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Introduction to Windows Firewall
The introduction of high-speed Internet connectivity has created a powerful and extraordinary computer networking experience. This newfound burst of bandwidth has launched new innovations in information exchange, media access, and other advanced computing experiences. Unfortunately, this technology has also created a very accessible conduit to the internals of your computer. Using these open and available digital pipelines, it’s now easier than ever for hackers, worms, and viruses to attack your unprotected home and home office computers.
These threats aren’t exaggerations thrown around by computer industry pundits or descriptions of theoretical worst-case scenarios. A test in my lab found that a computer added onto a previously unconnected cable-modem connection was found by automated hacker tools in three minutes, attacked by an Internet worm in eleven minutes, and it only took five hours before a hacker was running active scans against my computer in an attempt to find an open doorway or unlocked pathway into my system.
These timeframes are staggering. If an unprotected computer is connected to your high-speed Internet connection then your confidential information, financial details, private email messages, and any other personal information on your computer is at risk. If you connect to the Internet in hotels or wireless hot-spots without a personal firewall, then your computer and private information can be easily attacked.
Fortunately, Microsoft has built a very secure lock for the front door of your computer to protect against these malicious activities. Microsoft’s Windows Firewall was designed to keep out the bad guys while allowing all of the good traffic to freely traverse your computer. If you already use Windows XP or Windows Server 2003, then you already own this free security software!
Other Windows versions such as Windows 98 or Windows NT do not include a firewall as part of the operating system. For these computers, we recommend ZoneAlarm, a free personal firewall from Zone Labs. Other commercial personal firewall options are also available from companies such as Symantec and McAfee Security. Regardless of the source, a personal firewall is an important piece of your computer.s security. Don’t neglect this important layer of network protection!