| Many novice computer users do not really understand | | | | The best antivirus software like Eset Smart Security, |
| the importance of firewall. It is easier for a not so | | | | AVG Internet Security, Kaspersky Internet Security, |
| savvy computer user to understand antivirus and | | | | and Avast Antivirus Pro has built in firewalls. When you |
| antispyware software than the firewall because the | | | | install any one of these security software in your PC, |
| name "firewall" is somewhat misleading. | | | | you need to turn off Window Firewall because it is not |
| A firewall is a program or software that prevents | | | | advisable to run two firewalls at the same time. So |
| malicious attacks coming from the internet from | | | | you have to choose between using the firewall that |
| penetrating your computer or network. There are | | | | comes with your antivirus software or using Windows |
| millions of "zombie computers" in the net that are all the | | | | Firewall. Windows Firewall actually works as good as |
| time scanning for other computers connected to the | | | | firewalls from third-party software. |
| internet that have security holes. Without a firewall, a | | | | Once your firewall is configured and turned on (you will |
| computer that is connected to the internet is highly | | | | know when Windows Firewall is not on because a |
| vulnerable to attacks and can be infected within | | | | warning icon and message will appear on your |
| twenty minutes. A firewall's function is to filter incoming | | | | taskbar) you can literally forget about it; no need to |
| internet data, preventing those that are known to be | | | | baby sit it because it works almost independently in the |
| malicious from gaining access. The firewall works by | | | | background. Some firewalls like the one that comes |
| "plugging" the "security holes" where malicious attacks | | | | with AVG Internet Security every now and then |
| usually get through. | | | | prompt you to decide whether to allow or block a |
| Windows XP has a built in firewall, the Windows | | | | particular traffic from gaining access to your PC. This |
| Firewall. You can configure it through the Control Panel | | | | usually happens when you are updating a newly |
| but its default settings are probably the best settings | | | | installed software that are not yet in the "trusted list" of |
| you can have. Setting the firewall security too high | | | | the firewall. |
| could prevent or filter out clean traffic from entering | | | | Having a firewall is one of the most important |
| your computer. | | | | computer security measures that you can take. |