A firewall (or firewall) is a means by which the process of restricting access to a computer via the Internet is carried out. There are two types of firewalls: software and hardware.
With the help of a firewall, it is possible to ensure the security of the computer: hacker attacks, penetration of malicious programs become impossible. Another plus is that the firewall prevents intruders from using your computer for their own purposes: for example, to attack the computers of other users. Of particular importance is the use of firewalls on those computers that have a permanent connection to the Internet. The Microsoft Windows operating system has a built-in software firewall. To start it, just select "Start" -> "Control Panel" -> "Windows Firewall". Using a standard firewall can provide protection against the above threats. Use the prompts of the operating system to configure it. Configuration is carried out by setting specific rules and prohibitions for certain programs, ports, services, etc. Other software firewalls can also be used. They may differ in the capabilities provided to the user, in deeper and finer customization, and in the interface. Examples of software firewalls are NetworkShield Firewall, Avira Internet Security, BitDefender Internet Security, etc. Most hardware firewalls connect to the network between a computer and a modem (or other device that provides an Internet connection). The hardware firewall is accessed using a web browser. The IP address of the hardware firewall is entered into the address bar, and then the page with its settings opens. Separately, it should be noted that many routers have a built-in firewall. Examples of hardware solutions are SonicWall, Cisco PIX, etc. You need to know that the firewall can interact with any network programs that are installed on the computer. This can lead to certain problems in the operation of the software. It is possible to solve the problem by tweaking the firewall settings. Also, such incompatibility can be caused by outdated software - updating it is often the solution to the problem.
