How To Install A Computer Firewall By: Dean Calvert

A firewall should be installed given the rise in numbers of computer hackers, scammers and viruses around the Internet. This is your first line of defense between your computer and data that is entering it. Without one, your computer is prone to a dangerous attacks that can wipe out your data or steal personal information that can negatively impact you.

You first need to determine what kind of firewall you need for your computer as there are many available including some from major corporations such as Microsoft. A computer that came installed with the Microsoft XP or Vista operating system is likely to have a firewall already set up and ready to use. Check that it is turned on and working properly. If you do not have one of these later operating systems, then you need to purchase your own software. You may want to purchase separate software to complement Microsoft XP as its version of firewall doesn't get great reviews.

You can either visit a store that sells computer software or download a firewall product through the Internet - the most popular products available are Norton, AVG and McAfee. Prices vary depending on sophistication of the software, but there are also plenty of low cost versions available, even from the big name companies. A few things must be taken into consideration prior to the installation of your firewall. You must configure the program to allow the functions that you need, such as file and printing sharing. The documentation provided allows the settings to be configured during installation or at a later date.

Firewalls tend to stop you from going to certain parts of the Internet as well. If you use a local area network or a router this may happen, so you should be aware how you connect. Accessing secured networks when you have installed a firewall is difficult. A pc linked to a company network may require a specific settings configuration to allow you to connect a firewall to them and the company's IT department should be able to advise you with this.

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