Choosing a Firewall
The first step toward securing your home computer is to install firewalls.
What kinds of firewalls are there?
Hardware-based firewalls are usually integrated into a router, which sits between your PC and a cable or DSL modem. Hardware firewalls are valuable especially for protecting your computer from outside attacks, and they can protect a network of PCs that share a broadband connection.
The application or software firewall is probably the most common type. It is a software program running on your computer that allows the data to pass through it, if you have programmed the software to allow it. You simply select which of your applications, like web browsers, email client, mIRC, etc. you want the "firewall" to allow to access the Internet. These firewalls are mainly designed to protect the single computer that is running the software.
Ideally, you will use both a hardware and a software firewall.
Everything you need to know about selecting and installing a firewall for your PC or network
About.com's PC World Computer Center has an excellent article comparing four free firewalls.
What next?
Once a firewall is installed, you can visit the "Shield's Up" section of the grc.com website to check your ports to make sure your computer is secure.
Additional Resources
CERT: Understanding Firewalls
What kinds of firewalls are there?
Hardware-based firewalls are usually integrated into a router, which sits between your PC and a cable or DSL modem. Hardware firewalls are valuable especially for protecting your computer from outside attacks, and they can protect a network of PCs that share a broadband connection.
The application or software firewall is probably the most common type. It is a software program running on your computer that allows the data to pass through it, if you have programmed the software to allow it. You simply select which of your applications, like web browsers, email client, mIRC, etc. you want the "firewall" to allow to access the Internet. These firewalls are mainly designed to protect the single computer that is running the software.
Ideally, you will use both a hardware and a software firewall.
Everything you need to know about selecting and installing a firewall for your PC or network
About.com's PC World Computer Center has an excellent article comparing four free firewalls.
What next?
Once a firewall is installed, you can visit the "Shield's Up" section of the grc.com website to check your ports to make sure your computer is secure.
Additional Resources
CERT: Understanding Firewalls
