What Is A Firewall? And Why You Need One
Post #3 In My Step By Step Windows Setup Series
How I Do, What I Do & Why I Do Certain Installation Steps
After A Fresh Installation Of Windows On One Of My Computers
Or When I Buy Or Build A New One
One of the first steps in securing a computer is downloading and activating a quality firewall to repel intruders.
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.
* 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.
* Windows XP SP2 or higher and Windows Vista have a firewall built-in and turned on by default.
* 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.
I am using Comodo Firewall. While the Windows Firewall is very good I prefer to use a more robust version to protect my system.
Here is what Comodo says about their Firewall Software:
Why use our Firewall?
Comodo Firewall Pro introduces the next evolution in computer security: Default Deny Protection (DDP™).
What is DDP? Most security programs maintain a list of known malware, and use that list to decide which applications and files shouldn’t access a PC.
The problem here is obvious.
What if the list of malware is missing some entries, or isn’t up to date? DDP fixes this problem to ensure complete security.
The firewall references a list of over two million known PC-friendly applications.
If a file that is not on this safe-list knocks on your PC’s door, the Firewall immediately alerts you to the possibility of attacking malware.
All this occurs before the malware infects your computer. It’s prevention-based security, the only way to keep PCs totally safe.
Firewall is a component of Comodo Internet Security, which comes bundled with Comodo Antivirus. You have the option to only install Firewall if you prefer.
Firewall is also a part of Comodo Internet Security Pro, which gives you the most robust defense and includes other components like WiFi security, live 24/7 expert assistance for numerous computing needs.
Firewall Features:
* Easily understood and informative alerts
* No complex configuration issues—perfect for amateur users
* Lots of configuration options let techies configure things
* DDP-based security keeps you informed and PCs safe
* Quickly learns user behavior to deliver personalized protection
* User-friendly, attractive graphical interface
System Requirements:
* WinXP or Windows Vista or Windows 7.0
* 64 MB RAM / 70 MB hard disk space
If you are using the Windows Firewall that you got with your computer I invite you to try the Comodo Free Trial. It also has the following features.
Firewall – Slam the door on viruses with Comodo’s unique Default Deny Protection™
AntiVirus – Scan for and destroy known threats to your PC’s health.
Live Security Expert – Have an expert on hand 24/7 to solve any PC problems you may be experiencing.
Wi-Fi Security – Encrypt all your data when using Wi-Fi so no one can steal your information.
Comodo Internet Security Pro – Free Trial
Sign Up Now and Receive one month free of Comodo Internet Security Pro!
Note: If you install this software make sure you read the instructions carefully.
You may have to uninstall any antivirus software you are already using.
In the next post I will talk about Antivirus Software and what I use.
I hope you will find this helpful.
All The Best!
Terry Russell
“The Computer Doctor”
A+ Service Technician
Reliant Services 1998-2010
*All trademarks, logos, and service marks (collectively “Trademarks”) displayed on this site are registered and/or unregistered Trademarks of their respective owners.
Disclaimer: Some of the links mentioned within this post or posts it may lead to are my affiliate links and in such case I will get compensated for recommending those products.
That means if you buy something from a link or an ad from this website, or based on my recommendation, either expressed or implied, I may get an affiliate commission.
I welcome your questions and feedback.
When doing anything with your computer please exercise caution when running any programs that may affect your files or operating software.
Terry Russell & Reliant Services provide these steps only as guide and will not responsible for any damage or loss of data that occurs thru your use of these instructions.
You are responsible for your own actions.
If you do not feel comfortable doing this yourself I would suggest you hire a local A+ Certified Computer Technician to help you with this.
Sit with the technician and see how he does it, so you can do it later yourself, but I hope my walk thru above is sufficient for you.
If you would like me to do this for you I can help for a small fee.
Go to http://www.reliantonlineservices.com/support/ and open a support ticket and tell me how I can contact you and I will send you information about my services and fees and how to pay.
I guarantee my work.
About the author
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Terry Russell has been online since 2005 and has numerous |
