How to choose a firewall

Three basic types of firewalls are available for you to choose from:

1. Software firewalls
2. Hardware routers
3. Wireless routers

To determine which type of firewall is best for you, answer these questions and record your answers:

1- How many computers will use the firewall ?

2- What operating system do you use? (This might be a version of Microsoft Windows, Apple Macintosh, or Linux.)

That's it. You are now ready to think about what type of firewall you want to use.

There are several options, each with its own pros and cons.

Windows Firewall (Windows Vista and Windows XP Service Pack 2 only)

If you use Windows Vista or Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), you have a firewall built in and turned on by default.

To learn more about the Windows Firewall that comes with windows Vista and windows XP SP2, read understanding Windows Firewall.

Tip: If you haven't downloaded Service Pack 2, visit Microsoft Update to learn how to get it. If you are using Windows XP and you choose not to download Service Pack 2, you still have access to the Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) that's built into Windows XP, but you need to turn it on.

Note: The Windows Firewall and the Internet Connection Firewall are not available as a stand-alone package. They are also not available for other operating systems (for example, Apple Macintosh or Linux) or for versions of Windows other than Windows Vista and Windows XP.


Software firewalls

Software firewalls are a good choice for single computers, and they work well with Windows 98, Windows Me, and Windows 2000. (Windows Vista and Windows XP both have a built-in firewall, so an additional firewall is not necessary.)

Software firewalls are also available from other software companies. For special offers on antivirus and firewall packages, visit our Security software: Downloads and trials page.

PROS

1. Does not require additional hardware.
2. Does not require additional computer wiring.
3. A good option for single computers.

CONS

1. Additional coast: most software firewalls coast money.
2. Installation and configuration might be required to get started.
3. One copy is typically required for each computer.

Hardware routers

Hardware router are a good choose for home networks that will connect to the internet.

PROS

1. Hardware routers usually have at least four network ports to connect multiple computer together.
2. Provide firewall protection for multiple computers.

CONS

1. Require wiring, which can clutter your desktop area

Wireless routers

If u have or plan to use a wireless network, you need a wireless router.

PROS

1. Wireless routers allow you to connect, computers, portable computers, personal desktop assistants, and prints without writing.
2. Wireless routers are excellent for connecting notebook computers to the internet and networks.

CONS

1. Wireless devices broadcast information using radio singles that can be intercepted by someone outside of your home (if they have the right equipment).
2. You might have to pray for extra equipment.3- Not all wireless routers come equipped with a built-in firewall, so you might have to purchase one separately.

Start using a firewall today

Connecting to the Internet can pose dangers to unwary computer users. Use a firewall to help reduce your risk.

Installing a firewall is just the first step toward safe surfing online. You can continue to improve your computer's security by keeping your software up to date, using antivirus software, and using antispyware software. Learn more about steps you can take to help protect your computer.

Related links

What is a Firewall?
Firewalls by windows version
Firewalls FAQ


Source: Microsoft

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

What is a Firewall ?

A firewall is a software program or piece of hardware that helps screen out hackers, viruses, and worms that try to reach your computer over the Internet.

1. If you use a computer at home, the most effective and important first step you can take to help protect your computer is to turn on a firewall ...
   
   
2. Windows XP SP2 or higher and Windows Vista have a firewall built-in and turned on by default.
   
   
3. If you have more than one computer connected in the home, or if you have a small-office network, it is important to protect every computer. You should have a hardware firewall (such as a router) to protect your network, but you should also use a software firewall on each computer to help prevent the spread of a virus in your network if one of the computers becomes infected.

(If your computer is part of a business, school, or other organizational network, you should follow the policy established by the network administrator.)

Related links

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

Source: Microsoft

What are Viruses, Worms, and Trojan horses ?

Viruses, worms, and Trojan horses are malicious programs that can cause damage to your computer and information on your computer. They can also slow down the Internet, and they might even use your computer to spread themselves to your friends, family, co-workers, and the rest of the Web. The good news is that with an ounce of prevention and some good common sense, you are less likely to fall victim to these threats.

Source: Microsoft

What is a Trojan horse ?

Just as the mythological Trojan horse appeared to be a gift, but turned out to contain Greek soldiers who overtook the city of Troy, today's Trojan horses are computer programs that appear to be useful software, but instead they compromise your security and cause a lot of damage. A recent Trojan horse came in the form of an e-mail that included attachments that claimed to be Microsoft security updates, but turned out to be viruses that attempted to disable antivirus and firewall software.

Trojan horse (n.) A computer program that appears to be useful but that actually does damage.

Trojan horses spread when people are lured into opening a program because they think it comes from a legitimate source. To better protect users, Microsoft often sends out security bulletins via e-mail, but they never contain attachments. We also publish all our security alerts on our Security Web site before we e-mail them to our customers.

