Jan
I currently have AVG anti virus and AVG anti spyware, but I am not sure what else I need to clean out my computer and leave it protected. I am confused on what exactly a firewall is used for??? Any help, and any recommendations on a good free firewall? Thanks.
Answer:
A Firewall is a software the Monitors internet access and blocks any unauthorized access from entering or exiting your PC. A Firewall basically acts like a door in front of your house, if you have the key, you can get in and you can allow others to come in by your permission and block the others from coming in and/or out.
If you want a simple firewall that provides only inbound protection, keep Windows Firewall (Windows Vista's Firewall provides both inbound and outbound protection).
There are many third party firewalls out there that are free and easy to use:
Out of many firewalls, I would recommend these two:
Comodo Firewall Pro (It's free):
http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/
Powerful Firewall with an easy GUI (Graphic User Interface) that you can interact with to change settings, update the firewall, etc.
Comodo Pro also comes with HIPS (Defense ) that Monitors your computer for any malicious activity (but not everything that Defense detects is malicious).
Another Firewall I would recommend is Online Armor Free:
http://www.tallemu.com/online_armor_free…
Online Armor also has an easy GUI and HIPS like Comodo however Online Armor will automatically detect any network that you connect your laptop to as trusted meaning that hackers can gain access to your computer once he's in the network that you're connected to.
Both Firewalls provided full Stealth Protection by default. You may test your firewall though by using Shields Up by GRC:
https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2
Only Online Armor Free automatically trusts networks that you're conencted to which is a big security risk so I would recommend Comodo if you use wireless networks a lot and either Comodo or Online Armor if you connect your computer directly into the internet by wire.
Zone Alarm Firewall free is designed for novice users but provides weak outbound and leak protection (Zone Alarm Pro has a much stronger outbound protection) thus I recommend the two firewalls above if you want a more powerful firewall.
Answer:
Blocking out viruses, trackers, worms…helps your computer alot…if you dont have the firewall on, you better get it on
Answer:
A firewall is simply a program or hardware device that filters the information coming through the Internet connection into your private network or computer system. If an incoming packet of information is flagged by the filters, it is not allowed through.
If you want the complete breakdown click the link and enjoy!
Good Luck!
Answer:
without firewall others can invade your computer without any vestige, 360 is a good one
Answer:
a firewall is a program that blocks other programs from entering your computer it is basically a wall that lets approved programs through but not viruses (supposably)
if you have vista the firewall blocks most programs including good ones. any firewall will work just pick one that can be updated without purchasing it
Answer:
When it is turned on, it blocks viruses, worms, spys, and dangerous changes to your computer. Mac and Linux don't need it; Windows has one built in.
~Randallrocks
My MapleStory (Bera) IGN: Randallrocks
Answer:
A firewall protects the Computer against hackers and possible intruders through your computer. Get the free version of AOL and they will give You the whole protection package.
Answer:
Firewalls give you control of what comes to your computer.
Although none of them are foolproof, simply because you must leave commonly used ports open for internet useage, it DOES give you control of what ports you'd like to "shut off" and what ones you want open.
Consider reading information on this site:
https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2
This'll give you incite as to what ports you have open, what ports you should close, etc. etc.
Answer:
A firewall can be either hardware or software based. It is designed to block traffic into as well as out of your computer. Using settings within the firewall you can determine what programs can access the internet, what ports on your computer are visible to outside computers.
Firewalls are basically designed to protect sensative informtation on your computer by controlling what information comes into and out of your computer. It is somewhat like an electronic customs booth.
Answer:
A firewall is a dedicated appliance, or software running on another computer, which inspects network traffic passing through it, and denies or permits passage based on a set of rules.
A firewall's basic task is to regulate some of the flow of traffic between computer networks of different trust levels. Typical examples are the Internet which is a zone with no trust and an internal network which is a zone of higher trust. A zone with an intermediate trust level, situated between the Internet and a trusted internal network, is often referred to as a "perimeter network" or Demilitarized zone (DMZ).
A firewall's function within a network is similar to firewalls with fire door in building construction. In former case, it is used to prevent network intrusion to the private network. In latter case, it is intended to contain and delay structural fire from spreading to adjacent structures.
Without proper configuration, a firewall can often become worthless. Standard security practices dictate a "default-deny" firewall ruleset, in which the only network connections which are allowed are the ones that have been explicitly allowed. Unfortunately, such a configuration requires detailed understanding of the network applications and endpoints required for the organization's day-to-day operation. Many businesses lack such understanding, and therefore implement a "default-allow" ruleset, in which all traffic is allowed unless it has been specifically blocked. This configuration makes inadvertent network connections and system compromise much more likely.
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