With the security risk the Internet's now poses, firewalls have become a necessity. They protect your computer by blocking both viruses and hackers. Computers with Windows® XP already have a firewall installed on the computer. Others should purchase and install a firewall.
Enabling the built in firewall for Windows® XP can be done with the following procedure:
Click on the start menu and select "Run" from the right column
Type ncpa.cpl and press enter
Right click on your Internet connection and select properties. (Hint: High speed connections are called "Local Area Connection," and dial-up connections are named after your Internet Service Provider.)
