Defending Against Computer Attacks

Connecting to the Internet is a two-way streetnot only can your PC access other computers online, but other computers can also access your PC. Which means that, unless you take proper precautions, malicious hackers can read your private data, damage your system hardware and software, and even use your system (via remote control) to cause damage to other computers.

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The risk of outside attack is even more pronounced if you have an always-on Internet connection, such as that offered with DSL and cable modems.

You protect your system against outside attack by blocking the path of attack with a firewall. A firewall is a software program that forms a virtual barrier between your computer and the Internet. The firewall selectively filters the data that is passed between both ends of the connection and protects your system against outside attack.

Using the Windows Firewall

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Keep track of your system's firewall, antivirus, and Windows Update settings in Windows XP's Security Center. Just open the Windows Control Panel and select Security Center; the Security Center will tell you what steps you need to take to better protect your system.

If you're running Windows XP, you already have a firewall program installed on your system. You can make sure that the Windows Firewall is activated by following these steps:

1.	Click the Windows Start button to display the Start menu.
2.	Select Connect To, Show All Connections to open the Network Connections folder.
3.	Click the Change Windows Firewall Settings link in the Network Tasks pane.
4.	When the Network Connections window opens, select the General tab.
5.	Make sure that the On option is checked.

Using Third-Party Firewall Software

A number of third-party firewall programs are also availablemost of which are more robust and offer more protection than Windows XP's built-in firewall. The best of these programs include

• BlackICE PC Protection (blackice.iss.net)

• McAfee Personal Firewall (www.mcafee.com)

• Norton Personal Firewall (www.symantec.com)

• Sygate Personal Firewall (www.sygate.com)

• ZoneAlarm (www.zonelabs.com)