With the onslaught of computer hackers, scammers, and viruses that are prevalent around the Internet, it is important to know how and why you should install a firewall. This is your first line of defense between your computer and data that is entering it. It stops your computer being prone to dangerous attacks that can negatively impact upon you.
You first need to determine what kind of firewall you need for your computer as there are many available including some from major corporations such as Microsoft.
A firewall is likely to be set up and ready to use if the computer came installed with the Microsoft XP or Vista operating system though you might have to tweak it if you are using broadband telephony with software offered by various Voip companiesor other addons to your PC. Check that it is turned on and working properly. Purchase your own software if you do not have one of these newer operating systems. Owners of Microsoft XP may still want to purchase separate firewall software as the XP version doesn't get great reviews.
The most popular products available are Norton, AVG and McAfee and you can either visit a store that sells computer software or download a firewall product through the Internet. There are plenty of low cost versions available, even from the big name companies, with prices varying according to the sophistication of the software. Once in hand and prior to installing your firewall, you need to take a few things into consideration.
The functions that you need, such as file and printing sharing, must not be blocked by the program. Settings can be configured during installation or at a later date using the documentation provided.
Parts of the Internet may be restricted by a firewall. Awareness of how you connect is important as if you use a local area network or a router, this could happen. It is difficult to access secured networks when you have installed a firewall. If you work from home or connect to a company computer, you need to coordinate with the IT department in your company before installing a firewall since they may have specific instructions concerning how to configure its settings so you are still able to connect to them.
You first need to determine what kind of firewall you need for your computer as there are many available including some from major corporations such as Microsoft.
A firewall is likely to be set up and ready to use if the computer came installed with the Microsoft XP or Vista operating system though you might have to tweak it if you are using broadband telephony with software offered by various Voip companiesor other addons to your PC. Check that it is turned on and working properly. Purchase your own software if you do not have one of these newer operating systems. Owners of Microsoft XP may still want to purchase separate firewall software as the XP version doesn't get great reviews.
The most popular products available are Norton, AVG and McAfee and you can either visit a store that sells computer software or download a firewall product through the Internet. There are plenty of low cost versions available, even from the big name companies, with prices varying according to the sophistication of the software. Once in hand and prior to installing your firewall, you need to take a few things into consideration.
The functions that you need, such as file and printing sharing, must not be blocked by the program. Settings can be configured during installation or at a later date using the documentation provided.
Parts of the Internet may be restricted by a firewall. Awareness of how you connect is important as if you use a local area network or a router, this could happen. It is difficult to access secured networks when you have installed a firewall. If you work from home or connect to a company computer, you need to coordinate with the IT department in your company before installing a firewall since they may have specific instructions concerning how to configure its settings so you are still able to connect to them.
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If you use online broadband telephony and are still having trouble with your firewall, why not try asking the help desk of the Voip company you bought your software and hardware from?
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