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Firewall Software & Utilities

A firewall is the first line of defense for your computer. Firewalls act like a bouncer at a club: they allow files, web pages, e-mail, and attachments that typically should be allowed in, to come directly to your computer, while keeping most bad stuff out. Firewalls offer different levels of protection and some are better than others at keeping things off of your computer. But the "better" the firewall, the more strict it will be in what it lets you download to your PC.

Most computer owners choose to use a middle of the road approach that allows their firewall to keep most bad things away, but relies on the computer user to be the final filter of what to open or install. Firewalls operating in this kind of scenario are best complimented by an up-to-date and fully patched anti-virus software program. The anti-virus software will scan any files let through the firewall for remaining threats to help keep the computer and its contents safe.

Software Solutions

Download McAfee Firewall Software (Fee). <CLICK HERE>
Download Norton Personal Firewall software (Fee). <CLICK HERE>
Download Webroot Firewall Software (Fee). <CLICK HERE>
Download Internet Security Solutions' BlackIce Firewall Software. (Fee) <CLICK HERE>

Activating Your Windows XP Firewall

Activating the built-in Windows XP firewall is an easy way to make sure that hackers and scammers are stopped from even entering on to your computer. To activate the firewall, follow these simple steps:

Go to the Start Menu and navigate to the Control Panel. Open the Control Panel.
Once the Control Panel is open, you will either select "Security Center" (if you use the new Category view) -or- go directly to "Windows Firewall" (if you use the older Classic view).
Activate the firewall:
1. If you have opened the Security Center, the first entry in the main window will be for the firewall. Make sure it says that the firewall is ON. If it is not, use the arrows next to the status indicator to open the menu area and click the Recommendations button. A smaller window will open and in it you should click the button ENABLE NOW. Your firewall is turned on.
2. If you have opened the Windows Firewall control, you will see two radio dials: one for an OFF state and one for an ON state. Make sure the radio dial next to ON is checked then click OK. The firewall is now turned on.
Close any open windows.
Your firewall is now activated and is protecting your PC.

Updating The Windows XP Firewall

The Windows XP built-in firewall will automatically update itself when you run the Windows Update service. There are no special updates to run for this specific firewall.

PDF Resources

Web Resources

Windows XP Firewall Monitor Plug-In
(You can use this to alert you to problems with the Windows XP firewall from the Notification Area)


Secure My PC Home PC Readiness Checklist Routine Maintenance Log Mobile Device Users Test Your Knowledge Anti-Virus Software Anti-Spyware Software Firewall Software Windows Updates Macintosh Updates Office Software Internet Browsers Music Software Instant Messengers SPAM - SPIT - SPIM Phishing & Spoofing Identity Theft Malware E-Mail Security File Sharing System Back-Up	Firewall Software & Utilities A firewall is the first line of defense for your computer. Firewalls act like a bouncer at a club: they allow files, web pages, e-mail, and attachments that typically should be allowed in, to come directly to your computer, while keeping most bad stuff out. Firewalls offer different levels of protection and some are better than others at keeping things off of your computer. But the "better" the firewall, the more strict it will be in what it lets you download to your PC. Most computer owners choose to use a middle of the road approach that allows their firewall to keep most bad things away, but relies on the computer user to be the final filter of what to open or install. Firewalls operating in this kind of scenario are best complimented by an up-to-date and fully patched anti-virus software program. The anti-virus software will scan any files let through the firewall for remaining threats to help keep the computer and its contents safe. Software Solutions Download McAfee Firewall Software (Fee). <CLICK HERE> Download Norton Personal Firewall software (Fee). <CLICK HERE> Download Webroot Firewall Software (Fee). <CLICK HERE> Download Internet Security Solutions' BlackIce Firewall Software. (Fee) <CLICK HERE> Activating Your Windows XP Firewall Activating the built-in Windows XP firewall is an easy way to make sure that hackers and scammers are stopped from even entering on to your computer. To activate the firewall, follow these simple steps: Go to the Start Menu and navigate to the Control Panel. Open the Control Panel. Once the Control Panel is open, you will either select "Security Center" (if you use the new Category view) -or- go directly to "Windows Firewall" (if you use the older Classic view). Activate the firewall: If you have opened the Security Center, the first entry in the main window will be for the firewall. Make sure it says that the firewall is ON. If it is not, use the arrows next to the status indicator to open the menu area and click the Recommendations button. A smaller window will open and in it you should click the button ENABLE NOW. Your firewall is turned on. If you have opened the Windows Firewall control, you will see two radio dials: one for an OFF state and one for an ON state. Make sure the radio dial next to ON is checked then click OK. The firewall is now turned on. Close any open windows. Your firewall is now activated and is protecting your PC. Updating The Windows XP Firewall The Windows XP built-in firewall will automatically update itself when you run the Windows Update service. There are no special updates to run for this specific firewall. PDF Resources How to Turn On Windows Firewall (Using Windows XP and Service Pack 1) How to Turn On Windows Firewall (Using Windows XP and Service Pack 2) Web Resources Windows XP Firewall Monitor Plug-In (You can use this to alert you to problems with the Windows XP firewall from the Notification Area)