Most computer users have heard of a firewall, whether it be in computers or in buildings.
A firewall on a computer has the job of protecting your computer from unwanted intruders trying to access your computer, or send information from your computer to them.
Imagine the firewall is a doorman at a hotel, and your computer is the hotel. But unlike a regular hotel, this one has over 65,000 doors (that's one busy doorman). The doorman has to control access IN and OUT of all these doors. Instead of watching them all the time he locks all the doors but has a special list of who can come in and out of what doors. If something tries to go in or out of one of the doors and there name isn't on the list, the doorman rejects it.
There are both hardware and software firewalls. Ideally, you should have one of each installed on your computer(s).
Most routers and even some modems now come with built-in firewall functionality. You can still get standalone firewall appliances, too. The firewall box then sits between the source of your internet connection, and your computer in the chain of connections.
Many Anti-Virus programs out now come with their own built-in firewalls. For example, Norton and McAfee both have their own built-in software firewalls. The problem with them is that they aren't very configurable and take a lot of control away from the user. For novice users this can be beneficial, but with a little reading and some advice, there are several much better solutions. In fact, I recommend anyone with Norton or McAfee switch to NOD32 as soon as your subscriptions expire. Norton and McAfee are so bloated and invasive into the normal functioning of computer it gives me a chill everytime I get a call to diagnose/repair a Norton problem.
I'll go over 3 free software firewalls. The first is the Microsoft Windows Firewall that comes as part of Windows XP since SP1. To turn on your windows firewall go to the control panel->Windows Firewall->On. All computers should at least have this basic firewall if no other. Usually in conjunction with a hardware firewall, the windows firewall is sufficient for most users. Please note that you only want 1 software firewall turned on on your computer at any given time.
The second free firewall program is ZoneAlarm Free. ZoneAlarm has been the defacto free consumer use firewall for a long time. It's easy to install, configures itself, and gives clear messages when it detects/blocks access to a program. However, it does have some weaknesses at time in terms of leaving certain doors open that it shouldn't if certain choices are made by the user.
The third free firewall, and the one I run on my computers at home, is called Kerio Personal Firewall (KPF). It used to be made by the Kerio company, but is now made by Sunbelt Software. It is free for home, non-commercial use. Like ZoneAlarm it is an easy install, but the configuration part is a little more detailed. KPF has ad-blocking, pop-up blocking, script blocking, HIPS and NIPS (Host/Network Intrusion Prevention Systems), and Application Behaviour blocking. Lots of features for keeping your computer safe. It does a good job of pre-configuring itself for most users, but configuring program access for your everyday programs can be a bit of pain compared to ZoneAlarm. But overall, it is a better product, offering a higher standard of protection once configured properly for your usage patterns.
Firewalls are an integral part of any computer security system. Call Nerds On Site today for a free consultation on how to improve the security of your computer or network.
Cheers,
Ben
