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Firewalls
If you have been using the Internet for any length of time, and especially if you work at a larger company and browse the Web while you are at work, you have probably heard the term firewall used. For example, you often hear people in companies say things like, "I can't use that site because they won't let it through the firewall."
If you have a fast Internet connection into your home (either a DSL connection or a cable modem), you may have found yourself hearing about firewalls for your home network as well. It turns out that a small home network has many of the same security issues that a large corporate network does. You can use a firewall to protect your home network and family from offensive Web sites and potential hackers.
Basically, a firewall is a barrier to keep destructive forces away from your property. In fact, that's why its called a firewall. Its job is similar to a physical firewall that keeps a fire from spreading from one area to the next. As you read through this article, you will learn more about firewalls, how they work and what kinds of threats they can protect you from.
"The perfect personal firewall would be inexpensive and easy to install and use, would offer clearly explained configuration options, would hide all ports to make your PC invisible to scans, would protect your system from all attacks, would track all potential and actual threats, would immediately alert you to serious attacks, and would ensure nothing unauthorized entered or left your PC." This great definition is quoted from 'Make Your PC Hacker Proof', Jeff Sengstack, PC World (USA), July 21, 2000.
Important Tips
- Check Windows - Before installing personal firewall software on a Windows XP computer, be sure that the firewall built into Windows XP is turned off.
- Just One, Not Two - Never use two software firewalls at the same time. Completely uninstall one before installing another. Use the vendor's uninstall utility or if not available, use the Windows XP add/remove software tool in the control panel.
- Patches & Updates - As soon as your firewall is installed, check the vendor's website for patches and updates. If the firewall offers an automatic update function, turn it on.
- Testing - After you install a firewall, be sure to check it with a service like the Security Space Desktop Audit to make sure that it is configured correctly. Testing your firewall is the only sure way to tell that your computer is really being protected.
Where can I get a free firewall?
You can download a free firewall from any of these sources, but bear in mind that 'free' firewalls (like any free software) will have certain limitations. Check before you download!
| Ashampoo | Comodo | Outpost Free | Zone Alarm |
Where can I buy a firewall?
When you purchase a firewall, it will be the 'fully monty' with few (if any) restrictions on its capability. If you are serious about protecting your computer, you should consider buying a firewall.
Listed below are some of the best known sources of Firewall and Internet Security Suites. Click on any of the links to see more, each one opens in a new page.
Remember, installing a firewall will invariably mean that your Windows firewall will be disabled, which is what's supposed to happen! You can't run two firewalls together, your internet and e.mail will not work!