|
Author: Titus Hoskins Article source: http://www.umtezine.com/. Used with author's permission.
A firewall is a system or gateway that prevents unauthorized access to
your computer or private network. It is usually the first line of defense
in protecting your private information or data. A good firewall will help
protect you from malicious attacks of spyware, adware, malware, worms,
trojans, and hackers.
Firewalls are security mechanisms that control who can access and send
data thru your network or computer. They can be applied to both hardware
and software on your computer; many systems use a combination of
each for greater protection. All data or messages entering or leaving
your computer has to pass thru the firewall, which checks all messages
and blocks those that don't meet your specified security criteria or
rules.
To put it in simple terms: think of a firewall as a security guard or a
security scanner for your computer or network. Anything going in or out
must be checked thru this system and must obey your rules!
Of course, this is just a simple explanation, firewalls can be very
complex; consisting of a whole combination of techniques that can be
used in concert depending on the level of security you wish to achieve.
These firewall techniques may include:
Application gateway -- places security mechanisms on specific
applications (FTP, Telnet, etc.)
Packet filters -- examines each packet using your computer and accepts
or rejects according to your rules
Circuit-level gateway -- security measures for such connections as TCP
(Transmission Control Protocol) or UDP (User Datagram Protocol)
Proxy server -- all messages entering or leaving your network must go thru
this proxy server, effective for hiding your true network or computer address
Also, for greater security, many networks use encrypted data.
If you are operating a computer or a server, putting up firewalls will
provide protection for your data and information that's passed along your
network. If you regularly surf the Internet, placing a firewall
on your own personal computer is a must. There is no reason not to have
a firewall in place, you can download a free firewall from www.zonealarm.com
for your own personal use.
Keep in mind, no system is foolproof; any computer or network hooked
up to the Internet can be hacked! Therefore, most people in the know, always
keep a back-up of their important data/information on a secure off-line source:
floppy disks, CDs, or on a computer that's not connected to the Internet.
Do daily or weekly back-ups to make sure your data and programs are safe.
Still, a good firewall will go a long way in protecting yourself from
any unauthorized access to your computer. With the occurrences of spyware,
adware, and other more invasive scumware increasing daily; putting
up a firewall and protecting yourself should be your first line of
defense against such unwanted and rude visitors. Nuke them at the gate
and save yourself from some major headaches.
Put that firewall up right now! To learn more about Spyware and Adware Click Here: Spyware
Remover Guide
Copyright © 2005 Titus Hoskins of Internet Marketing Tools.
This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays
attached.
eMarketing Sabotage - Top 10 Steps To Kill Your Search Engine Marketing Practices
In the spirit of educating marketers about best practices,
we present this list of ten things you can do to sabotage
your search engine marketing project in a "...
How to Manage and Conquer Depression
Millions of people suffer from a depressive illness. They thought that depression is just a normal occurrence in their lives, which will go away after a short ...
Using Calcium and Magnesium for Constipation
Using calcium and magnesium in the right quantities can prevent or relieve constipation. They can support the health of your colon and keep you regular. Lear...
How to Find the Best Long Distance Rates
These days the best long distance rates are not found with your home carrier. There's too much competition in the marketplace and many people are discovering th...
Creating Dynamic Window Coverings Without Breaking the Budget
Dynamic window treatments are a vital part of the overall look and feel of a room, but they don't need to break the budget. If you're creative and allow your im...
How Important is Mobile / SMS?
Life is unimaginable without a mobile phone and SMS in present times. It is like a extension of our hands, a handy tool to say so many things. Text messages are...
Is Spyware Watching You?
Imagine my surprise when I received a phone call from a friend who told me he'd been the victim of a "spyware" attack that left him shaking at his loss of priva...
Ready to Lose Weight?
This article explores the stages of change, as applied to weight loss. Find out why you may get stuck if you want to change, but are not yet ready.
Bring on the Boosters!
Nobody becomes a success alone, period. There is no such person who is "self made."
Vitamin Smoothies to Beat the Summer Heat
Vitamin smoothies are a great way to enjoy a cold beverage and relax on a hot summer day. Smoothies are not only delicious, but they are good for you as well, p...
Bad Credit Secured Personal Loans are Like Desserts-Last Course/Best Recourse for Impaired Credit
Bad credit personal secured loans are meant for homeowners with adverse credit. Bankrupts, CCJs, arrears, defaults or any other credit impairment can apply for ...
How To Stage Your Home For A Quick Sale
Learn how to get the most for your home by making a few simple changes.
11 Awesome Ways To Attract More Orders
1. Create a free ebook directory on a specific topic at your web site. People will visit your web site to read the free ebooks and may see your product ad. 2...
Google Takes Care of Idiots Too
Discover a rarely used tactic for getting traffic from popular search engine, Google.
Moving From A Weekend Hobby To Career In The Arts
Building a career as an artist takes hard work. Because the field attracts so many talented people, jobs in this field remain competitive. If you major in an ar...
Privilege: Its Role in Oppression
Privilege is responsible for maintaining an oppressive order or inhumane laws. Understanding it is necessary to our struggle. "The revolution needs bold indiv...
Finding a Mentor in the 21st Century
Traditionally, mentors volunteer the wisdom of their experiences to help others who wanted to follow in their footsteps. These days, many people have learned to...
27 Characteristics of Loving Men
Every woman dreams of meeting that special man that knows how to fulfill her heart's romantic desires. Speaking of that special someone; is your special someon...
The Truth About Weight Loss: The 6 Biggest Myths About Dieting!
Bringing clarity and order to the most common misconceptions about proper diet and attaining permanent weight loss.
Use Alternative Medicine to Ease Depression
There are many ways alternative medicine can be used to ease the symptoms of depression. Find out just a few of the things you can do without taking prescriptio...
A Guide to Treadmill Reviews
Are you in need of some good exercise, but you don't want to miss your favorite shows by going to
the gym? If that is the case, you may be interested in getti...
A Quick and Easy Guide to Indoor Rowing Machines
Did you know that rowing is one of the best exercises for developing aerobic fitness? Not only does working out with rowing machines or rowing ergometers allow...
An Environmental Voting Guide for US State Elections
In these times when states are suffering extreme downward pressure on budgets and spending, how is our environment making out? Did it suffer cuts right along wi...
The Power of A Golf Training Club
Some golfer's idea of a golf training club is using their usual set of clubs to hit balls on the course the whole day.
|
Print this page