Why you should use a firewall.
On the Internet, hackers use malicious code—viruses, worms, and Trojans—to try to find unprotected computers.
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.
Fortunately, you can reduce your risk of infection by using a firewall.
How do I choose a firewall?
A firewall works by examining information coming from and going to the Internet. It identifies and stops information that comes from a dangerous location or seems suspicious.
When you set up your firewall correctly, hackers searching for vulnerable computers can't detect your computer.
Three basic types of firewalls are available. The first step is to determine which one is best for you. Your options include:
• Software firewalls
• Hardware routers
• Wireless routers
To get started, answer these questions and record your answers:
1. How many computers will use the firewall?
2. What operating system do you use? (This might be a version of Microsoft Windows, Apple Macintosh, or Linux.)
That's it. You are now ready to think about what type of firewall you want to use. There are several options, each with its own pros and cons.
Choosing a Firewall