What is a firewall? Do i need one? If yes, where can i download a good one?

Question

Thanx

Answer 1

A firewall keeps Programs from getting into your computer without your permission. But more Important it keeps programs from communicating out from your computer without your permission.
I find Zone Alarm to be the best, and It's FREE.

You need all of the following software for the best protection.

I use all of the following Free software with Windows XP SP2 and Internet Explorer with MSN toolbar and the pop-up blocker turned on and have never had a single problem with my computer sense Microsoft came out with SP2. (knock on wood.) (And be sure to keep Windows and the following software Updated)


The best Anti-virus is: AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition. (www.grisoft.com)

The Best Spyware defense is: SpyBot Search and Destroy (http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html)<--English version

AND: AdAware SE (www.lavasoft.com)
AND Spyware Blaster (http://www.javacoolsoftware.info/kb/)
The best Firewall besides the one that comes with Windows is: Zone Alarm (http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/co... or just (www.zonelabs.com) and select the FREE version.

These are all FREE and are all that are required. There is no reason to pay for this kind of software, except to give a donation to the writers if you can.
ALL the above programs are recommended and should be run on a regular basis. With some the free versions they must be run manually.

The best way to avoid getting any Malware (virus, Trojan's, spyware, etc) is to practice safe computing. Microsoft and many others have countless articles on the subject of safe computing. (something I think should be taught in schools)

for further information on computer safety. http://all.net/journal/50/cybercop.html
And here...
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/viruses/zombies_and_botnets.mspx

Answer 2

These days it is a very good idea to have a firewall on your computer. If you are only using dial-up Internet, probably you won't need to worry about a firewall so much. Windows XP firewall would be sufficient if that is the case. If you are using broadband Internet, then your modem/router would have a built in firewall. Depending on the make and model of the modem/router would determine the strength of the firewall in it. Some are not very good at all.

Answer 3

A firewall is a program that protects your computer from Internet attacks. It monitors traffic between your PC and the Internet and blocks the traffic if it appears to be harmful.

If you are running Windows XP with SP2 installed, you have a firewall. It is build into Windows XP SP2. (Its not the best, but it is better than none.) If you are running any other version of Windows, you need to install a separate firewall. You may also want to replace the XPSP2 one with a better one).

ZoneAlarm is a free firewall with an excellent reputation. Probably the most commonly used (after the Windows XP SP2 build in one). You can get it from download.com. It is easy to configure (will walk you through the set with no "geek" questions.)

Answer 4

XP comes with it's own firewall, a firewall is basically a piece of software that is like a fence or as the name says a wall that is supposed to prevent unwanted people etc from getting into or onto your system without you knowing.

Most virus apps have a firewall built into them now and I personally use 3 of them for different stages of security.

Answer 5

A firewall stops attacks on your computer via the internet from hackers and unathurised users...i.e identity theft.

You should have a firewall !!! although windows xp sp2 has a firewall it is a basic one...

Go to www.zonealarm.com and download their FREE version.

Hope this helps

Answer 6

Go to the "CA" Computer Associates site and download the AntiVirus they have, it's free for the fist year and includes a firewall, antivirus, mail anti spammer, pest patrol and many other features, that is the one I use, by the way the firewall prevent malicious eye prying into your computer, Windows has one built in but it's not that great, I hope this help you.

Answer 7

Windows XP SP2 has a firewall built in. Go to http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/v6/default.aspx?ln=en-us

Be sure to down load and install all the available updates from Microsoft to keep your computer safe.

Answer 8

zone alarm is a good firewall to use most providers provide a firewall,but you can use two firewall to keep the attackers out of your computer

http://majorgeeks.com/
MajorGeeks

Answer 9

you can't really download a firewall. firewalls come with your computer; just some are better than others.

Answer 10

If you don't want people to access your computer from outside, then you should get a firewall, get zone alarm from www.download.com. It's free and good.