Trojan horses can also be included in software that you download for free. Never download software from a source that you don't trust. Always download Microsoft updates and patches from Microsoft Windows Update or Microsoft Office Update.

Source: Microsoft

What is Spyware ?

Spyware is a general term used to describe software that performs certain behaviors, generally without appropriately obtaining your consent first, such as:

• Advertising
• Collecting personal information
• Changing the configuration of your computer

Spyware is often associated with software that displays advertisements (called adware) or software that tracks personal or sensitive information.


Trading tracking for services

That does not mean all software that provides ads or tracks your online activities is bad. For example, you might sign up for a free music service, but you "pay" for the service by agreeing to receive targeted ads. If you understand the terms and agree to them, you may have decided that it is a fair tradeoff. You might also agree to let the company track your online activities to determine which ads to show you.


What spyware does

Other kinds of spyware make changes to your computer that can be annoying and can cause your computer slow down or crash.

These programs can change your Web browser's home page or search page, or add additional components to your browser you don't need or want. They also make it very difficult for you to change your settings back to the way you had them.


Know what you're installing

The key in all cases is whether or not you (or someone who uses your computer) understand what the software will do and have agreed to install the software on your computer.

A common trick is to covertly install the software during the installation of other software you want such as a music or video file sharing program.

Whenever you install something on your computer, make sure you carefully read all disclosures, including the license agreement and privacy statement. Sometimes the inclusion of unwanted software in a given software installation is documented, but it might appear at the end of a license agreement or privacy statement.

There are a number of ways spyware or other unwanted software can get on your computer. To learn more about spyware, read How to help prevent spyware.


Related Links:

- Help prevent spyware
- Symptoms of spyware
- Remove spyware
- Download windows defender

Source: Microsoft

What is a computer Worm ?

A computer worm is a software program that is designed to copy itself from onecomputer to another, without human interaction. Unlike a computer virus, a worm can copy itself automatically.

Worms can replicate in great volume. For example, a worm can send out copies of itself to every contact in your e-mail address book, and then it can send itself to all of the contacts in their e-mail address books.

Some worms spread very quickly. They clog networks and can cause long waits for you (and everyone else) to view Web pages on the Internet.

You might have heard of specific computer worms, including the Sasser worm and the Blaster worm. The most recent worm is called the Conficker worm.

To help prevent infections by and to get rid of the Conficker worm and worms like it, visit the Windows Live safety scanner or the Malicious Software Removal Tool. If you have automatic updating turned on, the Malicious Software Removal Tool runs on your computer every month.

For more basic information about computer worms, see How to prevent computer worms and How to remove computer worms.

A worm, like a virus, is designed to copy itself from one computer to another, but it does so automatically. First, it takes control of features on the computer that can transport files or information. Once a worm is in your system, it can travel alone. A great danger of worms is their ability to replicate in great volume. For example, a worm could send out copies of itself to everyone listed in your e-mail address book, and their computers would then do the same, which causes a domino effect of heavy network traffic that can slow down business networks and the Internet as a whole. When new worms are unleashed, they spread very quickly. They clog networks and possibly cause a long wait for you (and everyone else) to view Web pages on the Internet.

Worm (n.) A subclass of virus. A worm generally spreads without user action and distributes complete copies (possibly modified) of itself across networks. A worm can consume memory or network bandwidth, which can cause a computer to crash.

Because worms don't need to travel via a "host" program or file, they can also tunnel into your system and allow somebody else to take control of your computer remotely. Recent examples of worms included the Sasser worm and the Blaster worm.

Source: Microsoft

What is a computer Virus ?

Computer viruses are small software programs that are designed to spread from one computer to another and to interfere with computer operation.

A virus might corrupt or delete data on your computer, use your e-mail programto spread itself to other computers, or even erase everything on your hard disk.

Viruses are often spread by attachments in e-mail messages or instant messaging messages. That is why it is essential that you never open e-mail attachments unless you knowwho it's from and you are expecting it.

Viruses can be disguised as attachments of funny images, greeting cards, or audio and video files.

Viruses also spread through downloads on the Internet. They can be hiddenin illicit software or other files or programs you might download.

To help avoid viruses, it's essential that you keep your computercurrent with the latest updates and antivirus tools, stay informed about recent threats, and that you follow a few basic rules when you surf the Internet, download files,and openattachments.

Once a virus is on your computer, its type or the method it used to get there is not asimportant as removing it and preventing further infection.

Concerned about worms? see what is a computer worm?

A virus is a piece of computer code that attaches itself to a program or file so it can spread from computer to computer. It infects as it travels. Viruses can damage your software, your hardware, and your files. Virus (n.) Code written with the express intention to replicate itself. A virus attaches itself to a host program and then attempts to spread from computer to computer. It might damage hardware, software, or information. Just as human viruses range in severity from Ebola to the 24-hour flu, computer viruses range from the mildly bothersome to the downright destructive. The good news is that a true virus does not spread without human action. Someone must share a file or send an e-mail to move it along.

