Q: What do I do with different versions of Windows?
A: Windows XP Pre-Windows version does not contain built-in firewalls. If your computer is using an older version of Windows, such as Windows 2000, Windows Millennium Edition, or Windows 98, you should obtain a firewall and install it. You can use a hardware firewall or a software firewall.
Q: If I have more than one computer in my home or small office network, should I use the network online firewall?
Answer: Yes. If you have more than one computer in your home or small office network, you should protect each computer on your network. When one of the computers is infected, enabling each ICF on the online will help prevent the virus from spreading from this computer to other computers on your network. However, if the virus is attached to an e-mail message, the firewall is not blocked and will still infect your computer. You must install the antivirus program at the same time.
Q: Does my computer belong to a large enterprise, school, or organization network, should I enable a firewall?
A: You should follow the principles established by your network administrator for your business, school, and organization network. In some cases, the system administrator may set up all the computers on the network, so you cannot turn on ICF when your computer is online to the network. The check boxes in the Network Online Properties dialog box that enable ICF appear dimmed. If this is the case, you should ask your network administrator to see if your computer needs a firewall.
Q: I use Windows XP. Can I use a firewall other than the built-in Windows XP network online Firewall?
Answer: Yes. To use Windows XP users with different features in a firewall, you can use other hardware or software firewalls.
Q: Should I use both a network firewall and a different brand of software firewall on a Windows XP computer?
A: no need. General home computers, home networks, small business networks do not need to perform multiple software firewalls. Using two firewalls for the same online may cause problems with the network or other unexpected behavior. Whether it's a Windows XP online firewall or another software firewall, a firewall provides a solid protection for your computer.
Q: Should I use ICF on a computer that uses a hardware firewall?
Answer: Yes. You should turn on the Windows XP Network online firewall for each computer in your home network. When a computer is infected, doing so helps prevent viruses or computer worms from spreading in your network. Computers in your network may also be infected through another network, such as laptops that are used in both the home network and the public network. Alternatively, the virus may enter a computer in your network by using a CD-ROM or disk-installed software.
Q: Can I use a personal firewall other than Microsoft, rather than a built-in online firewall?
A: If you already use a firewall other than Microsoft on your computer, you should continue to use it. If you don't have a firewall, you have a ready-made choice. If you want a simple firewall that is very easy to set up, you should use the Windows XP Network online firewall. If you want more advanced control over your computer's transmission, and you want to block outgoing transmissions (that is, from your computer's transmission to the network), select a personal firewall from another brand.
Q: What are the items that cannot be prevented by online firewalls?
A: The network online firewall in Windows XP does not protect against viruses that are spread through e-mail, such as Trojan viruses, which can be disguised as useful or well-meaning software that lures you into opening or downloading them. Firewalls cannot stop spam or express ads. Firewalls are unable to prevent access to less secure wireless networks. However, firewalls help protect the security of your computer on your network, even if intruders gain access to your network and cannot access your PC.
Q: Can an online firewall protect my wireless network?
A: Network online firewalls can help protect computers on the wireless network, but not restrict access to the network itself. You should use a network key such as Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) or Wired equivalent Privacy (WEP) to set up your wireless network. For more information, please refer to your wireless network installation manual.
Q: The laptop I use is in a firewall-protected home and corporate network. What should I do when I'm out?
A: When you go out, you should enable ICF at any time when you are using a dial-up modem or any broadband connection online.
Source: Black and white Network