Easy step to Windows Firewall configuration

WINDOWS FIREWALL : CONFIGURE EASILY
 

Windows Firewall in Windows XP`s Service Pack 2 is the replacement of Microsoft’s Internet Connection Firewall that was included service pack 1 of Windows XP. As it comes along with the service pack2, users don’t need to find separate firewall software for the system. How ever some users are lazy to use the windows firewall because of their in sufficient knowledge of firewall and their careless about the external threats. It is amazing, I have seen some user are turn off the firewall.

Windows firewall blocks malicious software which is trying to establish connection that might become harmful to your PC. It protects you from WORMS but not from virus or spywares. When the windows firewall is enabled, any software programs trying to access the external network can be blocked by the correct configuration settings while the trusted programs are allowed for access.

Once the operating system is installed, Windows firewall is automatically enabled to protect you. If you are in doubt you can verify the settings and continue enjoying the net. If you experience any trouble connecting to internet, then you need to configure the firewall settings and make exception for those programs.

Download the slide for more detailed explaination

Adding an exception

Locate the program

• Locate the program if it is in your desktop or start menu.


• Right click on the program icon and then click on property. (Property window will displayed)


• Select the Shortcut tab.


• Copy the target (location).

Creating exception

• Open Control Panel


• Click Security Center located in Control Panel.


• From the Security Center, click Windows Firewall.
  (Windows firewall box will appear)


• Select Exception Tab and Add program button below the program and services list.
  (Add program dialogue box will appear)


• Click Browse in next to path box.


• In the file name text field of Browse dialogue box, paste the location of the program which we copied in earlier stage.


• Now click Open button in Browse dialogue box, click Ok to Add program and Ok to firewall window.

That’s all. Now you can communicate using your program.

Adding a port

• Open Control Panel


• Click Security Center located in Control Panel.


• From the Security Center, click Windows Firewall.
  (Windows firewall box will appear)


• Select Exception Tab and click the Add port button.


• For the name field, type a descriptive name


• For the port number add the port number (If you want to allow traffic from port 80, then type port 80)


• Click Ok.
  (Now your port and name will be displayed under the exception list)


• Check the check box in front of your port and click Ok.


• If you need to stop traffic from this port, you can uncheck to stop.

Verify that Firewall is enabled

• Click Start


• Click Control Panel


• From control panel, click Security center.

In the security center window, if the firewall shows On in green color, you are protected.
If it shows Off in red color, then your firewall is disabled and need to turn on. To enable the Windows firewall, follow the following steps.

• Open up the Security center.


• Expand the firewall list and then click Recommendations button.


• In the recommendation window, click Enable now button.


• Click close to confirmation box and Ok to Recommendation window.

Now you are protected. Enjoy the internet!!