How to protect your home computer better - and for free!

If you are connected to high-speed internet at home, you most likely do not have a firewall protecting your computer. In order to protect the computer from unwanted intrusions and intrusions through the Internet, it is advisable to have some kind of firewall software. Windows XP has an internal firewall that can be activated and protect the computer without the need to purchase additional software.

Enter the"Start">"Settings">"Network Connections" and enter the characteristics of your Internet connection. In the "Advanced" tab you can mark V and activate "Internet Connection Firewall". Now you must disconnect from the Internet and reconnect in order to put the change into effect.

For advanced users:
If after activating the firewall programs like ICQ do not work, it is possible through the same properties window to enter the firewall settings and open or close ports as needed. For proper work in ICQ, for example, you need to open port 5190 in tcp. More details can be found in the help of Windows XP - when running a search for ICF.