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A Firewall hides your computer from other machines on the Internet. It makes it virtually impossible to see what is on your computer from the outside. By making your computer invisible, a firewall makes it much harder for hackers to target your machine. The firewall also makes it more difficult for worms to invade your computer. For those of you using Windows XP, Microsoft provides built-in firewall capability. All you have to do is activate it. The instructions below will walk you through the steps to do so.

1. Click on the Start button in the Taskbar.
2. Select the Control Panel option.
3. The Control Panel will appear.
4. Double-click on the Network Connections icon.
5. The Network Connections dialog will appear.

   

6. Right-click on the Local Area Connection icon.
7. Select the Properties option from the submenu that appears.
8. The Local Area Connection Properties dialog will appear.

   

9. Go the the Advanced tab
10. Make sure there is a check mark in the Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet check box.
11. Click on the OK button.
12. You now have installed the default Microsoft XP Firewall.

Note: For those of you who would like even more protection, we recommend the free ZoneAlarm Firewall. To download it, click on http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/products/znalm/freeDownload.jsp?lid=zadb_zadown and follow the on-screen instructions.

Revised August 14, 2006 (DHFM)