XP operating system firewall classic User Guide

Q: What should I do if I use different Windows versions?

A: Windows Versions earlier than Windows XP do not include built-in firewalls. If your computer uses an earlier version of Windows, such as Windows 2000, Windows Millennium Edition, or Windows 98, you should obtain the firewall and install it. You can use a hardware or software firewall.

Q: Should I use an online network firewall if I have more than one computer in my home or small office network?

A: Yes. If you have more than one computer in your home or small office network, you should protect every computer on the network. When one computer is infected with a virus, enabling ICF on each online server will help prevent viruses from spreading from this computer to other computers on your network. However, if the virus is appended to an email, the firewall will not block it, so it will still infect your computer. You must install the anti-virus program at the same time.

Q: Should I enable the firewall when my computer belongs to a large enterprise, school, or organizational network?

A: You should follow the principles set up by the network system administrator for your enterprise, school, and organization network. In some cases, the system administrator may set all computers on the network. Therefore, when your computer comes online to the network, you cannot enable ICF. The enable ICF check box in the "Online Network Properties" dialog box is dimmed. In this case, you should ask the network system administrator to check whether your computer needs a firewall.

Q: I use Windows XP. Can I use a firewall other than the built-in Windows XP online firewall?

A: Yes. To use Windows XP users with different functions in the firewall, you can use hardware or software firewalls of other brands.

Q: Should I use the online network firewall and the software firewall of different brands on Windows XP?

A: No. Generally, multiple software firewalls are not required for home computers, home networks, and small enterprise networks. Using two firewalls for one connection may cause problems with the network or other unexpected behaviors. Whether it's Windows XP online firewall or other software firewalls, a firewall can provide solid protection for your computer.

Q: Should I use ICF on a computer that uses a hardware firewall?

A: Yes. You should enable the Windows XP Network online firewall for each computer in the home network. When a computer is infected, this helps prevent viruses or computer worms from spreading over your network. Computers in the Network may also be infected through another network, such as laptops used in the home network and public network. Alternatively, the virus may be sent to a computer on your network by email using software installed on a CD or disk.

Q: Can I use a personal firewall other than Microsoft, instead of a built-in online network firewall?

A: If you have used a firewall other than Microsoft on your computer, you should continue to use it. If no firewall exists, there is a ready-made option. If you want a simple firewall that is very easy to set, you should use Windows XP online firewall. If you want to implement more advanced control over transmission through your computer and block outgoing transmission (that is, transfer from your computer to the network, select the personal firewall of other brands.

Q: Why can't the network online firewall be prevented?

A: Windows XP's online network firewall cannot guard against viruses spread by email, such as the trojan virus, which may pretend to be useful or well-intentioned software and induce you to enable or download it. The firewall cannot prevent spam or quick and explicit advertisements. The firewall cannot prevent access to insecure wireless networks. However, firewalls help protect the security of computers on your network. Even if intruders gain access to your network, they cannot access your PC.

Q: Can the network online firewall protect my wireless network?

A: The network online firewall can help protect computers on the wireless network, but it does not limit 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 the wireless network. For more information, see your wireless network device manual.

Q: My laptop is located in a firewall-protected home and enterprise network. What should I do when I go out?

A: When you go out, you should enable ICF at any time when using a dial-up modem or any broadband online connection.