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Firewalls are to used to protect computers and computer networks from unauthorized access by viruses , hackers and Spyware. Most firewalls are a software installed on the computer, but hardware firewalls or a combination of  hardware and software may be used for firewalls, depending on the complexity of  the computer network and level of security required.

The most widely used firewall is the one inbuilt in Windows XP. It checks incoming traffic to computer but does not protect against outgoing traffic. If  you download some Spyware / Malware on your computer and install a Trojan, the Windows XP firewall may not be able to protect you.

To install Windows XP firewall

1. Click 'Start'
2. Select 'Settings'
3. Click 'Control Panel'
4. Double-click 'Windows Firewall'
5. In the General settings, choose "On"  to enable the Windows Firewall
6. Click 'OK'

Restart the computer for these changes to take affect

Some software like FTP programs may require to be enabled  if they are to work properly. This can be done by adding the programs to the exceptions list.

For greater security,  other firewalls like ZoneAlarm, Black Ice Defender,  Tiny Personal Firewall and Sygate Personal Firewall can be used. A free version as well as paid version (with more features) of these firewalls is usually available. These firewalls check both incoming and outgoing traffic. If  a program loaded on the computer tries to access the internet, the computer user is alerted and has to manually allow access. Sometimes, the computer user may not be aware of the applications, and allow access to Spyware.

The free version of  Zone Alarm is a popular firewall, but takes up a lot of  computer resources. You can find out which programs are trying to access the internet and allow or deny access.  If  your computer is connected to the internet  using a LAN network, the firewall may sometimes interfere with the connection. Uninstalling the software can be difficult, as some components still remain on your hard disk. At a time, only one firewall should be installed on your computer.