firewall protection http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for firewall protection Copyright 2008 Sun, 23 Nov 2008 05:38:00 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/firewall+protection Your Firewall: How Does It Work? http://www.artwoo.com/article/your-firewall-how-does-it-work http://www.artwoo.com/article/your-firewall-how-does-it-work#comments Wed, 23 Aug 2006 14:27:14 +0000 firewall protectionterm firewallfirewall softwarespyware and adwarecomputer networkcomputer systemhackers http://www.artwoo.com/article/your-firewall-how-does-it-work term firewall may not be new to you, but if asked why you need it and exactly how it works, very few of us will be able to provide an accurate answer. A firewall protects your computer and the files you are working on from unwanted users and programs, while you are logged on to the Internet.

Unprotected files may be attacked by who, with the use of harmful codes and programs, gains access to your personal information and may go as far as stealing your identity and using your credit card information for his/her personal interest. So, what exactly does a firewall do?

A firewall brings an end to theft and also hinders potentially harmful programs from infecting other files. This explains the name of such a program too. Its work is akin to that of a firewall that checks the spread of fire from one area to the other.

A firewall makes a hacker's invasion into your futile because the latter can never access your passwords or your credit card information. The installed in your computer permits only useful data but bars all seemingly harmful data from accessing your system.

Good or safe data is what you get when you are visiting web sites and downloading photos or data files. Harmful data, on the other hand, is anything that keeps a close watch on what you do on the Internet without your knowledge. A typical example is the hacker program. Such programs are blocked by the firewall quite effectively.

With the enabling of computer , anything that enters and leaves your computer is regulated. This is one way of preventing from attacking your . Also, deadly programs on the Internet can be left out with the use of firewalls.

Laymen often believe that the anti-virus software installed in their computer allows protection against hackers too. The anti-virus should always be updated to check the presence of viruses but it hardly shields your computer against attacks by hackers.

No matter what type of connection you have, be it dial-up, cable, broadband or DSL, your computer is at risk every time you connect to the Internet. Hackers are always on the lookout to harm you and steal your identity.

A firewall protection is probably the most effective way to keep your personal information and identity away from the dirty hands of hackers.

I hope this article has given you a preliminary but a fair idea of what firewall protection is all about. Since you are in the know now, it will make you a more informed and educated Internet user. Lawrence Heller is a network specialist and author. See more of his articles at http://www.securefirewall.info ]]> Use Network Firewalls To Protect Your System http://www.artwoo.com/article/use-network-firewalls-to-protect-your-system http://www.artwoo.com/article/use-network-firewalls-to-protect-your-system#comments Thu, 24 Aug 2006 02:27:47 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/article/use-network-firewalls-to-protect-your-system A network firewall can be defined as a device that checks traffic (for security purposes) between more than two networks.

The network firewall is a fantastic multi-tasker.

(1) A firewall monitors, inspects and controls inbound and outbound network traffic.

(2) It makes use of user-defined preferences to allow or deny communication with a specific network. These preferences point out the criteria and the features by which the firewall decides to allow or discard the network traffic. Packets are checked to examine their purposes. If the content looks suspicious and intends to make illegal attempts, then the firewall will immediately block them.

(3) The firewall also checks the sender's IP address. More often than not, the firewall deletes the packets without even looking through them. If it is an unknown IP address and the firewall is set accordingly, it will automatically bar the entry of the packets.

(4) Network firewalls are also used to isolate computers belonging to a particular network from other networks. To be even more precise, this firewall can also compartmentalize sub-networks within a huge corporation network. To zoom in even further, the network firewall can also be used to keep a private network separate from the Internet.

Therefore, network firewalls are crucial in isolating your network from others that you want to limit or control communication with. A comparison from daily life may make the explanation simpler. A firewall can be compared to a family dog that only recognizes and allows family members and friends to enter the house, while keeping strangers at bay. Or a firewall can be compared to a body guard. This firewall body guard knows when to allow someone to approach you and when not to allow someone to approach you. However you want to look at it, a firewall is an essential piece of hardware or software, or combination thereof (in whatever form you use)to keep your PC and network safe from intruders. Lawrence Heller is an author and software development manager. See more of his articles at http://www.firewallsecure.info ]]> Does Your Computer Need A Firewall http://www.artwoo.com/article/does-your-computer-need-a-firewall http://www.artwoo.com/article/does-your-computer-need-a-firewall#comments Thu, 01 Jun 2006 03:32:02 +0000 personal computerpersonal firewallbusiness computersasser wormcomputers securitymiscreantsfirewalls http://www.artwoo.com/article/does-your-computer-need-a-firewall personal computer, and almost every single one of these computers is hooked up to the Internet. The Internet is a valuable new way of communicating, gathering information, and purchasing, but it has also given rise to a whole new breed of criminals and who love to prey on the uninformed or the unsuspecting in order to make a profit or just to have what they think is a little bit of fun. It is vita that you protect your computer and your information from being accessed by these people, who are becoming ever more innovative when to comes to achieving their perfidious goals. A key instrument in the fight for your computer's security is a firewall.

A firewall is a piece of software or hardware that functions in a networked environment to prevent communication between areas with different degrees of trust. The term comes from the same word as that applied to a construction that is used in construction to keep a fire from spreading if one should start.

The most common type of firewall is the , and this type in fact will come with most Windows software from the XP version forward. Although the model was not at first used very much, the emergence of the Blaster worm and the forced Microsoft to begin developing a more comprehensive software application that offered users better protection for both their home and office networks.

The next generation of Microsoft takes the security of the personal and one step further, by offering advanced protection against the phone home capabilities of both viruses and software. These firewalls will allow you to detect any activity that goes out form your computer, so that you know who is receiving information about what you are doing and your transactions online.

