How to Pick a Home Firewall

The cost of a home firewall is a small price to pay to keep your computer safe. So don't leave your machine unprotected any longer. Follow these guidelines and pick a home firewall for your machine before it's too late.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer
• Internet access
• Firewall program

1. Browse the Internet by typing "home firewall" or "personal firewall" in the search bar. Visit the manufacturers' websites and compare products and prices.
2. Visit Consumer Search for ratings and comparisons of the most popular home/personal firewall products (see Resources below). Some manufacturers will let you download a free trial version to evaluate their product.
3. Look for a firewall program that will defend your computer against Trojan viruses, keep an eye on Internet traffic, prevent spyware and malware from contaminating your computer and secure personal data.
4. Search for a personal firewall that is inexpensive and easy to install and apply, protects your computer from all attacks, tracks potential and actual threats, warns you of serious attacks, guarantees that nothing unauthorized enters or leaves your computer and provides automatic updates. That sounds like a tall order, but there are products available that provide this service.
5. Consider purchasing an Internet security software suite that includes a personal firewall and antivirus and antispyware programs.
6. Check the minimum system requirements to see if the home firewall software is compatible with your operating system.
7. Read user reviews, computer magazines, consumer reports and vendor websites for valuable insight. Users offer hands-on evaluations and generally do not have product loyalty.
8. Contact technical support. The staff should be easy to reach, respond quickly and be well-versed in the product.

Tips & Warnings

• Leave the Microsoft Windows Firewall turned on until you replace it with another program.
• Don't use multiple home firewall products.