Windows XP Operating System Firewall User Guide

Q: I am using a different version of Windows, what should I do?

A: The Windows version before Windows XP does not include a built-in firewall. If your computer is using an older version of Windows, such as Windows 2000, Windows Millennium Edition, or Windows 98, you should get a firewall and install it. A hardware firewall or a software firewall can be used.

Q: If I have more than one computer in my home or small office network, should I use a network connection firewall?

A: Yes. If you have more than one computer in your home or small office network, you should protect every computer on your network. When one of the computers is infected with a virus, enabling ICF on each connection will help prevent viruses from spreading from this computer to other computers on your network. However, if the virus is attached to an email, the firewall will not be blocked and will still infect your computer. You must install an antivirus program at the same time.

Q: My computer belongs to a large enterprise, school or organization network. Should I enable the firewall?

A: You should follow the network system administrator for your business, school, organization network. The principles established. In some cases, the system administrator might set up all the computers on the network, so you can't open ICF when your computer is connected to the network. The check box for turning on ICF in the Network Connection Properties dialog box is dark gray. If this is the case, you should ask your network system administrator to find out if your computer requires a firewall.

Q: I am using Windows XP. Can I use a firewall other than the built-in Windows XP Network Online Firewall?

A: Yes. To use Windows XP users with different features in the firewall, you can use other brands of hardware or software firewalls.

Q: Should I use a networked firewall and a different brand of software firewall on my Windows XP computer?

A: No. General home computers, home networks, and small business networks do not need to implement multiple software firewalls. Using two firewalls for the same connection may cause problems with the network connection or other unexpected behavior. Whether it's a Windows XP networked firewall or other software firewall, a single firewall provides robust protection for your computer.

Q: On a computer using a hardware firewall, should I use ICF again?

A: Yes. The Windows XP Network Online Firewall should be turned on for each computer in your home network. When a computer is infected, doing so helps prevent viruses or computer bugs from spreading on your network. Computers on the network may also be infected via another network connection (such as laptops used in home and public networks). Or, the virus may enter the computers on your network via email or disk-mounted software.

Q: Can I use a personal firewall other than Microsoft instead of the built-in network connection firewall?

A: If you have used a firewall other than Microsoft on your computer, you should continue to use. If you don't have a firewall yet, there is a ready-made option. If you want a simple firewall that is easy to set up, you should use the Windows XP Network Online Firewall. If you want to perform more advanced control over the transmissions that pass through your computer, and block the outgoing transmissions (that is, the transmissions from your computer to the network), choose a personal firewall for other brands.

Q: What are the items that the network online firewall cannot prevent?

Answer: The network online firewall in Windows XP cannot prevent viruses spread through email, such as Trojan, which will Disguise as useful or benign software that tricks you into turning it on or downloading it. Firewalls cannot prevent spam or fast explicit ads. The firewall cannot prevent access to less secure wireless networks. However, firewalls help protect the security of your computer on the network, even if an intruder gains access to your network and cannot access your personal computer.

Q: Can the network connection firewall protect my wireless network?

A: The network connection firewall can help protect computers on the wireless network, but does not restrict access to the network itself. You should use a network key such as Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) or Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) to set up your wireless network. For more information, please refer to your wireless network device manual.

Q: I am using a laptop that is located on a home and corporate network protected by a firewall. What should I do when I am out?

A: When you are out, you should always enable ICF when using a dial-up modem or any broadband connection to the network.