> Desktop Security
Run firewall software
Firewalls have the same deterring effect as a home alarm system—would-be perpetrators usually look elsewhere for an easier target.
1. Choose a firewall
There are three types of firewalls. The first, Personal (or software) firewalls, are most appropriate for home users.
- Personal (or software) firewalls. Cost is US$0 to $50 per PC. Microsoft® Windows® XP comes with a built-in
firewall: the Internet Connection Firewall (ICF). Windows Vista comes with an improved built-in firewall, also. Check
the following sites for more information:
- Hardware routers. Although not true firewalls, router hardware performs the function of masking your computer's address and ports to outsiders. Cost: under US$100 for a 4-port router, with which you can connect from one to four computing devices.
- Hardware firewalls. Starting at US$400 and more complex to manage, hardware firewalls are more appropriate for businesses running multiple computers.
2. Manage your firewall
Keep your firewall in good condition by doing these two things every month:
- Check for software updates. Go to your firewall vendor's Web site, and sign up to be notified of updates.
If you are using Windows XP or Windows ME, you can skip this step—software updates for the Internet
Connection Firewall (ICF) are delivered automatically. Install them when prompted. (See the
Keep Software Up-to-Date checklist)
- Review the logs. Ascertain how much probing traffic your firewall is repelling.
If you are having trouble with this page...you probably can't read this and any contact information I put here would be useless.
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