A personal firewall is a software application used to protect a single Internet-connected computer from intruders. Personal firewall protection is especially useful for users with "always-on" connections such as DSL or cable modem.  Such connections use a fixed IP address that makes them especially vulnerable to potential hackers. Often compared to anti-virus applications, personal firewalls work in the background at the hardware level.  Here they protect the integrity of the system from malicious computer code by controlling Internet connections to and from a user's computer, filtering inbound and outbound traffic, and alerting the user to attempted intrusions.

Network or Server Firewalls carry out a similar function, but are designed to protect an entire network, and are therefore more complex, offering a wider range of facilities and are more expensive.

If you have broadband-type Internet access, you should seriously consider installing a firewall to protect your computer or Network.

PC Pro, the respected UK computer magazine, recently published a review of a number of software firewall products, which included the following:

Go to: http://www.pcpro.co.uk/?news/news_index.php and follow the “Internet and Telecoms” Channel link on the home page, then the “LABS – Personal Firewalls” article to read the reviews of each product.

If you have any queries or support needs, then email Alan Finch at alan.finch@maydayconsulting.co.uk.