Networking World

Windows Firewall

To turn on Windows Firewall

1. Open Security Center by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking Security, and then clicking Security Center.
2. Click Firewall, and then click Turn on now. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

General tab

• On (recommended)

• Block all incoming connections

• Off (not recommended)

Firewall is on by default. When it is on, most programs are blocked from communicating through the firewall.

Block all incoming connections blocks all unsolicited attempts to connect to your computer. For maximum protection for your computer.

Drawback of this setting is that you are not notified when Windows Firewall blocks programs, and programs on the Exceptions list also are ignored.

But you can still view most webpages, send and receive e‑mail, and send and receive instant messages.

Off setting is not rcommended unless you have another firewall running on your computer. It might make your computer more insecure.