| Data security is extremely important for every | | | | these individuals, you may be wondering if it is |
| person that uses a computer system. One of the | | | | possible to benefit from a firewall that is built into |
| best ways that you can ensure data security is by | | | | Windows. The answer is "yes". You can enjoy |
| using a firewall. A firewall is a program that is built in | | | | protection through the Internet Connection Firewall, |
| to most computer systems. It can also be a | | | | but it is important that you turn this function on in |
| hardware device that helps to block intrusions from | | | | order to benefit from the protection that it offers. |
| worms, hackers, and even viruses. | | | | There are many different types of firewalls that you |
| The intrusions that the firewall blocks are those that | | | | can purchase as standalone software for your |
| try to reach the system through the internet. While | | | | computer system if you elect to. These types of |
| you can ensure data security by way of a firewall, it | | | | firewalls are extremely beneficial for individuals who |
| is essential to understand that it needs to be | | | | have the operating system of Windows 98, ME, 200, |
| supplemented with a decent program that focuses | | | | and even Linux, and Macintosh. The only real downfall |
| on eliminating viruses and spyware. This will ensure | | | | to these types of programs is that they can prove |
| maximum protection. | | | | to be costly and it may prove to be challenging when |
| If you are on a network, whether it is in the home | | | | it comes to the initial installation and configuration. |
| or at a business, it is absolutely essential that you | | | | The latest version of Windows is Windows 7 which |
| ensure that you activate a firewall on each and | | | | was released sometime in October 2009. This version |
| every single system in that network. Many feel if | | | | has proved to be the best among all earlier Windows |
| they have a router, which is a firewall that is | | | | operating systems in terms of functionality, built-in |
| hardware based, that is enough. However, it is not. | | | | security features and ease of use. I would strongly |
| Every computer should have an active firewall on the | | | | suggest that you upgrade your computer's operating |
| system. | | | | systems to Windows 7 at your earliest. |
| You may find that choosing a firewall for your | | | | If you have a network in your home, or at your |
| system is a challenge. There are three basic types of | | | | business, it may be best to have the firewall of a |
| firewalls that can be selected. First, you have the | | | | hardware router. These pieces of hardware can |
| standard firewall that is a software program. Next, | | | | connect many different computers at once. This |
| you have the firewall that is an actual piece of | | | | security is supplemental to any firewall that is already |
| hardware. Then, you have a firewall that is | | | | installed on the computer systems. It does require a |
| automatically built in to the wireless routers that you | | | | little wiring when it comes to setup. This is a minor |
| find on many types of networks. | | | | complication compared to the dangers that hackers, |
| In order to determine which type of firewall is most | | | | worms, and viruses can pose to your system. |
| appropriate for your particular situation, there are a | | | | If you have a wireless network in your home, it is |
| few things that you must consider. These | | | | important to ensure that you have a wireless router. |
| considerations are as follows: | | | | Not only does this router assist in establishing an |
| 1. How many computers will this particular firewall be | | | | internet connection, it is also beneficial in acting as a |
| responsible for handling? | | | | firewall. The downfall to these types of firewalls is |
| 2. What types of operating systems do these | | | | that it broadcasts a signal via radio waves that can |
| computers implement? An operating system is | | | | be accessed by someone outside of the network if |
| represented by Microsoft Windows, Linux, and | | | | they know how to do so. |
| Macintosh. | | | | If you use a wireless router, it is important that it is |
| If you have a Microsoft Windows operating system | | | | equipped with a proper password. It may take some |
| that has XP with the Service Pack 2 or the Vista | | | | money to purchase the additional equipment, but it is |
| version, you may benefit from using the firewall that | | | | well worth the safety and security that is offered to |
| is built in to Windows. This firewall is built in to the | | | | your network. This is essential to ensuring the |
| system and it automatically turned on to ensure data | | | | protection of your data. If you want to ensure the |
| security. | | | | data security on your computers, a good firewall, or |
| Many individuals who have Windows XP have elected | | | | a multiple firewall is an absolute must. |
| to not download Service Pack 2. If you are one of | | | | |