The fact is, every personal computer needs a firewall, just as any business system does. But you probably do not have to worry about going out and buying one on its own- your operating system likely has included one for you. Your job will be to find out how to set your operating parameters, and tell your firewall what to allow and what to block on your computer. It is especially important that you seek help when attempting the manipulation of your firewalls functions whenever possible, as mishandling will render your firewall useless. Instead, do not adjust the levels until instructed to by a tech help from the developing company. If you keep the documentation of the procedure, you will be bale to prove that it was their lack of knowledge, and not your own, that led to any informational leaks which caused some kind of stress. Willie Reynolds maintains a website dedicated to helping people get the most out of their computers. Visit his site at: http://yourpersonalcomputer.com ]]> What Is Firewall? http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-firewall http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-firewall#comments Fri, 06 Oct 2006 20:27:05 +0000 personal firewall softwarefirewallsisolatelocal hostcable modemsneighborshosts http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-firewall isolate each unit from a disaster in one of its .

Today we use in computer networks to isolate our network and from danger posed by our neighbors. Firewalls protect us from the unauthorized use of our resources by external entities. Simply put, a firewall protects you from what is happening "out there." And it can help to keep something happening inside your network from spreading.

Why do you want to be protected? In order to meet the three principles--confidentiality, integrity, and availability--you need to address the risks you've identified. This may mean you need to be protected from the wide-open Internet. It's a scary place out there. You may also need to isolate select hosts from the rest of your network. The threat of insider intrusion is still very real, and firewalls can help here too.

How does a firewall protect you? In its simplest form, a firewall examines your communications requests (network traffic) and decides, based on rules you have defined, what is and is not allowed. Really, a very straightforward function--on paper, anyhow. Complications are introduced by the different ways to achieve this goal. And each method has its own strengths and weaknesses.

Traditionally, corporations have firewalls only at the perimeter of the network--where the corporate network meets the Internet. However, the traditional network is changing. Users connect from home with high-speed Internet connections like , and sensitive data is being stored on local hard drives. These changes often make it necessary to consider protecting the with its own firewall software. And this is where plays a role. Alex Kubik is shareware and freeware fun, He tests various software articles ranging from spyware utilities to antivirus tools. Follow the link to get more information about firewall tools: http://www.download3000.com/download_9172.html ]]> Finding the Right PC Resource Guides http://www.artwoo.com/article/finding-the-right-pc-resource-guides http://www.artwoo.com/article/finding-the-right-pc-resource-guides#comments Tue, 01 Jul 2008 02:22:21 +0000 sp2 firewallvirus wormsearth wormwindows xp sp2default interfaceinternet virusliving earth http://www.artwoo.com/article/finding-the-right-pc-resource-guides
You got to love that smell of new laptops or computer, straight from the box together with the styrofoam and the bubble plastic that kids love to pop. And you know what else loves your brand new operating system?: Viruses. Once you plug in that brand new computer to connect into the internet, viruses are just waiting for you to get connected and in 30 seconds or less, here comes the internet faster than any real living . Who'd want that to their new laptop or personal computer? Nobody, so why don't you enable your firewall or install anti-virus software.

"Microsoft and the Windows team have done something a little different with the Vista firewall. They have separated the firewall in to two different interfaces. The is the basic one. At first glance, it looks identical to the Windows XP . This basic interface is ON by default and loads basic settings for normal user protection. In most cases, this basic setting should work fine. Then they added an Advanced interface for the more security savvy individuals. This Advanced interface gives a greater flexibility over the firewalls settings."

Don't get too discouraged by rumors, read the facts first and you might just find out how untrue what they are saying about Windows Vista Firewall. You are going to find it useful after all.

No third party software can lay claim to the fact that the Windows Firewall starts its protection once the computer is turned on. Is that important you ask? Absolutely. If a capable malware program could turn itself on at the same time that the computer starts to boot, common sense would dictate the danger of this. Now, knowing the fact that the Vista firewall 'does' start at boot, we need to confidently know that it is going to protect from boot.

Windows XP is way different from Windows Vista (though they may sound the same because of Windows). So if you had a Windows XP, it may take a while to get used to Windows Vista, like you got lost in a city you are known to. But when you are lost, there will always be maps available to get yourself thru the big city. As for you Windows Vista you got this to solve your problems, but particularly, on defragging. Vista system engineers made it sure that your Windows Vista's hard disks are defragged weekly and automatically to get your system a good clean and run faster.Jon Caldwell is a professional content manager. Much of his articles can be found at http://pctroubleshootingguide.net]]> What Are Firewalls And Why You Should Have One http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-are-firewalls-and-why-you-should-have-one http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-are-firewalls-and-why-you-should-have-one#comments Thu, 24 Aug 2006 10:27:24 +0000 computer network systemcomputer circuitfirewall workspersonal computer networkuser datagram protocolproxy serverfirewalls http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-are-firewalls-and-why-you-should-have-one firewall works as a security doorway that stops unknown and seemingly harmful and therefore unauthorized entry to your personal . It acts as the first line of defense against programs that may harm your personal information. A good firewall protects your information from trojans, spyware, adware, hackers, malware and worms.

are security-ensuring schemes that manage and decide who can gain access and send information to your computer network. Firewalls help both hardware and software. To ensure tighter security, most systems use a combination of each.

All messages to and from your computer pass first through the firewall. The firewall checks each and every message and bars those that are against the security criteria or rules laid down by your computer.

Simply put, a firewall acts as a security guard for your computer network. Anything going in or out of it is thoroughly checked by this security scanner and who it decides to keep away is completely based on the rules you have laid down!

However, firewalls are not as simple as they sound. They can be very complex. Firewalls can mean a whole aggregation of methods that can be used one by one or in combination, depending on the degree of security you need to attain.

Firewall methods may be of varying nature:

• Application gateway -- this installs security methods on particular applications (FTP, Telnet, etc.)

• Packet filters -- studies each operation running on your computer minutely and allows or discards according to rules set by your computer

• Circuit-level gateway -- provides safety-ensuring techniques for connections like Transmission Control Protocol or TCP and or UDP

• - any message entering or exiting your network must pass this proxy server because it effectively conceals your computer address

Superior security is also provided by encrypted data. Many network systems use this method to strengthen safety measures.

To protect data that passes your computer network, installation of firewalls is a must. Plus, if you are a regular web surfer, the presence of a firewall becomes mandatory.

