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Enable a Firewall

A firewall is a security system that acts as a protective boundary between a network and the outside world. Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) is a firewall software built into Windows XP that is used to set restrictions on what information is communicated from your home or small office network to and from the Internet to your network.

Notes: Only Windows XP has a firewall built into the operating system. Previous versions of Windows do not come with a firewall.
If you have Windows XP Service Pack 2 installed you will have a Windows Firewall Control Panel icon located inside the Network and Internet Connections Control Panel.

To enable the Windows XP Internet Connection Firewall

1. Click on the Start button > Control Panel.
   
2. Click Network and Internet Connections.
   
3. If you see the Windows Firewall icon, open it by double-clicking and skip to step 5.
   If you don't see the Windows Firewall icon, click on Network Connections.
4. Click the Dial-up, LAN or High-Speed Internet connection that you want to protect, and then, under Network Tasks, click Change settings of this connection.
   
5. On the Advanced tab, under Internet Connection Firewall, select the Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet check box.
   
6. Click the Settings button for more options.
7. Click the OK button.

Notes

• You must be logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group in order to complete this procedure. If your computer is connected to a network, network policy settings may also prevent you from completing this procedure.
• Enabling Internet Connection Firewall will disable file and printer sharing.

Purchasing a Hardware Router

If you do not own Windows XP and want to use a firewall you may want to purchase a hardware router. Most hardware routers have a built-in firewall. Consult the router vendor for information on setting up and configuring a router with a firewall for your computer.

Other Software Firewall Solutions

If you are running Windows XP we recommend you use the built-in Windows firewall. Microsoft is recommending that non-XP users should have a firewall. Below are free-for-personal-use firewalls. Use at your own risk.

• Sygate - http://smb.sygate.com/products/spf_standard.htm
• Zone Labs - http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/products/znalm/freeDownload.jsp?lid=zaskulist_download
• Kerio - http://www.kerio.com/kpf_download.html

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Last Modified: 22 Sep 2004
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