| If you are a small/home business computer user, then | | | | hardware firewalls. |
| using a firewall is the most effective and important | | | | If you don't know if a software firewall is even on your |
| step you can take to protect your computer. | | | | computer, you can check in the All Programs. Look for |
| A good firewall can be either hardware or software. | | | | a firewall program. |
| All networks/computers have ports (entrance points) | | | | Thank Heavens, there is always your Computer |
| that allow traffic in and out (like emails). Put simply the | | | | Repair man to advise you and assist if you find this |
| firewall will block and inspect traffic that is coming | | | | difficult or confusing. |
| through your internet connection. | | | | If you have more than one computer in your home or |
| So essentially the firewall helps screen out hackers, | | | | small business you will need to check that each is |
| viruses and worms that try to reach your computer | | | | covered. So turning on the firewall on every |
| over the internet. Rather like the old fashioned border | | | | connection will help prevent the spread of a virus from |
| control. | | | | one computer to another if one does unfortunately |
| No matter how you are connected to the internet - | | | | become infected. |
| with a dial up modern, cable modern, or digital | | | | If you are using Open Source Software (OOS) check |
| subscriber line (DSL or ADSL), ensure you are using a | | | | that you are properly set up even though (OOS) has a |
| firewall. | | | | reputation of being attacked less by hackers etc, it |
| My advice I received from my Computer Repair man | | | | would be better to be safe than sorry as they say! |
| is to turn on your firewall and antivirus software before | | | | A word of warning - no firewall (or virus software) |
| you connect to the internet. | | | | can stop some malicious code if you accept it, for |
| You can check whether your firewall is switched on | | | | example, if you click "yes" to install antivirus software |
| by; | | | | when you already have some or when it is something |
| Click start, and the Control Panel. | | | | that you have never heard of. |
| Click Security Center, and then Firewall. | | | | A Firewall will not make your computer completely |
| You can also check the manuals of your home | | | | safe you will still need antivirus software and |
| network devices, such as wireless access points or | | | | antispyware software. |
| broadband routers, to determine if they include in-built | | | | So go to it! |