Do I need a firewall ?
 Connecting to the
Internet without a firewall is
like leaving the keys in your
car with the engine running and
the doors unlocked while you run
into the store. Although you may
be able to get in and out before
anyone notices, someone may take
advantage of the opportunity. On
the Internet, hackers use
malicious code?such as viruses,
worms, and Trojan horses?to try
to find unprotected computers. A
firewall can help protect your
computer against these and other
security attacks.
What is a firewall ?
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 , 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.
There are several types of
firewall techniques:
In practice, many firewalls
use two or more of these
techniques in concert. A
firewall is considered a first
line of defense in protecting
private information. For greater
security, data can be encrypted
So what can a hacker do? It
depends on the nature of the
attack. While some attacks are
just nuisances that may play
simple pranks, others are
created with malicious intent.
These more severe strains may
attempt to delete information
from your computer, crash it, or
even steal personal information,
such as passwords or credit card
numbers. Some hackers enjoy
nothing better than breaking
into vulnerable computers.
Viruses, worms, and Trojan
horses are scary. Fortunately,
you can reduce your risk of
infection by using a firewall.
Free Firewall
Downloads
Zone Alarm Free version
Kerio Personal firewall
Outpost Firewall
Sygate personal firewall
Agnitum Outpost Firewall
Tiny Firewall
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