Using A Firewall To Prevent Spyware
There are two basic types of firewalls, hardware and software. Similar to anti-virus programs, firewall programs are abundant with major brands leading the way year after year. Longevity however does not always indicate the best anti-virus or anti-spyware software program.
Generally speaking a good firewall tool will decrease the visibility of your computer on the Internet. A number of the communication points or ports on computers are used for outbound transmissions. Malicious hackers use sniffer programs to locate computers with open points or ports. Hackers attack these computers with the use of a backdoor program installed by a Trojan house program.
Firewalls block transmissions from suspect programs attempting to access the Internet. They advise the user to "block or allow" interaction based on the security configuration of your system.
Firewall software usually blocks all programs by default. The user will then specify which programs are allowed to access the Internet, such as your web browser. When trying to connect to the Internet, the Firewall software will ask if you want to block or allow a certain tool access. If it's your intension to gain entry onto the Internet then the answer would be to allow. If on the other hand you are not planning to surf the net and your firewall software program prompts you for an answer, block and run your anti-virus and anti-spyware software programs.
Firewalls are installed like all other pieces of computer software. During the installation process you may be given the option of receiving notification each time a probe is neutralized or stopped. Responding to each notification losses it's charm quickly. From Windows XP onwards, the operating system has built in firewall protection.
The firewall in Windows XP performs well when it comes to hiding the computer from hackers but it will not prevent outbound transmissions. For verification click on Start to Control Panel, double click Network Connections and right-click your network connection and click on properties. Select the Advanced tab option, check the box under Internet Connection firewall and then click ok. If you have your own router, a firewall is highly likely already built in. Hardware firewalls are extremely effective provided they are enabled.
Keeping your system patched as soon as they are available will also help prevent spyware and virus infections. Software developers constantly look for areas of vulnerability to patch before hackers exploit them.
Windows XP will download and automatically install updates on your computer. To locate your automatic settings, click on Start go to Control Panel, double click System then select the Automatic updates option tab. Select the Update that best suits your computer use, activity and risk.
Windows 98 and Millennium Edition users can update manually by clicking on Start to Windows Update. Users can also automate the download option in Windows Me, go to Start, to Settings, Control Panel, double click Automatic Updates. There will be three options to choose from, select one and click ok. Buying the latest version of Windows, although costly, is also recommended. For example Vista is a much more secure operating system than XP.