However, it is a known fact that no system is flawless. A computer or network plugged to the Internet is not far away from hackers! Therefore, it is wise to keep a back-up of important data on a secure off-line base: floppy disks, CDs, or on a computer that does not make use of the Internet. Daily or weekly back-ups ensure the safety of your data and programs.

A sound firewall provides adequate protection against illegal access to your computer by scumware like spyware and adware. A firewall provides an effective line of defense. Richard Pace is an author and system designer. See more articles at http://www.topfirewallsoftware.info ]]> PC Security: It's Bigger Than Viruses And Spyware http://www.artwoo.com/article/pc-security-its-bigger-than-viruses-and-spyware http://www.artwoo.com/article/pc-security-its-bigger-than-viruses-and-spyware#comments Thu, 24 Aug 2006 06:27:10 +0000 microsoft windows updatecomputer securityhardware firewallemailanti virus softwarefatal virusrouter http://www.artwoo.com/article/pc-security-its-bigger-than-viruses-and-spyware computer security' are on every person's mind who deals with computers. Everyone seems to be worried about some security concern with their computers. But what exactly does computer security mean?

Simplified, it means keeping your computer and of course, its data secure and safe. In the present age, most of personal data are stored in the computer. But some of us don't have the fundamental knowledge of keeping those data in safety. This basic knowledge is very simple; all you have to do is following some uncomplicated rules that will improve the security of your computer hugely.

First of all let's see what the internet connection is all about. We can take up a comparison- a computer with internet connection resembles your very own house. Your house has many openings- doors, windows. With the increase in number of openings, increases the number of chances for someone to enter into your house. I am not saying that some robbers are going to come, but more openings imply more chances of getting robbed.

So to check these visits from strangers you need to install a quality firewall and also update this installed firewall on a regular basis.

Nowadays, it's not a headache to update your software or operating system. feature is a good instance. Ensure updating all your installations of your computer.

You will come across two basic kinds of firewalls. Both of these (one, hardware and another, software) carry out the same task. Generally, a is included in your in case you use one but you may not have a software firewall on your computer.

Sometimes we quite foolishly let strangers come in. just opening an or browsing the net can invite strangers. Your guards are often fooled by viruses, Trojans or spyware. Sometimes an email from your buddy can carry a . So how does your computer fight these unwanted 'guests'? - By installing .

In the present days, anti-virus falls under a huge category. Usually these packages or suites include a spyware scanner and a firewall. Although these guards are quite effective in their jobs, you are advised not to relax and rely completely on them. The protection plan of your computer's requires multi-tiered protection plan but they are just a single layer. The ultimate yet one of the most crucial advices that I must give you is that your computer's anti virus software should always be in a state of updated. They should be updated manually regularly since your computer can be subjected to new threats everyday. Jackie Kent is a system analyst and author. See more articles at http://www.ratedfirewalls.info ]]> An Introductory Guide To Firewalls http://www.artwoo.com/article/an-introductory-guide-to-firewalls http://www.artwoo.com/article/an-introductory-guide-to-firewalls#comments Wed, 23 Aug 2006 16:27:06 +0000 computer virusescomputer systemfirewallincoming trafficaphorismcomputersconverse http://www.artwoo.com/article/an-introductory-guide-to-firewalls firewall, in general is a part of software or a combo of hardware and software together. The function of a firewall is to manage all outgoing and that goes out and comes in to your computer. Nevertheless this elucidation paints an extremely primal image about firewalls.

When we talk about and traffic, we talk about the switching over of data packets. Data packets are made use of by computers within a network to swap over info. This is the way we interchange info within a local area network or by means of the Internet. This is furthermore a means by which damaging go into the . What the firewall does is that it checks which packets are permitted to enter the computer and which packets are permitted to exit the computer.

Why is it necessary for the firewall to perform these tests? All this has got to do with the security of the computer system. The past has proven to us that there is nothing such as a faultless system. The most complicated computer systems also have hot faults. With the purpose of preventing these faults from coming into your system, you ought to make use of a brute force method to data packet management. Your computer ought to just communicate with the computer that you would like it to. A firewall will just permit exchange of information with the computers you decide on. It is somewhat like a telephone, which will just let you to with a few predefined phone numbers.

Firewalls can surely be configured, and you can alter the setting if you want nevertheless that is a different account. The primeval Greeks had an : "You cannot bolt your cupboard and also fling the key in it simultaneously." Not anything is completely protected; no matter what you do, safety can and will at all times be breached if you do not take proper measures. This is the reason why firewall exists. They are similar to sentries who look after your gate, following your particular orders. Mark Winchester is an author and electronic technician. See more articles at http://www.firewalladvice.info ]]> Computer Firewall - Your Vital Defense Against A Virtual Attack http://www.artwoo.com/article/computer-firewall-your-vital-defense-against-a-virtual-attack http://www.artwoo.com/article/computer-firewall-your-vital-defense-against-a-virtual-attack#comments Wed, 23 Aug 2006 10:27:16 +0000 computer firewalluncomplicated computerpc firewallunlawful entryonline friendsoffline friendspersonal http://www.artwoo.com/article/computer-firewall-your-vital-defense-against-a-virtual-attack PC firewall. A lot of people bolt their houses, bolt their cars, remain alert and lookout for their kids, and even then leave the private info, bank account, and different types of other info open to the elements and in danger by the use of their computers.

A cyber space assailment can be equally distressing emotionally and financially just like somebody making an into your house. They are permitted entry to confidential information which you might have shared off the record with or also with whom you keep in touch with online, they will know the passwords for banking and financial accounts, they will be familiar with the place from where you obtain your coffee; they will be able to find out the place where your kids go to school. The info we keep in our personal computer is astounding with respect to personal safety nightmares and even then a lot of people make no effort to protect this info from snooping eyes by putting in an uncomplicated .

A wonderful feature is that you can also come across computer firewalls that are free of charge obtainable online if you have an idea as to where to come across it. I very much advise spending money for a computer firewall even though if you possess modest understanding of the internal mechanisms of your computer. If you are going to protect your family's secrets you might as well put in an extremely good quality program with regular updates with the purpose of doing so.