Related links

Sign of viruss: Are you infected ?
How to remove a computer virus ?
How to prevent computer viruses ?
Antivirus software for versions of windows
Top tips for internet safety at home
Top tips for internet safety at work


Source: Microsoft

Firewall FAQ

1. What is a firewall ?
   
   
2. Why do I need a firewall ?
   
   
3. How can I tell if my computer already has a firewall ?
   
   
4. How can I tell which version of Windows I'm running ?
   
   
5. How do I start using the firewall in Windows Vista or Windows XP ?
   
   
6. How does Windows Firewall work ?
   
   
7. What else do I need besides a firewall ?
   
   
8. Should I use a firewall if I have more than one computer in a home or small-office network ?
   
   
9. Should I turn on Windows Firewall on all computers on my home network ?
   
   
10. My computer is part of a large business, school, or organizational network—should I turn on the firewall ?
    
    
11. I have Windows Vista. Can I use a firewall other than the built-in firewall ?
    
    
12. Should I use both the built-in firewall and a software firewall from a different company ?
    
    
13. Should I use Windows Firewall on a computer that is also behind a hardware firewall ?
    
    
14. What does Windows Firewall protect against ?
    
    
15. What doesn't Windows Firewall protect against ?
    
    
16. Will a firewall protect my wireless network ?
    
    
17. Some of my games and other programs seem to have stopped working after I turned on Windows Firewall. Why?
    
    
18. I am unable to establish a Remote Assistance connection in Windows XP after turning on Windows Firewall, could this be related ?

What is a firewall ?

A firewall is a piece of software or hardware that helps screen out hackers, viruses, and worms that try to reach your computer over the Internet. If you are a home user or small-business user, using a firewall is the most effective and important first step you can take to help protect your computer.

A firewall is software or hardware that checks information coming from the Internet or a network, and then either blocks it or allows it to pass through to your computer, depending on your firewall settings.

A firewall can help prevent hackers or malicious software (such as worms) from gaining access to your computer through a network or the Internet. A firewall can also help stop your computer from sending malicious software to other computers.

The following illustration shows how a firewall works:



It is important to turn on your firewall and antivirus software before you connect to the Internet.


Why do I need a firewall ?

If your computer is not protected when you connect to the Internet, hackers can gain access to personal information on your computer. They can install code on your computer that destroys files or causes malfunctions. They can also use your computer to cause problems on other home and business computers connected to the Internet. A firewall helps to screen out many kinds of malicious Internet traffic before it reaches your computer.

Some firewalls can also help to prevent other people from using your computer to attack other computers without your knowledge. Using a firewall is important no matter how you connect to the Internet—with a dial-up modem, cable modem, or digital subscriber line (DSL or ADSL).


How can I tell if my computer already has a firewall ?

If you have Windows Vista or Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) running on your computer, you can check to see if your firewall is turned on through the Windows Security Center:

1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2. Click Security Center, and then click Windows Firewall.

If you have Windows XP, but you don't have Service Pack 2 running on your computer, you can download it by visiting Microsoft Update. You can also take the following steps to make sure the firewall is turned on:

1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2. Click Network and Internet Connections, and then click Network Connections.
   Tip: If the Network and Internet Connections category is not visible, click Switch to Category View in the upper left corner of the window.
3. Under the Dial-Up or LAN or High Speed Internet category, click the icon to select the connection that you want to help protect.
4. In the task pane on the left, under Network Tasks, click Change settings of this connection (or right-click the connection you want to help protect, and then click Properties).
5. On the Advanced tab, under Internet Connection Firewall, make sure the box is checked next to Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet.If a check mark is in the box, the firewall is on. If the box is clear, the firewall is off and your computer is potentially vulnerable on the Internet.

If you have a different version of Windows, such as Windows 2000, Windows Millennium Edition, or Windows 98, you should obtain a hardware or software firewall from another company and install it.

You can check the manuals of your home networking devices, such as wireless access points or broadband routers, to determine if they include built-in hardware firewalls.

If you don't know if a software firewall is on your computer, you can check in the All Programs folder. Click Start, and then click All Programs. Look for a firewall program. Some common brand names for software firewalls for home users include McAfee, Symantec, and Tiny Personal Firewall.


How can I tell which version of Windows I'm running ?

If you don't know what operating system your computer is running, take the following steps:

1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. In the Run dialog box, type winver. Click OK.

A dialog box appears that tells you which version of Windows software is installed on your computer.


How do I start using the firewall in Windows Vista or Windows XP ?

If you're running Windows Vista or Windows XP SP2, Windows Firewall is already turned on. If you're running Windows XP without SP2, you can download SP2 from Microsoft Update for free.


