I'm totally useless when it comes to computers - so how do you check firewall settings??

Answer 1

It depends which program you're using. If you haven't installed one, and are using XP with service pack 2 you're using the Windows firewall.
Windows usually warns you if its switched off but to check it you go to Start - Control Panel - security center.

A third party firewall (one written by another company that you install) is better. There's a list of free security software on my blog. Try Zone Alarm, its very easy to use.
When you install, the firewall should run in 'learning mode' for a while. So you can pretty much just install it and leave it to run.
There are plenty of forums online where you can get help using Zone Alarm so it would be a good choice.

Usually you check the settings by right clicking on the icon in the taskbar at the bottom of your screen on the right.
Or you can go to Start - Programs and click it on the list. That will open the program, have a look around.
Also most of them have a help menu so chek that out.

Answer 2

your firewall,as it says in the name is a wall that is suppose to protect your p.c from the outside world,in other words if a hacker tried to gain access to your p.c to steal data,then a firewall would say ,someone is trying to gain access to your computer...allow...block,then you would obviously block this message,but certain programs need to be able to gain access to the internet(such as anti-virus programs for updates),these are what windows calls "exceptions",you can find what exceptions you have in the exceptions tab in firewall settings
to look at your firewall settings go start>control panel>firewall>then make sure the firewall is turned on and you will see the exceptions tab in the firewall settings,however do not edit these unless you know what you are doing,as you may stop certain programs from working by stoping their access to the internet
good luck

Answer 3

if you are running Windows XP and you do not have another firewall program running like norton or zone alarm, then Widows firewall would be your default dfirewall. to check it, click start, control panel, Security Center. then click on the windows firewall.. there isnt much you can do with this firewall other than on off and add exceptions.

Hope this helps

Answer 4

Click twice on the firewall icon and the firewall program details should open up where you can check everything.

Answer 5

You could try these sites to test your firewall - if there is a vulnerability then you will be notified.

Answer 6

star button
control panel
windows firewall
general
activated click on ok button
and ready

Answer 7

if it burns your hand.... its set to very hot