This month, I'm pleased to include a computer tip from Action One Computers in Bonita Springs. Many of you already know that I refer all hardware, virus and spyware problems to Action One. In addition to being a supremely honest and friendly group of people, you won't find a computer company more dedicated to your computer's well-being.

This month, Tina from Action One will discuss firewalls.

FIREWALL - OVERVIEW
The differences between a software and hardware firewall are vast, and the best protection for your computer and network is to use both, as each offers different but much-needed security features and benefits. Updating your firewall and your operating system is essential to maintaining optimal protection, as is testing your firewall to ensure it is connected and working correctly.

SOFTWARE FIREWALLS
For individual home users, the most popular firewall choice is a software firewall. Software firewalls are installed on your computer (like any software) and you can customize it, allowing you some control over its function and protection features.

A software firewall will protect your computer from outside attempts to control or gain access your computer, and, depending on your choice of software firewall, it could also provide protection against the most common Trojan programs or e-mail worms. Many software firewalls have user defined controls for setting up safe file and printer sharing and to block unsafe applications from running on your system.

The downside to software firewalls is that they will only protect the computer they are installed on, not a network, so each computer will need to have a software firewall installed on it.

Because your software firewall will always be running on your computer, you should make note of the system resources (such as RAM) it will require to run and any incompatibilities with your operating system. A good software firewall will run in the background on your system and use only a small amount of system resources. It is important to monitor a software firewall once installed and to download any updates available from the developer.

HARDWARE FIREWALLS
Hardware firewalls can be purchased as a stand-alone product but more recently hardware firewalls are typically found in broadband routers, and should be considered an important part of your system and network set-up, especially for anyone on a broadband connection. Hardware firewalls can be effective with little or no configuration, and they can protect every machine on a local network. Most hardware firewalls will have a minimum of four network ports to connect other computers.

EDITOR'S NOTE:
Thanks to Action One for this basic introduction into firewalls. If you would like more information about protecting your computers with a firewall, you may contact Action One Computers at (239) 498-2855 or at ActionOneComputers.com.

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