How to Check Windows Firewall Settings

A firewall is either hardware or software and attempts to prevent the intrusion of attackers from the Internet or another network of some type, such as a LAN. With the introduction of Windows XP, Microsoft has included a software firewall as part of the operating system in order to help protect the integrity of the system from malicious attacks. Often, you can't turn firewall on or a program can change the settings without your knowledge, so it is wise to check the status of the firewall occasionally in order to ensure it is turned on.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Click on "Start" in the lower left-hand portion of your desktop screen.

2. Select Control Panel and then Security Center to open the Windows Security Center.

3. Navigate to the bottom of the form and click the "Windows Firewall" link.

4. Select one of the two radio buttons as desired on the Windows Firewall form that opens. The "On" radio button is the recommended choice.

5. Click the "OK" button at the bottom of form.

6. Close the Windows Security Center window and close the Control Panel window.

Tips & Warnings

• Most of the time there is no need to go into any of the other tabs on the settings form; this can lead to disastrous consequences. Do not attempt this unless you are certain that you know what you are doing and able to recover from any mistakes in changing the settings on the Windows Firewall.

Resources

• Additional information on computer security is available at windowsecurity.com.

[keli449]

on 3/14/2008 I am trying to have my pay pal password changed as I forgot it, pay pal tried to send me an e-mail but it wont come to me in either in box or bulk, I have tried taking off my spam blocker and to see if they are in my blocked address but they are not, I have tried the above reference for my firewall as paypal said i need to change it but i do not have a security center in my control panel. any suggestions?
thank you,

Keli