A firewall can block malware that could otherwise scan your computer for vulnerabilities and then try to break in at a weak point. The only way to make a home computer 100% secure is to turn it off or disconnect it from the Internet. The real issue is how to make one 99.9% secure when it is connected. At a minimum, home computers need to have personal firewall and anti-malware software installed and kept up-to-date to find and remove viruses, spyware, Trojans and other malware. A home network that uses a wired or wireless router with firewall features provides additional protection.
Home PC Firewall Choices
Microsoft Windows Firewall -- The Windows 7, Vista and XP Service Pack 2/3 operating systems have firewalls built in that are turned on by default to block threats from the Internet. You should leave this feature turned on until you replace it with third-party software and/or hardware.
Two-Way Third-Party Firewall Software
These firewalls block both incoming and outgoing threats. A computer has outgoing threats when it becomes infected with a virus, Trojan horse or spyware. A challenge for this type of firewall is to distinguish between threats and legitimate software. Three common ways to address this are by vendors including a list of safe software for the firewall to check [white list], malware to block [black list] and/or by issuing a pop up alert to the user asking for advice on what to do [better for experts]. For links to vendors and reviews of over thirty products, see our Personal Firewall Reviews page.
These firewalls block both incoming and outgoing threats. A computer has outgoing threats when it becomes infected with a virus, Trojan horse or spyware. A challenge for this type of firewall is to distinguish between threats and legitimate software. Three common ways to address this are by vendors including a list of safe software for the firewall to check [white list], malware to block [black list] and/or by issuing a pop up alert to the user asking for advice on what to do [better for experts]. For links to vendors and reviews of over thirty products, see our Personal Firewall Reviews page.
Important Tips
Never use two personal firewall software products at the same time. Fully uninstall one before installing another to prevent compatibility problems. Also, turn off the firewall built into Windows 7, Vista and XP Service Pack 2/3. After installation, be sure to test it with an online service like Security Space to make sure that it is configured correctly.
Staying Up-To-Date
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