and firewall packages, visit our Security software: Downloads and trials page.
Running multiple software firewalls is unnecessary for typical home computers. Using two firewalls on the same connection could cause issues with connectivity to the Internet or other unexpected behavior. One firewall, whether it's the Windows Firewall or a different software firewall, can provide substantial protection for your computer.
Hardware routers with firewalls
Hardware routers can be both wired and wireless. A "wireless" router is actually wired to the modem and your Internet connection but then communicates wirelessly with the other computers on your network.
Hardware routers are a good choice for home networks that will be connected to the Internet—they come between your Internet connection and your PC, providing that gate between the outside world of the Internet and your home network. Hardware routers are relatively inexpensive and can protect multiple computers wired together on a single network.
Installing a hardware router is fairly simple—most have web-based installation instructions to guide you as you install your network. You can usually connect up to four PCs on a single router. Each PC is connected by its own cable to the device.
Wireless routers are easier to set up than "wired" routers, but they can also be less secure because they use radio frequencies to communicate with your PC. If you use a wireless router, you can help enhance the security of your network by enabling the firewall and by requiring a password to connect to your network.
Keep it clean
Once you’ve decided what kind of firewall to use—software, hardware, or one of each—you’ll still want to install antivirus software as an additional safeguard. Antivirus software and a firewall work together to keep your PC clean and secure from unwanted eyes and unwanted software.
