What to know about firewall (1)

WINDOWS Firewall overview: A firewall helps to protect your computer from potential damage from viruses or unknown intruders. In Windows XP, Windows Firewall is turned on by default. You may also choose to download and install a firewall of your own choosing. (However, some computer manufacturers and network administrators might turn it off.) If someone tries to access your computer without your knowledge or consent, Windows Firewall blocks that access.

How Windows Firewall works:
If someone on the Internet whom you do not know asks your computer for permission to connect to it, Windows Firewall intercepts the request and notifies you. You can then allow or deny the connection.

These requests are called “unsolicited requests.” When a programme such as an instant messaging programme or a multiplayer network game makes a request to connect to your computer, you can make an exception so that Windows Firewall does not need to ask you each time that programme wants to connect.

With unsolicited requests, you always make the decision, which helps to make your computer more secure. However, although you can turn off Windows Firewall for specific network and Internet connections, every time that you do this you run the risk that your computer’s security might be compromised.


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