Explanation: A firewall is a device – hardware or software – that filters information being transferred through your Internet connection with your computer. If a packet of information is flagged by the filters, it is not allowed through. Simply, a firewall is a barrier to keep destructive forces away from your property.

Recommendation: Unless you connect through a router with a hardware firewall built-in, you definitely need to run a software firewall at all times.

The simplest option is to enable Windows Firewall by going to Start > Control Panel > Windows Firewall > select On > click OK.

If you’d like a little better security, and are willing to do a bit more configuration, I recommend you try the excellent and free: Sygate Personal Firewall.

But whichever you choose, it’s important that you do not run more than one software firewall at the same time.

You can test your current firewall situation to see if you need additional protection by running a firewall test from one of the following sites:

http://www.auditmypc.com/freescan/scanoptions.asp
http://www.pcflank.com/test.htm
http://scan.sygatetech.com/

If you already have a firewall configured and in use you should check it occasionally to ensure that it is functioning by using one of the firewall tests above.

Frequency: If you don’t have a firewall in-place you should set it up immediately. If one is already in place it would be a good idea to check to ensure is effectiveness monthly.