How to Set Up a Firewall

The truth of the matter is the Internet is a dangerous place for your computer. To prepare yourself for today’s Internet environment, you need security roadblocks and a firewall is one of the best devices for the job.

What is a Firewall?

A firewall is a part of a computer system or network that is designed to block unauthorised access while permitting authorised communications. It is a device or a set of devices configured to permit or deny any network transmissions based on a set of rules or criteria and it can be implemented in either hardware or software.

There are two kinds of firewalls — software and hardware appliances.

  1. Software firewalls: Installed on your computer system, software firewalls are ideal for ensuring that every computer has a basic level of protection against threats when they are online.
  2. Hardware firewalls: These firewalls work best when they are installed at each entry point to your corporate network. Because it is an appliance, it can be left on regardless of whether a computer is switched on or off. Moreover, it will not crash even if your operating system is faulty and it is often more powerful than software firewalls.

Setting Up Firewall

Windows XP, Vista and 7 all come with a free wireless firewall. However, if you wish to use a different firewall, you can download a free programme from sites such as www.download.com or purchase one from various vendors.

  1. Software: Enabling the firewall is fairly easy. Locate the firewall software, which can be found in the “Windows Updates” programme in “All Programmes” in the “Start Menu” and click on it. Alternatively, you can locate the software in the “Internet Options” tab in the “Control Panel”. When the firewall box opens, select “on”. If you are using a laptop and you frequently use wireless networks in places such as coffee shops and bookstores, you may choose to select the “Don’t Allow Exceptions” box as well. This will further protect your computer. Once you are done, click “Ok”. Your computer is now protected by Windows firewall.
  2. Hardware: A hardware firewall is a separate device. Only basic configuration is needed to set this up. All you have to do is network your computer or computers to the device and enter your Internet connection information. Although it is simple, it is best to hire an IT support expert to configure your hardware firewall so that he can harden your network as much as possible. The configuration of your firewall is what will make it strong or weak.

The question now is, which one is best? The software or hardware firewall? The best thing to do is to have a mix of both. Install a software firewall in every computer but also have a hardware firewall on each main Internet connection.

Testing Your Firewall

There are a number of websites that allow you to test the security of your PC for free. They do this by running a series of software probes against the Internet address that you provide, searching for vulnerability and weakness.

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