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Home User Security: Firewalls Overview
What is a Firewall? A firewall is a term used to describe a device or program that blocks unauthorized (and potentially harmful) Internet access to or from a computer, while allowing authorized (or normal) access. There are two basic types of firewall that home users will consider:
Software Firewall – This is a program that runs on a user’s system and quietly secures the system. They usually are fairly inexpensive, but can be tricky to get configured properly. A software firewall will only protect the machine it is running on, and can’t secure any other computers if you are on a network.
Hardware Firewall – Normally a small device that connects between your internet connection (cable modem, for instance) and any computers you have in the house. They usually include other options, such as routers, so they can be fairly expensive. But this type of firewall requires minimal configuration and can protect many PC’s at once.
Top Picks (Software Firewalls):
Norton Internet Security – Software firewall backed by the well-known Symantec security experts, and works very well. May be difficult for some users to configure, and costs as fair bit, MSRP $69.99. For more information: http://www.symantec.com/sabu/nis/nis_pe/
ZoneLab’s ZoneAlarm – Also a quite popular solution, this firewall does the basics very well. Not too terribly fancy, but that means it’s not too complicated either. And best of all, it’s free! Learn more about this at: http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/home.jsp
Windows XP SP2 Integrated Firewall – If you have Windows XP and installed the latest Service Pack, you already have a fully functioning firewall. Not exactly the ultimate in security, but it is very easy for anyone to configure and has already been installed for you. Find out more about it by going here: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/security/internet/sp2_wfintro.mspx
Top Pick (Hardware Firewalls):
SMC2804WBR Wireless Router – SMC has always made excellent hardware routers/firewalls, and this is no exception. Complete with wireless (54mbit) connectivity, it’s perfect for any home network, with very little configuration. http://www.smc.com/index.cfm?event=viewProduct&localeCode=EN_USA&cid=5&scid=26&pid=544
D-Link DI-604 Router – A small, no-frills option for a home network where no wireless is needed, to a maximum of four computers. Simple configuration wizard, and low price, MSRP $39.00. Check it out at: http://www.dlink.com/products/?sec=3&pid=62
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