A Firewall is just an extra protection or defense mechanism to shield your PC from unwanted trespassing and hacking efforts. Browser Hijackers search for vulnerable PC on the net by sending out pings. If your PC responds to these signals then they will creep into your PC and start corrupting your data and leaking your personal and private information.

Any PC that is operated using high-speed connection (think cable & DSL) is vulnerable to such threats from hackers. If you are using a dial up connection the risk is low, because your IP address changes every time you are connected. So it becomes quite difficult for them to track you.

Windows XP SP2 has a decent firewall that is automatically turned on as soon as you start your PC. This is better than nothing, but we recommend that you go one step further and use Zone Alarm. Zone Alarm is free for personal use. The main reason we recommend it over the built-in Windows firewall is that it provides bi-directional protection (a fancy way of saying that it monitors the data coming in and going out of your computer).

Hackers are actually responsible for breaking down your PCs immune system by introducing worms, viruses, spyware and adware. Unlike viruses, spyware and adware are not transmitted into your PC through mails. These malware duplicate your performance and send it out to others, manipulate your private information and alters your web browser and PC settings.

So to ensure complete inaccessibility you need to install a firewall to protect your PC from these net-prowlers. For home PCs a software firewall is suitable to serve the purpose whereas for business enterprises a hardware firewall is a must.

A software firewall on your PC actually scrutinizes your PC activity. It is always runs in the background and your PC security center will send you alerts if it is by any chance turned off accidentally. It occupies a considerable space in your system resource and requires at least 256 MB RAM to function properly. It blocks unwanted activities and gives access to those which it feels safe only after asking you. If you take a certain decision regarding a site or a link it will remember the same for any future reference.

A hardware firewall requires a Cable/DSL router. You just need to set it properly and it allows you to share a single net connection over multiple PCs. It is always better to install a hardware firewall through the help of experienced technician if you are not a complete computer savvy.

A Firewall actually acts like a security guard to your computer. It scans the network traffic and permits only those which could be safe to route to your PC. It labels every bit of information that is coming to your PC from an external source. In most cases, when the information gets a green signal after initial scanning the firewall document the source and the destination. This is just like maintaining a visitor’s log in an office.

A deny-all firewall strategy will say a ‘strict no-no’ to all information and eventually disconnects your internet connection. This is not advisable. When you are installing a firewall, take a close look at the review features.

Check for The Program Test to confirm about the program that wants to make connection to the net. This avoids indiscriminate connection of internet to all programs. Check for the Location test. Location gives the address and the port number. An effective firewall allows limited programs to connect to specific the internet locations and not anywhere else in your PC.

The Allowed test will confirm you about the connection to the servers, whether allowed or denied. The Temporary test will corroborate whether the connection is temporary or permanent. It is best to allow temporary connections only for ensuring complete safety to your home PC.