A computer firewall is not only a good thing to keep in your computer; it is also a very important defensive structure for your family and you. Bear this in your mind when selecting the finest computer firewall for yourself. Keep in mind that you would like to acquire a service, which will make updates available and carry on with the developing technology, which might just cause damage to your PC or pilfer your private information. Steph Winston is a Cetified Network Administrator and author. See more articles at http://www.firewallrus.info ]]> Keeping Your Computer Safe With A Personal Firewall http://www.artwoo.com/article/keeping-your-computer-safe-with-a-personal-firewall http://www.artwoo.com/article/keeping-your-computer-safe-with-a-personal-firewall#comments Wed, 23 Aug 2006 14:27:15 +0000 sygate personal firewallpersonal computer securitypersonal firewallscomputer systeminternet firewallscomputer protectioninternal intranets http://www.artwoo.com/article/keeping-your-computer-safe-with-a-personal-firewall computer system that anti-virus software and firewalls have been in demand and more necessary. In the present day, personal is not just endangered by worms and viruses, but in addition by spy-ware -- those terribly irritating programs which are unlawfully downloaded into your PC from the Internet. Firewalls, have been a predominant factor in the commercial world for a long time for defending huge, costly or else other networks, has nowadays come onto its own like a means for computer system owners too. Your personal computer is at the same time as vulnerable -- if not further so -- to online harassments, hence why is it not supposed to be protected?

What's a firewall, in any case?

For those of the people who might not be that much familiar with the language like a few, we present here a rather easy explanation. A firewall is an assortment of security software that acts to obstruct users who are not permitted, from getting an access to a certain PC network (or a solo PC). A large number of firewalls in addition comprehensively monitors and reports the data transmits within the set of connections and the outer Internet environment. As a result, they are fairly successful in maintaining your PC or network protected, permitting you to make use of the Internet with no high security threat.

by Sygate

There are a small number of greatly acclaimed firewall suppliers out there, and Sygate is undoubtedly one amongst them. Here we go through a few of the aspects of Sygate line firewalls, with the intention that you might select the most excellent firewall for your server or computer.

Sygate at present provides 2 chief personal firewalls: SPF - the and SPFP - the Sygate Personal Firewall Plus. The main differentiation between the 2 is the highly developed features that you will just come across in the SPFP. In the Plus adaptation you will obtain VPN support, IDS - intrusion detection system, anti mac, and, active response anti IP spoofing. Both adaptations of the program are available with the items, which every personal computer user ought to actually make certain that they have: the chief "application" firewall, security policy customization, attacker tracing system, and intrusion alarm system. Bearing in mind that the SPF can basically be downloaded free of charge, and comprises of the items you actually require, this is the program we suggest for home personal computer users.

Personal Firewalls by Norton

Sygate's nearest contention in the field of personal firewalls is Norton. Anti virus programs by Norton are a lot famous, and have mainly carried the trade name over the previous decade. A few of the efficient aspects of this software consist of the Norton Privacy Control (it prevents info from being transmitted without your awareness through MS Office attachment, instant messages, email, and different forms on the Internet, for instance those you fill the credit card numbers in), and intrusion prevention system, which automatically obstructs doubtful inward bound traffic (from intruders, and the like). Michael Granger is an author and PC software programmer. See more articles at http://www.personalfirewallreviews.info ]]> Zonealarm Firewall Software http://www.artwoo.com/article/zonealarm-firewall-software http://www.artwoo.com/article/zonealarm-firewall-software#comments Sun, 28 Jan 2007 04:27:16 +0000 zonealarm firewallemail messagesrootkitskeyloggersfirewall softwareanti spywareadware http://www.artwoo.com/article/zonealarm-firewall-software ZoneAlarm Firewall Software product is the ZoneAlarm Free 7.0.302.000. ZoneAlarm Free still comes with the simplicity and effectiveness of the previous version, without compromising your security. The firewall actively blocks all intrusions from the moment it is installed in the computer; there is no programming needed after the installation. This new feature makes it great for those who are not entirely PC savvy.

Some of the latest features include in ZoneAlarm Free 7.0.302.000 is improved anti-spyware, and an anti virus engine that will detect and remove threats very quickly and easily. You will be notified of threats by different color-coded alert rates being displayed on your screen and there are hourly updates to ensure maximum protection from emerging threats. This innovative and updated technology can also trace the exact whereabouts of the source of your intrusion without revealing your own identity or location. This new version of ZoneAlarm is guaranteed to pick up on a much wider variety and type of internet threat or invasion, making it a must have. Another noted feature is that ZoneAlarm Free will also automatically hide you from all other internet users by going into Stealth Mode, which lowers the chance of your PC becoming infected.

ZoneAlarm Free comes with new and improved anti-spyware, which has more capabilities for detecting blended spyware and other threats such as , , cookies, and malware blocking. To make it even easier for the customer, there is an auto learn mode which enables the program to conform to the individual's PC system, security settings and environment. In this way there will be less chance of any alarms for unnecessary reasons.

ZoneAlarm Free 7.0.302.000 is still offering unwavering protection for your computer and the valuable items that it holds like your passwords, bank details, address, phone number and more. ZoneAlarm Free also blocks suspicious and attachments and will quarantine them. You have complete control and your instruction guide will make using this upgraded program easy.

With ZoneAlarm Free 7.0 installed on your PC, you will feel safe and secure knowing that your private details are protected from hackers and other viruses. Those users who want to, can also use the expert controls to adjust it just the way they like. Once you have ZoneAlarm Free in your system you can have total port blocking and dynamically assigned Security Levels and Zones.

The latest version of ZoneAlarm Free also comes with a getting started tutorial which describes the controls and alerts so that novice users can run and know the program easily. The "no frills" firewall protection of ZoneAlarm Free is the best for novice users and basic home PC users.

