How to configure Windows XP SP2 Firewall

Introduction

Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) introduces a new firewall that can help protect the system against attacks by malicious users or malware (such as virus software. We recommend that you always use the firewall when running your computer. If no fireproof wall is used, security problems may occur more easily. We recommend that you do not Disable Windows Firewall, but you still have an option to disable it. This topic describes how to disable Windows Firewall. If you have disabled the Windows Firewall, take appropriate additional measures to help protect your system. We recommend that you disable Windows Firewall only when you try all other methods to make your system more secure. Windows Firewall is an updated firewall software in Windows XP Service Pack 2 to replace the original Internet Connection Firewall (ICF ).

What is a firewall?

Firewall helps to make computers more secure. The firewall can restrict the information transmitted from other computers to your computer, so that you can better control the information on the computer. In addition, the firewall provides a line of defense to prevent others or programs (including viruses and worms) from attempting to connect to your computer without invitation.

You can think of a firewall as a barrier that checks information (also called communication) from the Internet or the network ). The firewall can deny communication or allow it to pass through, depending on your firewall settings.

In Microsoft XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), you can close or open the Windows Firewall. By default, Windows Firewall is enabled for all network interfaces. This configuration can provide network protection for new Windows XP installation and upgrade. This default configuration also helps protect your computer from the impact of new network connections in the system.

Windows Firewall is enabled by default, but some computer manufacturers and network administrators can disable it. You do not have to use Windows Firewall. You can also install and execute any other firewall as you like. Evaluate the knowledge of other firewall functions and select a firewall that meets your needs. If you decide to install and execute other firewalls, close the Windows Firewall.

How to configure Windows Firewall settings

Warning this method may cause your computer or network to be more vulnerable to attacks by malicious users or malware (such as viruses. This method is not recommended in this article. This information is for reference only. You should decide whether to implement this method. You are at your own risk to use this method.

To check and configure firewall settings, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, click execute, type wscui. cpl, and click OK ".

2. Click "Windows Firewall" in "Windows security center ".

Windows Firewall includes the following tabs:

* "Regular"

* "Exceptions"

* "Advanced"

The General tab includes the following settings:

* "Enable (recommended )"

* "Exceptions not allowed"

* "Close (not recommended )"

When you click "do not allow exceptions", Windows Firewall blocks all requests to your computer, even if the requests are from programs or services listed on the "exceptions" tab. The firewall also prevents network devices, file sharing, and printer sharing.

The "do not allow exceptions" option is useful when you connect to a public network (for example, a network related to an airport or hotel. This setting prevents all attempts to connect to your computer and thus helps protect your computer.

When you use Windows Firewall and enable the "do not allow exceptions" option, you can still view webpages, send and receive emails, or use real-time messaging programs.

The "exceptions" Tab allows you to add program and port exceptions to allow specific types of incoming communication. You can set a range for each exception.

For home and small office networks, we recommend that you set the scope to only within the lan if possible. In this way, the computer on the same subnet can connect to the program on the computer, but the communication from the remote network is denied.

The "advanced" Tab allows you to perform the following configurations:

* Apply connection-specific rules for each network interface.

* Security Login "configuration.

* Global Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) rules applied to ICMP communication (this channel is used to pass the error and status information .)

* Default settings.

How to configure file sharing

For home and small office networks, you can use the network settings Wizard to configure file sharing. You can use this wizard to ensure that the Firewall uses the highest possible security level configuration. In a typical home network, all computers are in the same subnet. Under this configuration, we recommend that you only share the configuration file for the local computer.

Note: To activate the "Network Setting wizard", click "start"-"assembly"-"" in turn ".