| If you spend any time on the internet other than just | | | | programs come in or exit your PC. |
| checking your email, then you probably do need a | | | | A good program with both personal and professional |
| personal firewall. | | | | version is "ZoneAlarm" at I have used ZoneAlarm for |
| A firewall is basically a software "shield" that stands | | | | years and it has been a very stable program with a |
| between your computer and the internet. It is designed | | | | solid support system. |
| to block programs from entering or leaving your | | | | Another good application is the "Sunbelt Personal |
| computer without your permission! | | | | Firewall" (formerly known as Kerio). The Sunbelt/Kerio |
| So what good does this do? | | | | program was voted the best in 2006. It is a very |
| Hackers routinely use "robots" to scan cyberspace | | | | strong system and very affordable. |
| looking for vulnerable computers and networks. | | | | Without programs like these, your computer is |
| A decent firewall automatically blocks or stops a robot | | | | defenseless, and you are forced to use anti-virus and |
| from seeking entry to your computer. Like a castle | | | | anti-spyware to clean up after the damage has been |
| wall prevents an attacking army from entering the | | | | done by invasive software programs. |
| courtyard. | | | | A firewall simply adds another layer of protection to |
| And also like a castle wall, a firewall allows selected | | | | your machine. And since you can only run one firewall |
| internal programs like Internet Explorer, etc, to access | | | | on a PC at a time, I would recommend you try out the |
| the internet. Using the castle concept again, a firewall | | | | Sunbelt/Kerio first, although ZoneAlarm has a very |
| allows you to control the "drawbridge" that lets | | | | nice "free for personal use" edition. |