ZoneAlarm Free, as the name indicates, is FREE for individual and non-profit use. The latest version of the download file is 38.14 MB (much larger size than the previous version), as it comes with the Zone Alarm Security Suite in it. You will need window XP or 2000 to run it. Software Reviews and Downloads http://www.softsea.com/ ZoneAlarm-Free http://www.softsea.com/review/ZoneAlarm-Free.html ]]> Firewalls 101 http://www.artwoo.com/article/firewalls-101 http://www.artwoo.com/article/firewalls-101#comments Sat, 02 Sep 2006 18:27:08 +0000 spyware and adwarefirewall workaccess codesfirewallsemailinstant messengerstraffic types http://www.artwoo.com/article/firewalls-101
A firewall is a hardware or software solution that protects your computer network by preventing its access by unauthorised or potentially dangerous software, by using a system of built-in filters.

A firewall is typically a software package, or a dedicated gateway machine. The gateway acts as a security system for networks connected to the Internet. It is a doorway between a user on the network and the Internet. A firewall lets you use all your regular Internet features -- , chat, web browsing, etc., while making sure other Internet users cannot access your computer.

What does a firewall do?

A firewall can protect a computer network in many ways:

• It can screen out incoming viruses, .

• It can be set up to disallow access to Internet content. Large organisations normally use a firewall to disable access to content like MP3s, pornography, online games, online , etc.

• It protects a network from access by other networks.

• It allows users with only the right /passwords to access the network. Thus, it blocks hackers and crackers from accessing the network.

• It can cache web sites that have been previously visited, thus avoiding excessive use of bandwidth.

How does a ?

are placed at the junction of a network and the Internet. It then screens packets of information passing through it, and decides whether the packet is authorised or not.

There are two access denial methods used by firewalls. A firewall can either allow all traffic through unless it meets certain criteria, or deny all traffic until it meets certain criteria. Firewalls usually screen the type of traffic, or the source and destination of the traffic.

Types of firewalls Firewalls can be both software and hardware. There are five basic types of firewalls:

• Packet filtering firewalls: These firewalls are usually a part of the network router. Each packet passing through this firewall is screened and compared to an administrator-defined set of criteria. Depending upon the criteria, the packet is either forwarded to its destination or dropped from the network. These firewalls don't cost much, and don't slow down network performance.

• Network Address Translation (NAT) firewalls: NAT routers do all that packet filtering firewalls do. In addition, they hide the IP addresses of computers on the network.

• Circuit level gateways: These firewalls do not filter individual packets. Rather, they monitor TCP handshaking between packets. What's more, each packet that passes through a circuit level gateway appears to have originated from the gateway and not the computers behind it. Thus, network computers stay protected. These gateways are relatively low-cost.

• Application level gateways: These gateways are also called proxy servers or proxies. They are actually application-specific circuit-level gateways. These gateways don't allow any ftp, gopher and telnet traffic through. Proxies are configured to only let through http:post, get and other specific commands through. Application level gateways can also monitor user log-ins and log-outs, as well as user activity. They are very secure, but significantly slow down network performance.

• Stateful multilayer inspection firewall: These firewalls combine the other four types of firewalls. They screen packets, determine their legitimacy and evaluate contents of packets at the application level. They are highly secure, very expensive and need to be administered by highly competent network personnel. The article "Firewalls 101" is brought to you by Spyspotter anti-spyware program and system defender. http://www.spyspotter.com ]]> Credit Protection Tips While Surfing The Internet http://www.artwoo.com/article/credit-protection-tips-while-surfing-the-internet http://www.artwoo.com/article/credit-protection-tips-while-surfing-the-internet#comments Tue, 11 Dec 2007 15:20:00 +0000 selling insurance policiescredit reporting agencysocial security numbercyber criminalsinternet surfersthree major credit reporting agenciesmajor credit reporting agencies http://www.artwoo.com/article/credit-protection-tips-while-surfing-the-internet
In the good old days, credit protection is easy. There is only one thing to remember: do not provide financial information to a stranger unless that stranger is someone that can be trusted. Thus, it is safe to give the when applying for a driver's license but it is dangerous to give that same number to someone who claims to be through the phone.

Today, credit protection becomes complicated with the popularity of the internet. Thousands of are careless in giving away information about their life. And the new internet users are simply trigger happy in clicking all kinds of links. They don't realize how dangerous it can be when a person goes online.

However, there are simple and effective ways of dealing with who are out to steal identity. Every person must be familiar with these ways before they even begin to surf. Here are some examples of these credit protection tips.

=95 Physical Location =96 Any company that is selling an item and asking for credit card information must display the address of its physical location in its website. If it is the person's first time to encounter such company, it is wise to first check if such physical location actually exists. If it cannot be found, then that company should be regarded suspiciously and credit card information should be withheld.

=95 =96 One important aspect of credit protection is credit monitoring. A credit reporting agency (CRA) can quickly identify, usually within a month's activity, if a person's credit information is being illegally utilized by another. In the United States, the are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. It is also a good idea to have one of these CRAs create a security watch so that the people who are obtaining credit information will be limited.

=95 Firewall Protection =96 As technology advances, the thief's tricks of his trade also advances. The cyber-thieves have learned how to hack into a computer and steal information. The best way to ensure credit protection is to install a security system inside the computer. This security system must be constantly updated so that it will have the capacity to block off new strategies in hacking into a computer. If the computer's security system is neither robust nor effective, it is recommended that a personal firewall is created. To be a hundred percent sure, a person should never store any personal credit information in his computer.

The internet is not the culprit when identity theft happens. The internet is just a tool, albeit a high-technology one. The real culprit is the thief which uses the internet. With the credit protection tips described above, a person can set up defenses against such thieves by also using the internet. If you enjoy reading this, you may enjoy to read more about http://www.reviewsonlifelock.com ]]> The 10 Minute Secure PC http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-10-minute-secure-pc http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-10-minute-secure-pc#comments Mon, 09 Oct 2006 18:27:12 +0000 malicious virusesdefault security settingsfirewallanti spywareinternet explorerwindows updatequick steps http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-10-minute-secure-pc
Here are the four you can start putting to use right away, the entire process should only take a few minutes excluding the download time for updates.

