Some Computer Security Experts Have Criticized The Shortcomings Of The Microsoft’s Windows XP Setup Firewall Protection
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Most firewall software packages can do
the basic port blocking needed to protect against typical virus or
worm that try to probe your system (like sasser).
Other software firewalls do not have important features like,
allowing you |
A Firewall Protection program will also alert you when a software application on your computer is trying to connect to the Internet. This may help you detect whether a virus has infected your system or whether spyware (software that arrive on your computer without your knowledge) is trying to report your personal profile details.
High Speed Internet Connections Firewall
If you are using a broadband Internet connection, such as cable or DSL, you should use a hardware-based firewall in addition to software firewall.Most of the router/hub combinations you can buy for your computer system offer a strong first line of defense against remote probes of your computer. |
Plus, they are inexpensive, often costing less than $20 after rebates. Hardware based firewalls generally will not tell you when a program on your own computer system seeks to access the Internet. That is why, when you use a hardware firewall, you need a software firewall installed as well.
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One of the ways to prevent your computer from becoming infected by a virus or worm like sasser would be by installing a “firewall” on your computer system.
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This sasser worm spread in a completely different way, not bothering
with email (the way most viruses spread) but instead exploited a
security hole in Microsoft Windows This security hole allowed any computer connected to the internet to be infected
The worm spread and infected computers almost invisibly, thus many
people were caught by surprise when their computer problems began. |
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Any computer connected
to the Internet, is vulnerable to electronic worm or virus attacks.
You are protecting your computer system by setting a firewall
between your computer or networked computers (LAN) and the Internet. |
| A firewall examines,
filters, and reports on the appropriateness of all information that
passes through your computer network. A firewall may ensure that information received from an outside source is as expected and does not contain computer a virus or worm. |
This
Firewall Protection
protective barrier between your computer and the Internet will monitor
incoming and outgoing internet traffic and warn you of virus
or worms before your computers become infected.
Microsoft Windows XP includes a firewall, but it may not be enabled on
your machine because Microsoft turns it off by default.
If you have Microsoft Windows XP and would like to activate your
software firewall, follow these steps
Setup Firewall Protection
Within Microsoft Windows XP...
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Click on the Start button and then choose Control Panel
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Click the Network and Internet Connections category
(If you do not see the Network and Internet Connections
category, click Switch to Category View under Control
Panel on the left side of the Control Panel window.)
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Choose Network Connections.
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Right-click the Dial-up, LAN or High-Speed Internet
connection(s) that you use to connect to the Internet
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Click Properties from the menu
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On the Advanced tab, under Internet Connection Firewall,
select "Protect my computer and network" Then click OK
You Have Now Enabled Your Windows XP
Firewall Protection
With your
firewall now working, you will see a warning pop up on screen if a virus
or worm is trying to infect your computer. You will be able to block
them by denying them access.
You'll find your access to the internet a little more complicated now.
The first time you run any internet related program after activating the
Microsoft firewall, it will alert you again and ask you if it is OK for
your Internet Browser to connect to the Internet.
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Because of the number of incoming security threats to your
computer are so numerous and serious, the key point is that
you do have a software firewall, and if you are using a high
speed connection, a hardware firewall as well.
It's becoming a better idea to have a firewall, at home and
business. It does require extra setup and is another layer
of software and hardware to navigate through to connect to
the Internet, but the piece of mind to keep your computer
system secure IS worth the effort.
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Jim Novak |