How to Enable/Disable the Windows Firewall?
Windows Firewall is an effective method to block intrusions and provide a safer online experience on the whole although it does not guarantee protection from spam, viruses or spywares. In the latter versions of Microsoft Windows, this built-in firewall is usually turned on all the time.
How To Turn The Windows Firewall On
In case the Windows Firewall turned off, you can check it from Start > Control Panel > Security Center > Firewall too see whether it is turned on or off. You will be presented a window containing three options: 1) ON, 2) ON WITH NO EXCEPTIONS, 3) OFF.
ON is the default setting which can be selected if the user does not have enough time for configuring the firewall. ON + DONâT ALLOW EXCEPTIONS restricts the online activity to browsing and email sending. This method works best when a higher level of protection is imperative. Computers connected to public networks are also benefited by this mode. Exceptions can be viewed with the Exceptions tab; it contains an array of permitted ports and programs. Adding a port is not very safe as other programs (including malicious ones) will be able to use this port. The Exceptions tab contains printer sharing, settings transfer wizard and pre-added files, which will be disabled if one does not check âDonât allow exceptionsâ. The built-in firewall will block most programs when the default setting is selected.
How to Turn It Off
Disabling the Windows Firewall is usually done when one needs to test something quickly. Since it is makes the computer more vulnerable to various threats, it is only suggested in the case of exceptions. Windows XP SP2 users can turn if off by following few steps.
- Click on Start and then Control Panel
- Click on the Security Center icon.
- Click on the Windows Firewall icon
- Click Off and then click OK
Linear Mode
