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Fire Wall software

Because of the ever-increasing threats that are appearing on the Internet you no longer have to be in business to need the protection of a fire wall.

In fact, every computer that is connected to the internet should have one installed. You'll be a lot happier once you know that you have protected your personal files, information, and financial data, such as credit cards and bank account numbers, from being shared with every crook on the internet.

Here are the common features that are available in almost any software-based fire wall program:

Inbound filtering - protects unknown users or programs from accessing your PC

Outbound filtering - Protects your PC from sending information to the Internet without your permission

Application integrity verification - Verifies that any program you are running aren't sneaking around behind your back and doing things that they shouldn't be doing.

Data encryption - Automatically scrambles any sensitive data that you do allow to be transmitted.

Stealth mode - Hides that fact that your PC is even connected to the Internet so that hackers can't see you.

Pop-up ad blocking - Stops those annoying ads.

Cookie blocking - prevents web sites from sending you cookies without your permission Spyware protection - Blocks dangerous spyware from operating on your PC

There are many software-based firewall programs that can be downloaded from the internet. Windows XP SP2 has one as standard but most of the others come with free trials so you can test each one and choose what's best for you.

If you notice that some program that used to work stops working after you install a fire wall then you'll have to make a change in the fire wall's configuration that will enable the program to operate freely. If you find that there is no way to let your previously operating program pass through the firewall then that might be a good indication that you need to try a different fire wall. Be sure to check with the makers of both the software program and the firewall before you give up and change

About the author:

Founder of AVmechanic Free computer help a Free Video Editing and Computer help community covering a wide range of topics.