The Garden Fence

The best way to protect your garden is to fence it in. The same applies to your computer. A good firewall is the fence used to block the critters from entering your computer.

Microsoft Windows XP has a built in firewall. Although it is only "one way", (it will block incoming but freely allows outgoing traffic), this works well for many computer users. Just remember, only have one firewall operating, as you could otherwise have conflicts.

To turn Windows Firewall on or off, you must be logged on to the computer as an administrator.

1. Click Start > Control Panel > Security Center.
2. On the General tab, click one of the following:

   • On
     

   • Off
     
     
     
     

Most of the more experienced computer users prefer a "two-way" firewall. Some of the two-way firewalls have a built-in policy, allowing known applications access to the Internet. Other firewalls permit the computer owner to create rules fitting their preferences.

A few popular firewalls include the following:

Zone Alarm-Free
Sunbelt Kerio Personal Firewall (KPF)
Outpost Firewall Free