How to Set Up a Firewall

The Internet can be a dangerous place for your personal information, and firewalls are a key aspect of keeping your data safe and secure. They are an important part of a computer system that prevent unwanted incoming data connections and keep users from accessing unsafe online services. Both Mac and Windows operating systems have firewall applications included to prevent unauthorized access to an individuals system. Here well take a look at how to set up a firewall on each type of system. How to Set Up a Firewall on a PC If you are using Windows 7 and Earlier: 1. Open your Windows Security Center. You can find this by clicking the Start menu and then clicking Control Panel. 2. Click on Security Center. 3. Under Manage security settings for, click on Windows Firewall. 4. For comprehensive security, select the Dont allow exceptions checkbox and click OK. If you are using Windows 8: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Move your mouse to the bottom right corner of your screen. From the sidebar, select the Settings icon. Click on Control Panel in the subsequent menu. Click on System and Security. Click on Windows Firewall. Click on Turn Windows Firewall On or Off. Select the Turn on Windows Firewall radio button.

How to Restore Firewall Settings on a PC If you have changed your firewall settings and would like to restore them to their defaults, take the following steps: 1. Open your Windows Security Center. You can find this by clicking the Start menu and then Clicking Control Panel. 2. Click on Security Center. 3. Under Manage security settings for, click on Windows Firewall. 4. Click on the Advanced tab. In the Default Settings section, click Restore Defaults.

How to Set up a Firewall on a Mac If you are using Mac OS X 10.7 and 10.8: 1. 2. 3. 4. Click Apple Menu, then System Preferences. Click Security & Privacy. Select the Firewall tab. Click the Turn on Firewall button.

If you are using Mac OS X 10.6: 1. 2. 3. 4. Click Apple Menu, then System Preferences. Click Security. Select the Firewall tab Click the Start button to turn on the firewall.

If you are using Mac OS X 10.5: 1. 2. 3. 4. Click Apple Menu, then System Preferences. Click Security. Select the Firewall tab. Click Allow all incoming connections..

If you are using Mac OS X 10.5: 1. 2. 3. 4. Click Apple Menu, then System Preferences. Click Sharing. Select the Firewall tab. Click the Start button to turn on the firewall.

Most firewalls can be set up at varying levels of restriction, and most are activated by default within your system, ensuring that your data is safe and secure. Its important to note that a firewall is not the same thing as antivirus software and should not be treated as such. Antivirus software is a critical component of your computers security and protects you from phishing attacks, spam, general malware, and websites without valid trust certificates. Combining a firewall with a good antivirus software is the best way to protect yourself from any online threats.