How To Choose A Fire Wall Software Program

In the real world a "fire wall" is a fireproof wall that is built to stop thespread of fire from one part of a building to others. In the Internet world afirewall has a similar purpose in that it stops the spread of harmful virusesand attacks from entering your home or office network.

Because of the ever-increasing threats that are appearing on the Internet youno longer have to be in business to need the protection of a fire wall. Infact, every computer that is connected to the internet should have oneinstalled. You'll be a lot happier once you know that you have protected yourpersonal files, information, and financial data, such as credit cards and bankaccount numbers, from being shared with every crook on the internet.

Here are some questions that you should consider before you choose a fire wallfor your PC:

1. What features do I need?

2. Do I want to be protected from viruses, Trojan horses and worms?

3. Am I at risk because I use programs that access the Internet automatically?

4. How much am I willing to spend on a firewall solution?

Here are the common features that are available in almost any software-basedfire wall program:

Inbound filtering - protects unknown users or programs from accessing your PC

Outbound filtering - Protects your PC from sending information to the Internetwithout your permission

Application integrity verification - Verifies that any program you are runningaren't sneaking around behind your back and doing things that they shouldn'tbe doing.

Data encryption - Automatically scrambles any sensitive data that you do allowto be transmitted.

Stealth mode - Hides that fact that your PC is even connected to the Internetso that hackers can't see you.

Pop-up ad blocking - Stops those annoying ads.

Cookie blocking - prevents web sites from sending you cookies without yourpermissionSpyware protection - Blocks dangerous spyware from operating on your PC

There are many software-based firewall programs that can be downloaded fromthe internet. Most of them come with free trials so you can test each one andchoose what's best for you. Although you won't have to be King Geek to installand set up your firewall, there are some adjustments and settings that willhave to be tweaked. All of the better firewall programs come with decentinstructions and many of the products have help available at their web site.

If you notice that some program that used to work stops working after youinstall a fire wall then you'll have to make a change in the fire wall'sconfiguration that will enable the program to operate freely. If you find thatthere is no way to let your previously operating program pass through thefirewall then that might be a good indication that you need to try a differentfire wall. Be sure to check with the makers of both the software program andthe firewall before you give up and change.

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