A firewall is a protective barrier that prevents unwanted sources, such as viruses, worms, trojans, and other malicious code, from accessing your computer, or network. Firewalls can be either hardware-based or software-based. These two types of solutions can also be used in conjunction with one another.
C&IT highly recommends that you use a firewall. Newer operating systems, such as Windows XP and Mac OS X 10.2 and above, have software-based firewalls built-in. To configure these built-in firewalls, follow the provided links below.
Operating systems prior to Windows XP and Mac OS X 10.2 (Jaguar) do not have built-in firewalls. For these older operating systems you can download freeware firewalls or purchase firewall software. You can also purchase hardware-based firewalls, such as a router, and have both working together. Incorporating a hardware-based firewall along with your software-based firewall (built-in or not) makes your computer that much more secure.
To get more information on the firewall options you have, see the links under Related topics below.
