What to know about firewall (2)

Windows Firewall settings:
To open Windows Firewall, click Start, click Control Panel, and then click Windows Firewall. Windows Firewall has three settings: On, On with no exceptions, and Off.

On: Windows Firewall is turned on by default, and normally you should leave it that way. With this setting, Windows Firewall blocks all requests to connect to your computer, except for those from programs or services on the Exceptions list.

On with no exceptions: When you select the Don’t allow exceptions check box, Windows Firewall blocks all requests to connect to your computer, including those from programs or services on the Exceptions list. Use this setting when you need maximum protection for your computer, such as when you connect to a public network in a hotel or airport, or when a dangerous virus is spreading over the Internet.

There is no need to keep Don’t allow exceptions selected all the time, because when it is, some of your programs might not work correctly, and the following services are blocked:

File and printer sharing - Discovery of network devices :
Preconfigured programs and services on the Exceptions list.
Additional items that you have added to the Exceptions list.
When you select Don’t allow exceptions, you can still send and receive e-mail, use an instant messaging program, or view Web pages.


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