What is a Firewall?

January 6, 2011 - Angela Skinner Mullen

A Firewall is a security feature for your computer that checks information from the internet or a network. Depending on your settings, the Firewall then either allows the information to come through, or blocks it. Firewalls can help prevent your PC from malicious software. Think of it this way:  a brick wall acts like a physical  barrier, just as a Firewall acts as an invisible barrier to protect your computer.

Concerned about how secure your computer is as you access the internet? Then you’ll want to set up a Firewall. Here’s how to do it:

In Windows XP

In Windows Vista

In Windows 7

Setting up a Firewall is just part of the security you need for your computer —  it does not replace anti-virus software.  Firewalls also can’t protect you from other security threats, such as phishing scams.

–Angela Skinner Mullen

Angela Skinner Mullen
Angela leads a caffeine-fueled life chasing her kids around town. She holds degrees in Communications and Marketing, and worked in marketing management in both publishing and technology fields before going freelance. While some think she is obsessive-compulsive about correct usage and grammar, she prefers to think of herself as paying great attention to detail. She lives in Southern California with her husband, two kids, two cats, a frog, and a very large dog. Most likely to be found working from a Coffee Bean in Los Angeles, laptop on and latte in hand.

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