what is a firewall?

Question

what is a firewall

Answer 1

it's a software filter that prevents undesirable programs getting through to your computer/network... you can set it up to block particular types of activity, but basically it is a security measure that is vital for any business, and advisable for any PC...

Answer 2

In computing, a firewall is a piece of hardware and/or software which functions in a networked environment to prevent some communications forbidden by the security policy, analogous to the function of firewalls in building construction. A firewall is also called a Border Protection Device (BPD), especially in NATO contexts, or packet filter in BSD contexts. A firewall has the basic task of controlling traffic between different zones of trust. Typical zones of trust include the Internet (a zone with no trust) and an internal network (a zone with high trust). The ultimate goal is to provide controlled connectivity between zones of differing trust levels through the enforcement of a security policy and connectivity model based on the least privilege principle.

Proper configuration of firewalls demands skill from the administrator. It requires considerable understanding of network protocols and of computer security. Small mistakes can render a firewall worthless as a security tool.

Answer 3

a lot less severe priced is an previous device with an iptables firewall (eg. a Linux distro like IPcop). that's extra effectual is debatable. I lean in the route of the Linux device, ordinarily using the undeniable fact that's frequently extra effortless to patch contained in the shape that a vulnerability is got here across and many times such patches are obtainable earlier to maximum proprietary hardware innovations. also, that's extra sensible and configurable (has very almost endless sensible aspects) and also you at the instantaneous are not stuck with waiting on a corporation to keep up accordingly far. some favor hardware firewalls as they could be somewhat easier to implement. you'll argue that a proprietary hardware answer is extra protect because the source code is secret, yet that is amazingly debated or has been. A hardware firewall may be extra acceptable for prime bandwidth applications because it might want to help larger throughput in conserving with its layout and what pc it truly is compared to. A firewall should be a separate device in spite of everything. A personal computer firewall or merely operating iptables or the like on a similar device used as a server or personal computer isn't as protect and may merely be performed to boot to a dedicated firewall. Edit: maximum customer routers do not comprise firewalls, at maximum acceptable quite a few may be evaluate pseudo-firewalls. also, that's achievable to attack a private community that sits in the back of a NAT router.

Answer 4

in simple terms,a firewall is a peice of your operating system,usually part of a security package you have either downloaded or has been part of a security patch or update
it basically does what it says on the tin,when you have your p.c on,it puts up a wall,hence the word "firewall"which stops anyone or thing entering your hard drive or computer
you can have "exceptions" which are configured in your contol panel if you have service pack 2 ,and these are allowed to pass through the firewall
examples of these would be your anti-virus,and network,but if you allow too many exceptions your firewall becomes very unsafe as hackers,ect have more holes to penetrate to get into your p.c
on-line gaming like castle wolfenstien,which can be played with others across the net compromise your firewall and are not advised

Answer 5

You really don't want to be on the internet without one! A firewall is a program that helps secure your pc against viruses, spyware, hijacking and worms when you are on the internet.
If you are using Windows XP it has a firewall built in, but its not the best one. It helps to stop malware (malicious software) getting in, but doesn't stop them e-mailing out.
Either of these firewalls are free for personal use and stop unwanted incoming and outgoing traffic. You choose which programs are allowed to access the internet. They are both fairly easy to use and updated regularly.

Zone Alarm firewall
www.zonelabs.com

Kerio firewall
http://www.kerio.com

Go straight to the website and download the free version. Disconnect from the internet, and install one of these. You can only run one firewall at a time so pick one. I can't remember if you need to turn off the windows firewall before you install or whether they do it for you, but never go on the internet witout one.

Answer 6

A firewall is a software or hardware defence against Pc intruders, helps prevent hacking of your PC

Answer 7

A software defence against outside intrusion via a network.

Answer 8

http://www.tech-faq.com/firewall.shtml
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/f/firewall.html
http://www.cyberkreations.com/firewalls.htm
Click the above links to know about firewall in detail

Answer 9

when you put fire on the wall is called firewall ............................................. just kidding its used for Securities in computers so that other persons cant send you virus and cant log in into your network

Answer 10

a wall with fire.. or a block from anything going thru.

In computer term, it is block. so external ip will not get thru or anything you want to install, you will have to go thur that first.. normally, it will prompt you