Should You Have a Firewall?

Should You Have a Firewall?

The internet is littered with evil intentions and malicious - albeit smart and brilliant – plotters. They are constantly in the prowl for innocent, unprotected computers. Internet hackers use all sorts of codes such as viruses, worms, and Trojans, to crack into and ruin your computer. You must therefore be prepared to block them off from ever entering your computer’s system at all times.
It is often said that the best cure is prevention. And the saying applies to your computers. If you want to protect your computer from the threat of viruses, worms, Trojans, and other malicious code, one of the best options to take is setting up a firewall.
What is a Firewall?
Imagine a firewall to be the fence that sits between your computer and the internet, or between your computer network and all the other computer networks out there.
It serves as a defense mechanism against harmful codes or data that may destroy your computer, and it works by examining the information that attempts to enter your computer or your network.
When a firewall is set up properly, hackers will not be able to detect your computer in their search for vulnerable ones to victimize.
What are the Types of Firewalls?
Firewalls are generally divided into three categories: software firewalls, hardware routers, and wireless routers. To know which kind of firewall is suitable for your needs, there are two factors on which your decision should depend on:
1. The number of computers that your firewall will service
2. The kind of operating system that you use (it can be Linux, a version of Windows, Apple Macintosh, and so on).
Choosing a Software Firewall
If you are planning to set up a firewall for a single computer, it is ideal to use a software firewall. It also works well with most Windows operating systems. They are readily available from software development companies for a certain fee.
Some of the advantages of a software firewall include:
- No additional hardware is required for it to work- There is no additional wiring that needs to be installed for the software to work.
However, there are also some disadvantages to deciding on using a software firewall:
- A software firewall may cause money and can be a bit costly- You will need to install and configure the software to get it to work properly- If you have multiple computers, you will need to install the software on each one of them to get them protected.
Choosing a Hardware Router
If you are planning to protect a small network of computers, say in your home or at a small office, a hardware router is probably more ideal for you.
The main advantage of using a hardware router is that they are more convenient to use for multiple computers as they usually have at least four network ports to which you can connect a number of computers.
However, its major disadvantage is that because of all the wiring that you will have to setup for it to work, it will potentially clutters your work space.
Choosing a Wireless Router
If you want a wireless network of computers, you would definitely want it protected by a wireless router.
Some advantages of using a wireless router include
- No wiring will be required, so it avoids clutter. It can connect personal computers, printers, scanners, without the use of any physical wiring. - It is ideal if you want to protect a set of laptops, notebook computers, and desktop computers
Some of the disadvantages of using a wireless router include:
- The radio signals that wireless devices use (including wireless routers) can be intercepted by other individuals with the right equipment
- Wireless routers are not always equipped with a built-in firewall, so you might have to purchase a firewall separately
- You might have to purchase extra equipment to set up a wireless router
Operating systems such as Microsoft Windows XP and Microsoft Vista are already equipped with a built-in firewall, but older versions of Windows as well as other operating systems require that you set up a separate firewall.
Setting up a firewall is recommended to any computer owner, especially to those who have very important data stored in their computers. Often the question lies not on whether you need a firewall or not, but instead on which type of firewall you should set up.

Setting Up A Safe Home Network

Setting Up A Safe Home Network

Securing the computer in your home is a task that requires your full and serious attention.
They take a lot of your time and there are steps that need to be done. The following are some of the tips and advice you could do to be able to secure your very own personal computer.
Anti-virus programs is a must
Imagine it this way, would you allow someone to knock at your door and enter your own living space in order to make you buy something or use your own telephone?
If they were neat and presentable enough you could probably let them inside your own home, but just like anyone else, you definitely would be watching their every move.
Observe just what it is you have done. You have already profiled that person and based on the profile you have come up with, have also decided what you will do.
This is because you are very much cautious and concerned on just who enters your own space.
Basically, this is how anti-virus programs work.
These programs scan all contents of every file, looking for patterns that are specific and one that would match a particular profile. This is basically termed as virus signature – or something that is notoriously harmful to your computer.
Every file that has a signature match, the program provides options on just how it is it should respond. One such response is by removing the patterns that are offensive or one that destroys the file.
A virus basically works this way. They are like salesmen who knock in your own living space and they would get you to buy or listen to their sales pitch. However, they could try to pilfer your money or valuables.
One way to know if a particular scammer is prowling in your neighborhood is probably by reading about them in the news or seeing them in a tv news report. These reports could give you an idea of what these scammers look like or what are the things to be wary and watch out for.
Anti-virus software programs basically work similarly. When the vendors know of a new potentially threatening virus, they have a set of updated signature viruses that could include the new virus threat.
Scan and check, check and scan
Other ways and means for viruses to enter your personal computer is via floppy disks, web sites, email, CD-ROM as well as downloaded files.
As much as possible, all these avenues must be checked if they contain viruses or not.
For instance, prior to using a particular floppy disk, it must first be checked for any viruses.
Also, when downloading a specific file from the net, these must be checked for any viruses. Your own anti-virus software program usually allows you to specify and check these places for any viruses. They may also do this scan automatically.
Patch it now, patch it good
The instance your computer’s system breaks down, do you have an idea on how you should restore its functions?
Many vendors have patches whose purpose is to fix any types of bugs. Usually, vendors offer patches that are free in their own web sites. When purchasing programs, it is a great idea if you ask the vendor how they supply patches.
Software vendor programs also have a service that allows you to a recall. Notices for patches could be received via e-mail through mailing list subscription. Through this service, one can easily learn computer problems even if you have yet to discover them and before any intruders could have the opportunity to exploit your computer’s system.
Be cautious when reading attachments via e-mailAlways be careful when opening received e-mails that carry attachments. Sometimes, the potentially threatening messages could come from unsolicited e-mails.
To be able to determine if an email is safe or not, it would be best to conduct the following test and ask these questions: Was the email sent by someone you know? Did you receive this e-mail before? Is the subject of the email described in a clear manner?
A suspicious e-mail usually read as BradPitt.jpg.vbs. Worms could travel this way and reading / opening it could bring damage to your computer system.
All in all, caution and care is needed to be able to protect your computer from unnecessary attacks by malicious viruses and worms.