Software installed in a user's computer that offers protection against unwanted intrusion and attacks coming from the Internet. Personal firewalls are available from numerous security vendors, and Windows XP includes its own (see Windows Firewall).
Router Firewalls
For home and small business networks, a router with a built-in firewall is often used, and personal firewalls can be disabled, although they are often kept running as well. The central firewall provides easier administration than a firewall in each user's machine.
Enterprise Firewalls
In an enterprise, a firewall is often a stand-alone appliance. In addition, a comprehensive security program may comprise several firewall functions in different venues, each providing a different level of protection. See firewall, software firewall and IDS.
Router Firewalls
For home and small business networks, a router with a built-in firewall is often used, and personal firewalls can be disabled, although they are often kept running as well. The central firewall provides easier administration than a firewall in each user's machine.
Enterprise Firewalls
In an enterprise, a firewall is often a stand-alone appliance. In addition, a comprehensive security program may comprise several firewall functions in different venues, each providing a different level of protection. See firewall, software firewall and IDS.
 | Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. Copyright (c) 1981-2009 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved. |
Additional Resources
- Netgate Internet Security 3.0.305 (Windows)
- Netgate Internet Security, a bundle comprising of FortKnox Personal Firewall and Spy Emergency, is a complete security protection solution against all of the most serious Internet threats, including spyware, viruses, adware, trojans, worms, rootkits, phishing, spam and hackers consisting of anti-spyware, anti-virus, anti-spam, anti-rootkit, anti-phishing and firewall technologies. With built-in...
- Software downloads 2009-11-25
- Microsoft finds security hole in Google Chrome Frame
- HAHA! Way to go Microsoft! They basically just told Google to suck it! The best part is they were right the whole time. Yet people blindly defended Google. It would seem Google has more software issues than anyone else.RE: Microsoft finds security hole in Google Chrome FrameI'm not...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-19
- Do we need a 'beautiful mess' in operating systems? Yup
- To make a good soup, you've got to stir the pot...Ok, sure - it turns cloudy, short-term. Just be sure to filter it or let it settle, before serving.Whereas the classic 'design-by-committee' model so often fails, its always useful to have multiple, talented teams working on similar projects, independently. With...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-19
- FortKnox Personal Firewall 5.0.305 (Windows)
- It is a personal firewall that allows you to protect a PC against hacker attacks, Trojans, spyware and Internet threats. It gives user complete overview of all inbound and outbound network communication. It has built-in Intrusion Prevention System and SPI technologies for extended user protection. With application rules user can...
- Software downloads 2009-11-19
- Super Network Tunnel 2.5.0.0 (Windows)
- Super network tunnel is a personal HTTP tunnel solution, including client and server program, server program is usually installed at home computer, client program is usually installed at office computer. It's like a secure VPN software, allows you to access your Internet programs with not be monitored at work, school,...
- Software downloads 2009-11-11
- ZoneAlarm Extreme Security 2010 9.1.008 (Windows)
- ZoneAlarm Extreme Security is a comprehensive suite protecting your PC, your browser, and your data. The OSFirewall monitors changes within your computer to spot and stop new attacks that bypass traditional anti-virus protection. The Advanced Download Protection analyzes browser downloads in three unique ways before they can infect your PC...
- Software downloads 2009-11-10
- Online Armor Free 4.0.0.10 (Windows)
- Online Armor is a powerful personal firewall, with HIPS and a host of other security features to keep your PC clear of infections and running smoothly. Online Armor is designed to be easy to use for beginners and offers powerful performance.
- Software downloads 2009-11-05
- ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite 2010 9.1.008 (Windows)
- ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite is an essential antivirus, anti-spyware, and firewall protection for your PC. The OSFirewall monitors changes within your computer to spot and stop new attacks that bypass traditional anti-virus protection. The Advanced Download Protection analyzes browser downloads in three unique ways before they can infect your PC...
- Software downloads 2009-11-02
- Kingsoft Internet Security 9 Plus 2009.04.14.59 (Windows)
- Kingsoft Internet Security 9 Plus includes anti-virus, anti-malware, a vulnerability scanner and personal firewall. Find and fix rootkits, spyware, trojans, virus and malware infections. The webshield protects you from infection while surfing the Internet. The suite also includes many other useful tools: usb flash rescue disk creation, history cleaner, disk...
