Lesson Twenty-Two - How to Configure Your Firewall

No doubt you have heard many news stories or articles about hackers gaining access to computers and stealing personal information.

Or the threat of viruses that can spread through unprotected home machines. What can you do to prevent these things from happening to your system? One of the easiest things to do is install a software Firewall, sometimes called a "Personal Firewall".

What, exactly, is a firewall? In short, it is a program (or computer in some cases) that sits between your computer and the Internet. This program is designed to carefully analyze both information sent and from from your system, and make sure it's authorized access.

In theory, now, if a hacker attempts to exploit a security-hole in your Windows operating system, the firewall will not allow the attack to continue.

In a similar way, viruses will be blocked from infecting the computer. Now that you know why you need a firewall, the next question is which one do you choose from the many bundles available? Well, a highly recommended program is ZoneAlarm, available from http://www.zonelabs.com.

ZA is not only without charge to home users, but it provides many different features that make it a very effective firewall.

In this tutorial, we will go step-by-step through the process of downloading, installing, and testing Zone Alarm.

First, we need to download the setup file. Type in (or simply select) the following link in your browser (into the Address Bar): http://www.neurosoftcorp.com/zonealarm.php

Depending on your browser, you may be asked to open or save the file. We can just select "Open" or "Run".

Once it is finished downloading (which can take up to an hour depending on your connection speed), you will need to run it (unless it automatically starts) by pressing the "Run" button.

First, ZoneAlarm will ask you to enter some basic registration information. It is recommended that you uncheck the two boxes at the bottom, as you probably don't need information on Zone Alarm updates.

To continue, you must agree to the License Agreement. Do this by checking the "I accept..." box and clicking the "Install" button. After clicking the "Finish" button, Zone Alarm will begin copying the files to your computer.

When it's complete, it wwill notify you and ask to start the program. Select "Yes".

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Step 5:

The License Wizard is now started, and asks which version you wish to use. Since we only need the basic Firewall capabilities (and don't want the program to expire after 15 days), select "ZoneAlarm" by clicking the radio (round circle) button on the right. Then press "Next".

To conclude the License Wizard, select the "Finish" button.

Step 6:

The last wizard ZoneAlarm runs is the configuration wizard which will customize the firewall to your computer.

The default settings should be fine for most users, so just hit "Next" on the following two screens, and then "Done" to apply the settings.

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Once you press "Done", the wizard will take a minute and configure the options.

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Step 7:

Computer. Make sure any open files are saved and exit any rurunning programs, then press "OK".

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Step 8:

When your computer has finished rebooting, ZoneAlarm will be run automatically.

Since this is the first time it's been run, you will be presented with a basic tutorial and overview of the program.

It's highly recommended you take the time to read the ten pages (or so) and familiarize yourself with the software. Press "Next" to flip through the different infinformation slides.

Step 9:

Once the tutorial is completed, the main ZoneAlarm window will be opened. Well Done! You have installed and configured the ZoneAlarm firewall to protect your PC.

Now you should be a lot more secure but still not 100%. Keep in mind the hackers get a thrill out of breaking code its their way of getting high on your misery! So keep running the security scans and utilities to keep your PC running in tip top condition.

Major Jane Raymond USAFA

MER/IT

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