One of the built-in features of Windows XP is
the Firewall. This feature is currently switched OFF by default, but will be
automatically switched ON when Service Pack 2 is installed.. A “Firewall” is,
as the name implies, a barrier that is designed to protect your computer from
unauthorised access. This intrusion is one of the main problems that Microsoft
has been struggling to resolve with its many “security fixes” in recent times.
The implementation of a firewall is not a “fix-all” feature, but will
significantly enhance the security of your system.
If your computer is on a network that
accesses the Internet via another computer, or via a stand-alone router device
that will almost certainly have its own built-in firewall, then it is not
necessary to implement a firewall on your computer as well (indeed, this may
interfere with your ability to access the Internet).
However, if your computer accesses the
Internet directly via a locally attached modem (either dial-up or broadband),
then you should implement the firewall facility as soon as possible. This is
particularly true if you use a broadband “permanently connected” connection,
since you are at significantly higher risk of unauthorised intrusion.
In order to set up the Internet Connection
Firewall (ICF) in Windows XP, follow these steps:
1.
Go to CONTROL PANEL and select the NETWORK
CONNECTIONS icon. This will display the dial-up or broadband connection that
you are currently using. Right-click on your Internet connection entry and
select PROPERTIES (see screen-shot below).
2.
Select the ADVANCED tab, and click the tick-box
marked “Protect my computer by limiting or preventing access to this computer
from the Internet”.
Your computer is now broadly protected from
unwanted intrusion. However, there are a number of more advanced configuration
steps that may be required to ensure that you can function as you need to when
connected to the Internet. You can read more about the ICF by clicking on the
“Learn more about the Internet Connection Firewall” link on the above dialogue
box.
If you require further assistance and
advice, please contact Alan Finch on (01224) 697457.