How does Windows Firewall work ?

Windows Firewall monitors all network traffic on the connections for which it is enabled. The firewall keeps track of all communications that have originated from your computer, and it prevents unsolicited traffic from reaching your computer.

If necessary, the firewall dynamically opens ports and allows your computer to receive traffic that you have specifically requested, such as a Web page for which you have clicked the address.

A "port" is a networking term that identifies the point at which a type of network traffic reaches your computer. The exact ports that you open depend on the type of traffic you want to send and receive.

If you have not requested the incoming traffic, Windows Firewall helps block it before it can reach your computer. For special uses, such as networking, hosting online games, or hosting your own Web server, you can select ports that you want to leave open. This allows others to make connections to your computer, but it can also reduce security.

Windows Firewall is part of Windows Vista, Windows XP SP2 Home Edition, and Windows XP SP2 Professional ...


What else do I need besides a firewall ?

A firewall will not make your computer completely safe. However, a firewall provides the most effective first line of defense.

You should install a firewall first, and then add other security measures, such as updating your operating system, installing antivirus software and antispyware software.


Should I use a firewall if I have more than one computer in a home or small-office network ?

Yes. If you have more than one computer in a home or small-office network, you should protect
every computer in the network.

Turning on Windows Firewall or another firewall on every connection will help prevent the spread of a virus from one computer to another in your network if one of your computers becomes infected. However, if you open an infected e-mail attachment, the firewall won't block it and it can infect your computer. You should install an antivirus program as well.


Should I turn on Windows Firewall on all computers on my home network ?

Yes. If you have multiple network connections on any of your computers, you should turn on the
firewall for each connection. If you're running Windows Vista or Windows XP SP2, Windows Firewall is turned on automatically and it should not interfere with common tasks like file and print sharing.


My computer is part of a large business, school, or organizational network—should I turn on the firewall ?

You should follow the policy established by the network administrator for your business, school, or organizational network.

In some cases, network administrators might configure all computers on the network so that you
cannot turn on the firewall while your computer is connected to the network. The check box to turn on the firewall in the Windows Security Center or in the Network Connection Properties dialog box is unavailable. In those cases, you should ask your network administrator for guidance on whether you need a firewall on your computer.


I have Windows Vista. Can I use a firewall other than the built-in firewall ?

Yes. Windows Vista and Windows XP users who want different features in a firewall may use a hardware firewall or a software firewall from another company.


Should I use both the built-in firewall and a software firewall from a different company ?

No. Running multiple software firewalls is unnecessary for typical home computers, home networking, and small-business networking scenarios. Using two firewalls on the same connection could cause issues with connectivity to the Internet or other unexpected behavior.

One firewall, whether it is the Windows Firewall or a different software firewall, can provide substantial protection for your computer.


Should I use Windows Firewall on a computer that is also behind a hardware firewall ?

Yes. You should keep Windows Firewall turned on for all computers in your home network. This helps prevent the spread of viruses or worms across your network if a computer is infected. A computer on the network could become infected through a separate Internet connection, such as one on a laptop that is used on your home network and on public networks. Or a virus could be introduced to a computer on your network by way of e-mail or software installed from a CD.


What does Windows Firewall protect against ?

Windows Firewall serves as the primary defense against a variety of computer worms that are transmitted over a network. A computer worm is similar to a virus, but is self-contained and can spread without the help of other programs. Windows Firewall helps to protect your computer by hiding it from external users and preventing unauthorized connections to your computer.


What doesn't Windows Firewall protect against ?

Windows Firewall in Windows Vista and Windows XP cannot protect against viruses that spread
through e-mail, such as Trojan horses, which masquerade as helpful or benign software and trick you into opening or downloading them.

To help protect against viruses, use antivirus software. The firewall cannot prevent spam or pop-up ads.

The firewall will not prevent access to an otherwise unsecured wireless network. However, the firewall helps to protect the computers on your network, so if an intruder were to gain access to your network, he or she could not access your personal computer.


Will a firewall protect my wireless network ?

A firewall will help protect a computer on a wireless network, but will not restrict access to the network itself. You should configure your wireless network to use a network key using either Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) or wired equivalent privacy (WEP). For more information, consult the manual for your wireless networking devices.


Some of my games and other programs seem to have stopped working after I turned on Windows Firewall. Why?

To work correctly, some programs need to have specific ports open so that traffic can pass through the Windows Firewall.


I am unable to establish a Remote Assistance connection in Windows XP after turning on Windows Firewall, could this be related ?

This can be an issue if you enabled the firewall after sending the Remote Assistance invitation. To work around this problem, you can create a new Remote Assistance invitation while Windows Firewall is enabled, and then send the new invitation to the expert.

Related links

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

Source: Microsoft