1. Use a . With the release of the built in firewall with Windows XP it is easier than ever to use employ, simply open up your network connection properties and turn it on. The base setting will be more than sufficient and unlike other firewall offerings it requires almost zero configurations.

2. Configuring is one of the least troublesome tools to implement. Once configured the updating service will automatically download and apply any critical patches for your Microsoft software transparently in the background while you work.

3. Antivirus and anti-spyware software is essential in keeping your system free of viruses, worms and other malicious programs. There are some bare bones, yet effective free programs such as AVG and Ad-Aware as well as robust commercial programs like Norton.

4. Browser security is very straight forward yet can be often glossed over, if you are using the can be set in seconds and are generally sufficient. Alternatively try using a different browser like Firefox.

Following these simple and quick steps you can be sure your system is more secure and up to date against the latest security vulnerabilities. Although not an exhaustive list of precautions that can be utilized, these techniques make up a good baseline of protection against a majority of the malicious software lurking about the Internet. Have your computer and important data safe and secure from and spyware today following the quick step by step techniques Jake Isern uses in this online home study course: http://www.AntiVirusVideos.com/ ]]> Bypass Your School or Workplace Firewall With School Proxy Sites http://www.artwoo.com/article/bypass-your-school-or-workplace-firewall-with-school-proxy-sites http://www.artwoo.com/article/bypass-your-school-or-workplace-firewall-with-school-proxy-sites#comments Sat, 16 Aug 2008 19:36:24 +0000 social networking sitesfirewall in schoolfirewall problemfriendsterschool premisesintelligent gatewayproxy sites http://www.artwoo.com/article/bypass-your-school-or-workplace-firewall-with-school-proxy-sites
Most of the time, people have a lot of difficulties with accessing their favorite sites such as Facebook, MySpace, or many other because they are behind a firewall when they are in school or in an institution.

The reason why this is happening is because most educational institutions do not want their students to get addicted to Facebook or other sites that 'waste' the students precious study times. They want the kids to focus on their studies and get good grades. They don't want people to waste their time playing mindless computer games. Another reason why they want to block people from those sites is because they want to discourage them from slowing down the school's server. When everybody does it at the same time, it could result in a lot of lag time for people who are using the Internet genuinely to research information online.

As a result, most teenagers or young adults who are in the are not able to access the sites and they always look for alternatives when it comes to 'going around' the .

The answer to that is school proxy. It is the surfer's answer to the pesky school's firewall. Many students will be able to enjoy the freedom of surfing any sites as long as they can master the tools.

When you look closely at a computer network, a proxy server is a computer or simply an application program that requests services of its clients by forwarding requests to other servers. It also serves as an as well.

A School proxy is a proxy site that will give students away to bypass the restrictions of a . These allow free flow of surfing and you will access your Facebook profiles easily.

When it comes to looking for the right school proxy, you must choose from a very large list. The reason being is that the fire wall might even ban certain proxy sites once they detect them.

There are many ways you can utilize this to your advantage. All you need to do is get the right kind of information and you will know how to make full use of it easily. There are many other usages of school proxies. You can play your favorite network games on the network with other friends or people from all over the world. You can play Diablo 2, Starcraft, Red Alert, Warcraft 3, Dota, Dawn Of War and all sorts of other Massively Multiplayer Online RPG games such as Ragnarok, Word Of Warcraft, Age Of Conan and many other games that are blocked by the school or institute's firewall.To get an updated list of school proxy sites you can use, visit School Proxy Sites here at http://www.schoolproxysites.com/]]> Data Recovery For Peace Of Mind http://www.artwoo.com/article/data-recovery-for-peace-of-mind http://www.artwoo.com/article/data-recovery-for-peace-of-mind#comments Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:27:12 +0000 data recovery softwarefirewall protectionanti virusvirus attackvirus attackscommon data securityencryption services http://www.artwoo.com/article/data-recovery-for-peace-of-mind
There is that is capable of recovering any data should you lose it. And it's something any serious business person should have.

What Data Recovery Software Can Do

1)Recover any information that's been lost after s, software failures, power cuts or any other types of threats.

2)Undelete files or information that have been deleted.



The best way to avoid compromised data security is to put safeguards in place. A few measures are encryption, antivirus and . Encryption translates data into a secret code. To read an encrypted file you must have access to the key or password that enables you to decrypt it. There are many software programs and services that provide depending on your security needs. Other security measures are available such as anti-virus and firewall protection. There are some software programs that combine anti-virus and firewall protection for overall data security.

Some people take computer safety lightly but if you are an active computer user, it is vital to have a backup plan and additionally good software for data recovery just in the event you accidentally lose your data or in the event of a virus attack. For active computer users, data recovery software is a must whether you're a business owner or just a computer amateur.

Some people are reluctant when it comes to the cost of protecting their data, as well as the time involved in doing secure backups. What they fail to consider is the cost of their lost personal and productivity time that is spent trying to recover data that could be recovered in just minutes if they had properly taken the time to safe guard the data in the first place. If your computer data files are the lifeblood of your business and personal life, the time and money involved in protecting that data adequately and properly is worth the extra cost.

Data recovery either from a crashed hard drive or lost through compromised data security can be a frustrating and devastating experience. The best situation is to avoid the loss of data all together with regular computer backups and data security measures in place. Data recovery software takes only minutes to install and it virtually takes care of itself. Your computer data will remain where it needs to be, on your hard drive.

© Copyright 2006 Judy Howard We feature helpful advice on working from home discussing many things such as data security. Join our mailing list where we can send you helpful information, special product offers. Visit us at http://marketforsuccess.blogspot.com ]]> How Adware And Spyware Can Harm Your Computer http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-adware-and-spyware-can-harm-your-computer http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-adware-and-spyware-can-harm-your-computer#comments Sat, 29 Dec 2007 06:20:02 +0000 internet connectivity optionsmalicious viruseshorror talespc configurationscomputer virusesworld of troublemedium security http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-adware-and-spyware-can-harm-your-computer computer viruses exist and have heard the many of how they can take out thousands of computers in one shot. Unfortunately for those whose computer has been damaged by a computer virus, these tales are not only true, but very destructive and time-consuming. However, even if you know how to protect your computer from one of these , there are other malware programs that can be almost as damaging and is far more common. The culprits are called spyware and adware.



