Securing Network Connections

When your computer is connected to the Internet, it becomes a node on a huge global network. A firewall provides a barrier between your computer and the network to which it's connected by preventing the entry of unwanted traffic while allowing transparent passage to authorized connections.

Using a firewall is simple, essential, and often overlooked. You'll want to be sure that all network connections are protected by a firewall. Even if your portable computer is protected by a corporate firewall when you're at work and its home connection uses a firewalled broadband connection, consider the dial-up connection you use when you travel or the wireless connection you use at a cafe.

It makes sense to run a firewall on your ...

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