Do I have firewall? How do I get one?

[Xon]

Hi there,

I'm really a newbie to this.
Can anyone please tell me, how do I know if I have firewall,
or if I do not have, where & how can I get it?

What does it do anyway?

Thank You
-Xon

[dog]

Hi Xon, ;)

If your OS is XP you have a built in firewall (which is NOT enabled my default) ... which is better that nothing ... there are several free firewalls availble that are novice friendly.

To get you started - Here are a couple of links for info on firewalls - all the why's, how's etc.

How Stuff Works - Firewall FAQ (http://computer.howstuffworks.com/firewall.htm)

Sheilds Up - Firewall FAQ (http://grc.com/su-firewalls.htm)

HTH

dog - *puppy*

[dog]

Links for D/L's of freeware versions of firewalls:

Kerio Personal Firewall (http://www.kerio.com/us/kpf_download.html)

Zone Alarm (http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/products/znalm/freeDownload.jsp)

Sygate (http://www.simtel.net/product.download.mirrors.php?id=53687)

You can use only one software firewall, using more than one will create conflicts. You can use a hardware firewall (built in - Router) and a software without any problem - recommended for optimum protection ... but a software firewall alone will protect your PC more than proficiently.

[Xon]

Arighty!
I'll get down on it.

Thanks a lot!

( I may still need your help )

Regards,
Xon

[dog]

Hi Xon, ;)

There's lots of expert help available ... unfortunately I'm no expert ... advanced user maybe ... expert; certainly not - I help when I can. ;)

If you need specific help in regards to the firewall you choose ... Post a new thread asking for advice/guidance in this forum ... many in the community will proved help, especially user of that particular firewall, or one of Wilders' extremely knowledgable experts, will gladly assist you! :)

Glad your on your way to a more secure future! ;)

dog - *puppy*