What does the Windows Firewall do?

What does the Windows Firewall do?

Windows firewall is a software that checks information that comes in from the internet to the computer or network. It will either block or let the information in. The result will be depending on the settings we setup on the computer. It is usually turned on to prevent malicious software to gain access to our computer. To enable windows firewall, we need to got to Start > Run > type Firewall > Click ok > On the general tab, make sure settings set is On(recommended) > Click ok. If the option is not available, then your network may have a policy setup against running the firewall.

What does the Windows Firewall do?

The Windows Firewall is the primary defense mechanism of your computer from getting outside attacks. It is not an antivirus that blocks viruses from getting into your computer. It is a component of Microsoft Windows that prevents unwanted connections from entering your computer. It offers packet filtering and firewalling functions. It also prevents applications from getting or establishing an outside connection and will alert you if a program is trying to access outside resources or outside connection.

The Windows Firewall blocks a program if it attempts to make a connection. You will be prompted to unblock or continue blocking the program. If you know the program is safe, you can unblock it so the program can continue with what it is doing. The Windows Firewall was first known as Internet Connection Firewall before Windows XP Service Pack 2 was released in 2004.

The Windows Firewall provides an exception so programs can work better but this will not alert or prompt you if a program makes a request. You can add a program to the exempted list by adding it to the Exceptions list located in the Exceptions tab. To add a program, click Start, Control Panel, and then Windows Firewall. Select Exceptions tab. Click the Add Program button to add your program then follow the instructions. See image.