By: Kathy Johnston
Submitted: 2010-08-24 10:44:45 | Word Count: 564
Protecting your computer can be a very arduous task. Actually, it's a lot of work because your computer is not only vulnerable to physical elements but the real vulnerable part of your computer is the data contained inside. More than the physical or the actual computer itself, you also have to protect your data against other people who might try to access it and use it for identity theft or fraudulent purposes.
One way of protecting your computer's data is by installing a firewall. This can serve as your first line of defense but before we go on discussing which firewall you need to install, it would help you more if you know how firewalls actually work.
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Firewalls can be both software or hardware firewalls. These applications sift the information that passes through your computer and into the bigger network called the World Wide Web. Every packet of data sent over the network are filtered and only "legitimate" packets or chunks of data will be allowed. Any program who would want to access the internet will be filtered by the firewall program, thus eliminating illicit programs from connecting to the internet which may expose your data to identity theft and other dangers posed by malicious software. Your unique IP address is also concealed by the firewall program which makes you technically "invisible" to other people over the internet.
If you are using a Windows-based operating system, then chances are, your firewall is already set up. It comes built in with the operating system and by default, it is automatically on. Of course, you don't have to be too complacent. You still have to check if your firewall is indeed installed and whether it's already on or not. If your computer is new, you have to check that the firewall is on before you go online to ensure that you are protecting your computer from outside attacks and possible identity theft crimes.
There are two types of windows firewall: software and hardware firewall. A software firewall is one that comes pre-installed with your operating system. As it is pre-installed in your computer, it does need additional hardware or cables. On the other hand, a hardware firewall requires cables and a hardware device which often comes in the form of a router. A router is small box that allows multiple computer to connect to the internet hard wired and wirelessly. These devices often have its own firewall which protects every computer connected to the network from intruder attacks.
Probably the best protection would be to have a software firewall installed in your computer and a hardware firewall turned on in your router (if you have one at home). If your operating system does not have its own firewall, then you can always search online for firewall software that are sometimes free (if you're lucky). If you're going to pay for it, don't worry. I am sure that with the crimes that it can deter, it's nothing compared to what you will lose if an unauthorized packet of data gets inside your computer and exposes your data to identity theft.
