What Is Firewall And Why Is It Necessary For Your PC

May 24, 2011 - PRLog -- What is the use of firewall? Do i really need a firewall?

Some beginners might don't know how a firewall works and why do they need it. Therefore, I'm going to explain what is firewall and why is it necessary for your PC.

What Is Firewall?

Firewall is a utility that detects and protects a computer from unauthorized intrusion. There are two types of firewall: hardware firewall and software firewall. Hardware firewall is a device such as router firewall that works as a physical defense between your pc and the network. It monitors access to computer(s) within a network. However, I'm not going to discuss in detail about it because hardware firewall is usually more expensive and harder to setup for average home users. Software firewall is suitable for home and personal users as it is easy to install and customize.

Software firewall monitors incoming and outgoing traffic of your pc to block unwanted programs and hackers from accessing your computer. It blocks the ports of your computer and only allows access from programs and users that you have permitted. Software firewall only protects computer with it installed, not the entire network that is connected.

Why Is It Necessary?

Firewall is the first line of defense that blocks unwanted traffic when your pc is connected to the network. Most home users nowadays are using DSL or cable modem that are automatically connected to the network when a computer and modem is on. Therefore, your pc is vulnerable to attacks from a hacker once your pc is connected to the Internet. Firewall does not prevent viruses and other malwares in your computer, but it is an important tool to prevent hackers from stealing your personal information and for other reasons. Anti-virus software functions as the next-line of defense that detects viruses in your pc and remove them, whereas firewall attempts to block them and makes your pc invisible to hackers.

Therefore, to maximize your pc protection, you are encouraged to install a firewall software apart from other pc security softwares.

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