Set Up Windows Firewall - 12 Scams of Christmas - Computer Advisory Services - for all your IT Needs

When it comes to securing your PC, be sure to enable a firewall. A firewall is used to prevent unwanted connections being made to your PC. Malware, such a worms, can scan a machine to see if certain ports are open and if so will attempt to access your machine via those open ports.


Windows comes pre-installed with a basic firewall and while you can’t configure it too much, it’s certainly worthwhile making sure that it’s enabled.


Ad-Aware Pro includes a powerful two-way firewall, but if you’re using Ad-Aware Free it’s a good idea to make sure that Windows Firewall is enabled even if you’re behind a router.


Once your firewall has been enabled, you can test your systems firewall defenses with ShieldsUp!!, a free scanning tool available at www.grc.com to check that it is secure.

To enable Windows Firewall:

Windows 8

   Type Firewall at the Start screen and click on Windows Firewall under the Settings results
   Click Turn Windows Firewall on or off on the left panel
   In both the Private and Public network location settings sections:
   Select Turn on Windows Firewall
   Check Notify me when Windows Firewall blocks a new app
   Click OK


Windows 7 & Windows Vista

   Click Start -> Run -> Type firewall.cpl into the Run command box
   Click OK
   Click Turn Windows Firewall on or off on the left panel
   In both the Private and Public network location settings sections:
   Select Turn on Windows Firewall
   Check Notify me when Windows Firewall blocks a new app
   Click OK


Windows XP

   Click Start -> Run -> Type firewall.cpl into the Run command box
   Click OK
   Set Windows Firewall to On
   Click OK