Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Firewalls in versions of Windows

A firewall helps protect your computer from hackers who might try to delete information, crash your computer, or even steal your passwords or credit card numbers. Depending on which operating system you have on your computer, you might already have a firewall and it might already be turned on for you.

A firewall is included in most Windows operating systems. To turn on or check your firewall settings, click the link that corresponds to the operating system you use.
  1. Windows Vista
  2. Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2)
  3. Windows XP
  4. Windows 2000

Windows Vista

Windows Vista comes with Windows Firewall, a two-way firewall that is automatically turned on.

Note: You do not have to use Windows Firewall—you can install and run any firewall that you choose. Evaluate the features of other firewalls and then decide which firewall best meets your needs. If you choose to install and run another firewall, turn off Windows Firewall.


Windows XP service Pack 2

Windows XP SP2 comes with Windows Firewall automatically turned on. For more information about Windows Firewall, see Understanding Windows Firewall in Windows XP SP2.


Windows XP

Windows XP comes with Internet Connection Firewall, but you must turn it on to use it.

To turn on Internet Connection Firewall:

Point to Control Panel, double-click Network and Internet Connections, and then click Set up or change your home or small office network.

Follow the steps in the Network Setup Wizard to turn on the Internet Connection Firewall.

When you choose a configuration in the wizard that indicates that your computer is connected directly to the Internet, the Internet Connection Firewall is turned on.

Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) and Windows Vista come with Windows Firewall automatically turned on. Visit Microsoft Update to download Windows XP SP2 for free. Visit the Windows Vista home page for more information about the newest operating system from Microsoft.


Windows 2000

To find out if you already have a firewall, click Start and then click All Programs, and then look for the word "firewall."

You might also see the name of a popular firewall manufacturer or package, including McAfee, Panda Software, Symantec (Norton), and others.

Windows Vista and Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) both have firewalls built-in and turned on by default. Consider upgrading to Windows Vista for increased security.

Related links

How to choose a firewall ?
Firewalls by windows version
Firewalls FAQ

Source: Microsoft


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