Introduction
A firewall is a security system that acts as a protective boundary between a network and the outside world. Windows XP includes Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) software you can use to restrict what information is communicated between the Internet and your computer.
Note: Windows XP Service Pack 2 sets the fire wall on by default. To determine if you are running service pack 2, right click on "My Computer (under the "Start" menu) and choose "Properties". The version is dispalyed in the open window and will say "Service Pack 2".
Enabling the Firewall
To enable or disable Internet Connection Firewall
- Open Network Connections (Click
'Start', click
'Control Panel', and then doubleclick
'Network Connections'.)
- Click to select the Internet connection that you want to protect.
- In the task pane on the left, under Network Tasks, click Change settings of this connection.
(Or, within the Network Connections folder, right-click on the connection that you want to protect and then click Properties.)
- On the Advanced tab, under Internet Connection Firewall, select one of the following:
- To enable Internet Connection Firewall (ICF), select the
Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet check box.
- To disable Internet Connection Firewall, clear the
Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet check box. This disables the firewall, your computer and network are then vulnerable to intrusions.
-
OR
- Click the "settings" Button and Click "On" to enable the firewall or "Off" to disable it.
Note:
You must be logged on to your computer with an owner or adminstrator account in order to complete this procedure.