These irritating programs can interfere with your computer every time you jump online. Adware is more or less harmless when settled onto your computer by itself. Mostly it simply generates a lot of spam (unsolicited and unwanted email) for products that bring advertising directly to your email. Adware can also produce "popup" ads on your computer.



Spyware, however, is much more threatening and dangerous to your computer. Spyware not only floods you with advertisements, but it also accesses information on your computer and delivers it to other companies and potentially dangerous people. Additionally, spyware can change your entire computer through which open you up to a . Spyware is utilized by unscrupulous people as one of the main means of identity theft because it fishes information from your computer and can "learn" about almost anything you do on the Internet, then report back to the originator.



There are numerous methods for ridding your computer of spyware, but the most effective is learning to avoid it in the first place. You can begin this process by adjusting your computer settings appropriately. Depending on your operating system, you may need to do some informal reading of your system's help files. You should find your and then look for a tab that refers to the security of your computer system. You should always adjust this to at least , or Medium-High. If you change it to High security, that setting might actually prevent you from accessing web sites that you need; so Medium is normally recommended.

You also need to ensure you have a firewall in place on your computer. A firewall is sofrware that can be configured to automatically block out unidentified programs which attempt to gain uninvited access to your computer. The parameters of your firewall are easy to set, and by doing so you allow certain programs in while keeping harmful (or questionable) ones out. Given most people's lack of knowledge about programs that need to run on a computer, a firewall will sometimes try to block program resources that are indeed harmless. That, however, it is a small inconvenience for keeping your computer and information safe from intruders.



Lastly you certainly will need an anti-spyware program running on your computer's background. This helpful software can be downloaded from an Internet merchant or purchased at any store selling computer software. You need a program that can detect and intercept spyware as it attempts to invade your computer; it should also have the ability to scan your computer for existing spyware and isolate it. Make sure to keep your anti-spyware program up-to-date with new daily or weekly "definition" files so that it works effectively. You never want to leave your computer unprotected and open to spyware or adware. For practical PC security info (http://www.pc-security-keys.com/best-internet-security-software.shtml),

visit http://www.pc-security-keys.com, a popular site providing great insights to help combat viruses (http://www.pc-security-keys.com/norton-virus-protection.shtml), spyware, adware, and more! ]]> Secure Your Computer From Viruses And Spyware http://www.artwoo.com/article/secure-your-computer-from-viruses-and-spyware http://www.artwoo.com/article/secure-your-computer-from-viruses-and-spyware#comments Mon, 10 Apr 2006 14:06:25 +0000 avg anti viruscomputer virus protectionfree firewallspybot search and destroywindows firewallvirus protection softwareavg anti virus free edition http://www.artwoo.com/article/secure-your-computer-from-viruses-and-spyware


- Reduced performance - Unwanted emailing - Damage to your data, or even to your bios (which means your computer is toast) - Theft of your data, up to and including all your personal information

When malware is released in a large network, the results can be even worse, with mass infections causing shutdowns of entire systems, theft of corporate data, and revenue loss that can rise into the millions.

Fortunately, a few free programs and sensible use of your computer can prevent these nasty things from happening to your computer.

Virus Protection

Install a decent . You can download AVG Anti-Virus Free edition which is free for personal use, and ensure it's constantly updated.

AVG is easy to use, takes very few system resources, provides rapid virus database updates, and other great features like Automatic updates, E-mail Scanner etc.

And has excellent technical help available which other free antivirus software's lack.

Firewall Protection

If your OS is Windows XP, a default firewall comes with it, but you may be better off downloading another and using it since the has been shown to have some of the same security holes as IE and Windows. That doesn't mean the Windows firewall is bad, it just means that using software developed by different teams of developers will protect you better.

ZoneAlarm is a great free software for home users. It has got all the features a home user needs. Has simple interface, is easy to use and customize, works with little or no configuration.

Spyware Protection

You should also keep good anti-spyware software on your computer. Spybot - Search and Destroy is one of many good examples of these, and it's free. Be wary of anti-spyware programs that advertise via pop-ups; these "anti-spyware" programs sometimes contain some of the same problems they supposedly protect you from!

Spybot SandD is one of the best free Anti-Spyware software, I have been using it for last couple of years. Spybot is great at keeping spyware out of the systems. The program has an easy to use interface, very user friendly system. The program takes out cookies, spyware, ads, and many other things you do not want it.



Apart from Spyware removal Spybot has other Advanced tools like:

- Secure Shredder -- Securely remove files you no longer want from your hard disk. - BHOs -- Show and manage the Browser Helper Objects from your Internet Explorer - IE tweaks -- Modify some hidden Internet Explorer settings. - Hosts File -- Take a look at your hosts list. - System Internals -- Search for registry inconsistencies - System Startup -- Show and manage the applications that your machine will run on System Startup. - Uninstall info -- Show all registered software uninstall entries

Sensible Personal Precautions

Most viruses come from your email. This cannot be overemphasized. Never open an email attachment that you weren't expecting; always check with the person who emailed it to you, through a phone call or just via email or chat, to make certain it is a real attachment that's safe to open.

Other viruses come from illegal and legal downloads. If you're downloading illegal software or data, you can expect to find viruses in a pretty high percentage of it. What's tragic is that a lot of illegal viruses creep into legal download sites. This is why you need to maintain your virus protection program in an up-to-date manner, even when you're careful about downloads.

A few viruses are attached to web pages. Though their servers generally shut them down as soon as they're found, or your server blocks the sites to protect you, you'll find a few viruses that download to your computer simply by visiting a site. You can protect yourself by maintaining the Internet Explorer security settings at a medium level or higher, or by using alternate browsers like Firefox with good security.

