One of the simplest ways to protect your home computer network is to make use of the Windows XP firewall.
The Windows XP Firewall
In order to combat customer concerns regarding security, Microsoft introduced the Windows XP firewall. The Windows XP firewall is a software or personal firewall, meaning that it runs on a single computer and protects only that system. If the computer in question is using Internet sharing to provide the rest of a home network with Internet access, then the firewall will protect the entire network.
There is no extra device needed with the Windows XP firewall. You may see large hardware devices on some company's networks, or even the home networks of advanced users. This type of firewall requires much more configuration and is not suitable for the average home user.
Activating the Windows XP firewall
Enabling the XP firewall is quite simple.
First, click on the Start button in the lower left hand corner of the screen. When the menu pops up, select the Control Panel icon. Then choose Network and Internet Connections. Now, choose Windows Firewall.When the firewall box opens, you should select On. If you are using a laptop that you frequently take to public wireless networks like a coffee shop, bookstore, or the airport, you may opt to choose the Don't allow exceptions box as well. This will help to further protect your computer. When you are done, click OK.
Your PC is now protected by the Windows XP firewall. What this means is that the firewall runs as a process on your computer that examines all data coming into your system through your Internet connection. Unless your computer requested data (like a webpage), or is specifically approved by your firewall, it will be dropped and will not reach your computer.
It is important to note one common misconception regarding firewalls. Firewalls are designed to keep malicious data packets out of your computer or network. They are not in place to keep people from viewing inappropriate websites. That is a different application altogether.