- Software downloads 2009-10-25
- Privatefirewall 7.0.20.31 (Windows)
- Privatefirewall is a Personal Firewall and Host Intrusion Prevention application designed to help individuals and businesses protect Windows desktops and servers from malware and unauthorized use. Privatefirewall addresses the operating system and application level vulnerabilities and intrusion techniques that hackers exploit to gain access and cause damage to private systems...
- Software downloads 2009-10-23
- Jetico Personal Firewall 2.1.0.6 (Windows)
- Jetico Personal Firewall protects your computer from hackers, viruses, trojan programs, other external and internal threats to your computer and your data. Three levels of protection are included: low-level network packets filtering, application-level network events filtering and filtering of user-level process activity. With JPF you may check every packet that...
- Software downloads 2009-10-21
- HP's Hurd: Cloud computing has its limits (especially when you face 1,000 attacks a day)
- Now here's a ringing endorsement of cloud computing......"HP "wouldn?t put anything material in nature outside the firewall." "Sure gives one confidence, doesn't it? And this company is trying sell people on the cloud...but its CEO doesn't trust it? Nice. :-(Translation: We make a lot of money selling overpriced, under utilizedservers...
- Discussion threads 2009-10-20
- Cloud storage vs. flash storage: Security vs. simplicity
- disagree on a pointi do like the ease of use that the cloud gives me, also the ability to access it anywhere ie Gmail, but personally I'd rather have a flashdrive (besides Gmail, I avoid the cloud like the plague, but maybe I'm just a security/privacy freak =p)[i]"Flash drives also...
- Discussion threads 2009-10-12
- Zone Alarm Extreme Security 2010
- Best known for its ZoneAlarm firewall, Check Point Software also publishes two full-featured security suites. ZoneAlarm Internet Security 2010 gives users a robust firewall, antivirus and antispyware, and parental control package for $49.95, while ZoneAlarm Extreme Security 2010 adds Web browsing protection, system tune-up tools, backup options, and anti-phishing technology...
- Product reviews 2009-10-08
- PC Tools Firewall Plus Free Edition 6.0.0.74 (Windows)
- PC Tools Firewall Plus Free Edition is a powerful personal free firewall for Microsoft Windows that protects your computer from hackers and intruders. Firewalls control the network traffic in and out of your PC by monitoring applications that connect to the network. Firewall Plus can stop Trojans, backdoors, and keyloggers...
- Software downloads 2009-09-29
- Intego NetBarrier X5 10.5.5 (Mac)
- NetBarrier X5 is the acclaimed personal firewall, Antivandal, Internet filter and network monitoring tool for Macintosh that is fully compatible with Mac OS X Leopard, and runs on both PowerPC- and Intel-based Macintosh computers. NetBarrier X5 incorporates a wide range of new features and enhancements and a user-friendly, ergonomic interface...
- Software downloads 2009-09-24
- The best VoIP solution is ...
- What about hosted?Wondering if you guys would be willing to discuss the most obvious omission... hosted. It's like choosing which car to buy when its cheaper to take a limo.RE: The best VoIP solution is ...Your article was only comprehensive if you consider just the IP-PBX and desktop telephone;...
- Discussion threads 2009-09-22
- IT security defenses misdirected
- In My Humble Experience...The biggest problem that I have, isn't viruses or phishing. Most people run at least basic AV protection on their machines. My problem is the users themselves.I run a pretty tight setup at the school where I work. Active directory with group policies, Symantec Endpoint Protection, a...
- Discussion threads 2009-09-15
- More Microsoft layoffs, a resignation and other pre-Labor Day tidbits
- Oh pooh...The days are coming to an end for 15G Operating Systems, in case they missed it Appliance driven devices under VMware IS the future.Not some insecure bloated expensive Server versions that require tens of thousands in licenses and still is crippled up by viruses/worms.;)On the plus side,nobody now knows...
- Discussion threads 2009-09-04
- Trend Micro Internet Security 2010
- Photo gallery:Trend Micro Internet Security 2010If you're looking for a robust feature set from your security suite, and you're looking for an affordable price, you could do worse than Trend Micro's 2010 products. Trend Micro has refreshed it Internet Security Pro, Internet Security, and the stripped-down AntiVirus plus AntiSpyware packages;...
- Product reviews 2009-08-28
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