What is firewall used for?

Question

hi can some1 tell me what is firewall n whtas is use for?

Answer 1

A system designed to prevent unauthorized access to or from a private network. Firewalls can be implemented in both hardware and software, or a combination of both. Firewalls are frequently used to prevent unauthorized Internet users from accessing private networks connected to the Internet, especially intranets. All messages entering or leaving the intranet pass through the firewall, which examines each message and blocks those that do not meet the specified security criteria.
Source: http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/f/firewall.html


A firewall is a piece of software (which may be coupled with hardware in some cases) that is designed to protect a private network from unauthorized access. A firewall normally blocks unwanted traffic from the outside to the inside of the network and vice versa.
The firewall is therefore like a fence between two zones: inside and outside the network. The name says it all: a wall of fire. Just imagine a fortress being defended from a military intrusion by trenches or fire all around. The fortress is the private network. Technically, we call it a boundary between a trusted (inside) and a non-trusted (outside) zone.
Source: http://voip.about.com/od/security/p/firewall.htm

In simple terms, a firewall is used to prevent anyone you do not authorize from entering your computer.

Answer 2

The Windows firewall is a Windows application that, when it is running, will block unauthorized network traffic from entering your computer from the Internet or other computers that you are networked with.. It's intent is to prevent other users from hacking into your system or installing spyware or other malicious software.

Hope this answers your question,
Captain Computer

Answer 3

Firewall can be an application or a hardware which controls and protects unauthorized access to one system from another.
i.e zone alarm

Answer 4

Firewall (networking)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firewall_(networking)

A firewall is a hardware or software device which is configured to permit, deny or proxy data through a computer network which has different levels of trust.

firewall
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/f/firewall.html

How Firewalls Work
http://www.howstuffworks.com/firewall.htm

Home PC Firewall Guide
http://www.firewallguide.com/

**NOTE: Only have one antivirus program and one firewall installed on your computer.
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/nav.nsf/docid/2000031316555206
"Microsoft recommends that you have only one anti-virus program installed on your computer."
Anti-adware/malware/spyware are ok to have more of.

Hope this is helpful.
Good luck.
JTB.

Answer 5

AVG firewall for sure. windows firewall doesn't do a good job

Answer 6

Dummed down answer.... It's used to keep people from seeing what you're doing while you're on the computer...
Think of it this way, it's like the walls of your bathroom. Same exact function, but for your puter