Spyware often comes from "free" programs. You've seen those cool screen-savers for free? Spyware. Try to download free programs from places that vet their software carefully.

With these three software's (available for download at syschat.com) installed and some personal precautions your computer should be spyware and virus free. About The Author: Sajid is staff writer for SysChat a free online computer tech support community http://www.syschat.com ]]> How To Secure Your Cable Internet Connection http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-secure-your-cable-internet-connection http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-secure-your-cable-internet-connection#comments Sat, 20 Oct 2007 01:30:04 +0000 software anti virusnetwork address translationnat network address translationanti virus softwarecable internet servicenat firewallsbroadband internet access http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-secure-your-cable-internet-connection Broadband Internet access is now available to most users and web sites are developing into complex constructs that a short time ago few would believe possible. is one of the prime drivers in this fast paced growth. With an existing network in place, it was a simple matter to configure the network to handle Internet packets and get users flying down the information superhighway.

The new blazing speeds come with new dangers as well. With "always on" cable internet connections, intruders have more opportunity to access or damage your computer. This means your address is always the same, and you are easier to find. With this in mind, we will look at three products that can make your cable Internet experience a much safer one; NAT, Firewalls, and Anti-Virus Software.

Anti-Virus Software:

Anti-virus software is an application that runs on an individual computer that scans files for threats. How this scanning process works depends on the software you are using, but most can be set to check every file as it arrives on your computer, allowing possible threats to be stopped before they infect your computer.

This software can also be used to scan existing files, as well as boot disks and memory. It is s good idea to schedule your software to check your system periodically in case something got through.

NAT ():

NAT offers an elegant solution to cable Internet's static IP issue. Network Address Translation is a process in which IP addresses on a private network are kept hidden. Home users frequently use a method referred to as "masquerading", and it is an effective method of protecting yourself from anyone attempting to access your computer.

Masquerading allows more than one device to share an IP on a network, and has several uses. Multiple computers can share an Internet connection without purchasing multiple IP addresses from your provider, individual firewalls can be set up in series, and this also keeps the IP of your computer hidden behind the IP of another device such as a modem or router.

Firewalls:

A firewall is a system that imposes access controls between two networks. The purpose of this is too keep out hackers, worms, viruses and other harmful traffic. The name is derived from a very literal process that prevents the spread of actual fires. When a fire begins to spread through a forest area, firefighters dig trenches and saturate areas with water. These areas are called firewalls.

Firewalls that protect computers work in much the same fashion.

They sit between the computer and the Internet and monitor activity that crosses them. They can be configured in many different ways, offering very little to iron clad protection. The two types of firewalls readily available to home users are software firewalls and hardware firewalls.

Software firewalls run on individual computers in a network, and only protect the computer that it is installed on. An example is the firewall that comes with Windows XP. Although it is an extremely simplistic firewall, it offers a general protection with ease of use.

Hardware firewalls are devices that sit on your network between all computers and the Internet. These firewalls are very diverse, and offer a myriad of configurations. Though more complicated than traditional software firewalls, it is generally understood that hardware firewalls afford a greater level of protection.

The three security measures discussed here are not the only methods available to secure your cable connection, and nothing is totally secure. Hackers are finding new ways to exploit weaknesses in security everyday; therefore new measure must be used daily to defend against this. When deciding on what security measures to take, it is usually best to use more than one. A firewall and anti-virus software used together is greatly more effective than if just one or the other is alone. When it comes to security as with many things, more is better. Jon Norwood is a managing partner of http://www.velocityguide.com, a free monthly online newsletter focused on DSL providers, cable Internet, and new developments in high speed Internet access. ]]> Top 8 Computer Maintenance Tips http://www.artwoo.com/article/top-8-computer-maintenance-tips http://www.artwoo.com/article/top-8-computer-maintenance-tips#comments Wed, 30 Jan 2008 13:30:00 +0000 cleanup systemdisk cleanupsecurity holestime protectionwindows updatesspyware and adwareproper maintenance http://www.artwoo.com/article/top-8-computer-maintenance-tips
Here are the top 8 tips for maintaining your computer and ensuring you get the most out of it...

1. . Although this is often seen as a chore, it's important to have your windows updates set to "Automatic". This ensures that your computer is receiving all the latest updates and patches from Microsoft automatically. By having this enabled you'll be protected against all the latest that may infect other computers that are not updated.

2. Defragmenter. It's a known fact that defragmenting your computer on a bi-monthly basis can result in smoother performance. This aids in making your hard drive faster (and we all want a faster hard drive).

3. Virus, Spyware, Adware Protection. It's crucial to ensure of your computer that you have real for viruses, . This aids in the smooth operation of your computer.

4. . Windows has a built in disk that will clean and free space on your hard drive. You should run this monthly or bi-monthly to ensure your hard drive is optimized for space. To find this option you can go to start, program, accessories, system tools, disk cleanup.

5. Startup Limit. You should limit the number of applications that load at startup. You can edit this option using the "msconfig" option that can be typed as a command in windows using the run command. You'll then be able to edit the programs that load at startup. By limiting the number of applications at startup, you'll have a better operating computer at boot time, while operational, and at shut down.

6. Windows Firewall. By default Windows has a built in firewall. This is especially important for users with high speed connections. Ensure that you have your firewall enabled to limit any intrusions.

7. Temporary Files. Be sure to remove temporary internet files and windows temp files periodically as these can lead to unnecessary disk space that can further slow down your computer. By clearing these files you free space on your computer.

8. Shutdown Computer. Many of us get lazy and just leave the computer on overnight. This can actually lead to memory issues and will slow down the overall performance of your computer. Ensure that you shut down your computer overnight or when not in use. Also try to never turn off the computer without Windows completely shutting down first or it can lead to drive failure.

These are just basic computer maintenance tips you can follow to aid in maintaining your computer. It will lead to overall better performance, and will give your computer more durability. If you'd like to get your hands on one of the most useful computer maintenance tools around, then visit http://www.cureyourregistry.com and learn about registry repair. Download a free trial to one of the web's top Windows registry cleaner tools. ]]>