One question people ask me when we discuss PC security is– why enable Windows Firewall? After all, isn’t trusting security to Microsoft a little contradictory given the number of security patches they have to release? Well, the truth is, the patches released are usually to resolve issues that can occur once you’re already infected with a virus or other form of malware. By using a firewall, such as the Windows Firewall, you take one step in keeping that malware out of your system so that it can’t take advantage of those security holes.

Of course, a firewall can only keep things out of your system that can attack you without your knowing it. It does nothing to stop malware that tricks you into clicking a link or downloading a program. But the fact that you’re reading this tells me that you’re trying to do what it takes to protect yourself and your system. So let’s start by protecting your computer from the things you can’t control on your own.

How to configure Windows Firewall on your Windows XP system:

1. Click Start, then select Control Panel.

2. If your Control Panel looks like the following image, please click “Switch to Classic View” or choose “Network and Internet Connections”.

3. Double-Click on Windows Firewall.

4. On the window that appears, verify that the status of the firewall is “On” and that Exceptions are NOT disabled.

5. Click on the Exceptions tab. You will see a list of applications and services that are allowed to have incoming connections. In most cases, for security reasons, this list should be very small. There are a few services that should be enabled, however, for the Muskingum College Network.

5. File and Printer Sharing should be enabled (Checked), but click Edit… to verify that it is configured for “Subnet” only. This will allow File and Printer sharing to work on your private, home network without opening it up to the outside world.

6. Other software that can be enabled includes Instant Messenger applications, Media Players, and Antivirus Software (such as Symantec Antivirus [as shown]). If an application attempts to connect to the Internet, Windows will prompt for permission. Choose Keep Blocking to prevent that connection, or choose Unblock to allow it to connection. If an application seems unfamiliar, it should be blocked until its purpose is known. Many viruses and spyware attempt to open connections, and they should be blocked.