Configure Windows Firewall In XP

What is a firewall?

A firewall helps keep your computer more secure. A firewall restricts information that comes to your computer from other computers and gives you more control over the data on your computer. Additionally, a firewall provides a line of defense against people or programs, including viruses and worms, that try to connect to your computer without invitation.

Think of a firewall as a barrier that checks information, also known as traffic, that comes from the Internet or from a network. The firewall either turns traffic away or lets traffic pass through to your computer, depending on your firewall settings.

Although Windows Firewall is turned on by default, some computer manufacturers and network administrators may turn it off. You do not have to use Windows Firewall. You can install and run any firewall that you want. Evaluate the features of other firewalls, and then decide which firewall meets your requirements. If you decide to install and run another firewall, turn off Windows Firewall.


Configure Windows Firewall settings:


1. Click Start--> click Run--> type wscui.cpl--> and then click OK.


2. In Windows Security Center--> click Windows Firewall.


Windows Firewall includes the following tabs:


a. General
b. Exceptions
c. Advanced




The General tab includes the following settings:


1. On (recommended)
2. Don't allow exceptions
3. Off (not recommended)


When you click to select Don't allow exceptions, Windows Firewall blocks all requests to connect to your computer, including requests from programs or services that are listed on the Exceptions tab. The firewall also blocks discovery of network devices, file sharing, and printer sharing.


The Don't allow exceptions option is useful when you connect to a public network, such as one that is associated with an airport or with a hotel. This setting helps protect your computer by blocking all attempts to connect to your computer.


The Exceptions tab lets you add program and port exceptions to permit certain types of inbound traffic. You can set a scope for each exception.


The Advanced tab lets you configure the following:


1. Connection-specific rules that apply for each network interface.


2. The Security Logging configuration.

3. Global Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) rules that apply to ICMP traffic. (This traffic is used for error and status information transmission.)

4. Default settings.