Home

Virus Info | Firewall | W32.Blaster.Worm | W32.Welchia.Worm | W32.Sobig.F@mm | INDEX | DEMO'S | Other Links | Driver Updates | Mohaa HELP Page | SPEED TEST | Mohaa Patches | MOHAA Links | MOH console | MAP LIST | Mohaa OBJ Maps 1 | Mohaa OBJ Maps 2 | Mohaa SP Maps | Mohaa DM Maps | Mohaa DM Maps 2 | Mohaa Map Packs | Spearhead Patches & No CD Cracks | Spearhead Maps & Links | Spearhead Maps | MoH Breakthrough | Pacific Assault | MOHAA Civil War | Mohaa junglewarfare | Mohaa AssaultOnIraq | MOHAA 1936! | Mohaa Swat Mod | Mohaa Operation Marketgarden | Mohaa Map making | Call of Duty | NOLF | NOLF MAPS | NOLF HELP Page | Operation Flashpoint | Operation Flashpoint 2 | RogueSpear | GHOST RECON | Ravin Shield | RogueSpear info | American's Army | Battlefield 1942 | BF 1942 Expansion Pack | BF 1942 Expansion Pack | Battlefield Vietnam | BF-1942 Maps | Wolfenstein | Wolfenstein Map II | Computer INFO | Ram INFO | add your link here | Gamespy Info | Upcoming Games | Screen Shots
ONLINE GAMES 8
Firewall

Use an Internet Firewall
Operating System: Windows XP
Last Updated: September 9, 2003

Before you connect your computer to the Internet, you should install a firewall. This is a piece of software or hardware that helps protect your PC against hackers and many computer viruses and worms. If you have the Microsoft Windows® XP operating system, you can use its built-in Internet Connection Firewall. Using a firewall is the most important first line of defense for computer security. You should also use Windows Update and antivirus software to help protect your PC.


Watch the Internet
Firewall how-to video
  Print all three steps
  Learn more
  Get more help
  Return to main page

Important Internet Connection Firewall works by blocking certain types of potentially harmful network communication. However, it also blocks some useful network communication tasks (for example, sharing files or printers through a network, transferring files in applications such as instant messaging, or hosting multiplayer games). We highly recommend that you use a firewall because it helps protect your computer today. If you choose to turn on Internet Connection Firewall you can come back later for help with unblocking useful network communication tasks. For more information, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions About Firewalls.

The steps below tell you how to make sure the Windows XP firewall is turned on. If you have a different configuration, a home network, a different version of Windows, or if you encounter problems during the steps, see the Frequently Asked Questions about Firewalls.

To turn on the Internet Connection Firewall

  1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel
     
  2. Click Network and Internet Connections, and then click Network Connections.


    Click Network and Internet Connections


    Click Network Connections

    Note: If the Network and Internet Connections category is not visible, click Switch to Category View on the upper left of the window.


    Switch to Category View

     
  3. Under the Dial-Up or LAN or High Speed Internet heading, click the icon to select the connection that you want to help protect.


    Select a connection

  4. In the task pane on the left, under Network Tasks, click Change settings of this connection. (As a shortcut, you can right-click the connection you want to help protect, and then click Properties.)


    Change connection settings


    Alternatively, right-click the connection, and click Properties



  5. On the Advanced tab, under Internet Connection Firewall, check the box next to Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet.


    Check the box to protect your computer and network

After you check the box and close the Properties window, the firewall is turned on. The firewall may interfere with some network operations such as file and print sharing, networking-related programs, or online games. For more information about fixing these issues, see the Frequently Asked Questions page listed below.

If you have more than one computer, want more technical information, or just want to learn more about Internet firewalls, see the Frequently Asked Questions About Firewalls page.