A firewall is a piece of software or hardware that creates a protective barrier between your computer and potentially harmful content on the Internet. It helps guard your computer against hackers and many computer viruses and worms.
Turn on the Windows XP Internet Connection firewall
Windows XP includes the Internet Connection Firewall, which you can turn on by following the steps below.
1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2. Click Network and Internet Connections (
), and then click Network Connections (
).
Note: If the Network and Internet Connections category is not visible, click Switch to Category View (
) on the upper left of the window.
3. Under the Dial-Up or LAN or High Speed Internet heading, click the icon to select the connection that you want to help protect.
4. In the task pane on the left under Network Tasks, click Change Settings of this connection (
). As a shortcut, you can right-click the connection you want to help protect, and then click Properties (
).
5. On the Advanced tab, under Internet Connection Firewall, check the box next to Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet (
).
After you check the box and close the Properties window, the firewall is turned on. To help ensure your computer is protected, continue to step 2: Get computer updates.
Please note:
The firewall may interfere with some network operations such as file and print sharing, networking-related programs, or online games.
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