Tag Archives: Firewall for Windows 7

We keep hearing about firewall all the time, but what exactly is a firewall? Is it a machine, device, an appliance, system, hardware or software? Firewall in simple terms is one of the types of computer security, which can be hardware, as well as software solution. This takes care of computer security authentication. With regards to all kinds of information received in a computer system from the Internet, or through other networks or another node on the same network. It prevents malicious information from reaching the computer or the network or also allows the user to see it. This actually depends, solely on the firewall settings available on the particular computer or network. The first firewall from the Microsoft stables were introduced in Windows XP, under the name Internet Connection Firewall. However, it was looked upon as a low key windows component and did not generate any appreciable interest among the users of the system. Since the users were very vulnerable to random attacks by various kinds of malware, Microsoft released a built-in firewall in Windows XP SP2 and was renamed as Windows Firewall. After understanding that windows firewall is a critical line of defense to protect the computers from malware and hacking, the firewall technology was upgraded in Windows Vista. Computer security is such in Windows Vista firewall, that it starts automatically by default, when windows starts. However, it was observed, that there were some Windows Vista problems in relation to the firewall, also it was not flexible. Therefore, a new version was released along with the new version of Windows, called Windows 7. This is what is called as firewall for Windows 7.

Firewall for Windows 7

After the problems faced with Windows Vista, further improvements were made in the new version of the firewall, that came with Windows 7. The new firewall is more flexible and also easy to use. The structure of the Windows 7 firewall did not change from the previous version and it continues to have three profile structure. The profile structure has domain profile, private profile and public profile. A small change was brought about in the private profile, and was restructured, to include home as well as work networks.

Home Network
In the new version of the home network, when the user chooses home network, he is able to form home-group, because the network discovery is automatically switched on with the home network option. With this option, the home group users are able to see each other, share music, pictures, video and also printers on the home network, which happens in the purview of network security in the home network.

Work Network
If a user has selected work network, then network discovery is turned on, by default. There is hitch in this profile, the user is not able to form or become a part of a home-group.

Customizing Windows 7 Firewall Settings

Windows 7 firewall control can be customized for each type of network location. Below listed are the steps to be followed to find the settings and also customize them.
First click on the Start button and go to Control Panel.
In the search box on the right hand top corner, type Firewall, you see Windows Firewall.
To switch on or off the firewall, you will come across an option on the left side of the pane, you will see the Turn Windows Firewall on or off.
At this stage, the system may prompt you for an administrator password or confirmation. Type the password or give the necessary confirmation.
How to Use Windows 7 Firewall

Switch on Windows 7 Firewall
Windows 7 firewall is switched on, by default. Hence you will not have to take any extra measures. Due to this, majority of the programs may be blocked and they will not be able to communicate through the firewall. In case there is a particular program, which you will want to communicate through the firewall, then you will have to add the program to the list of allowed programs. However, it is important to note that there are some Windows 7 Firewall exceptions as well.

Block Connections using Windows 7 Firewall
Using your own discretion, you can block all incoming connections, including the connections, that are listed on the allowed programs. This ensures, any unsolicited attempts to reach your computer are blocked. This is the setting, which provides maximum protection to your workstation, especially, when you connect to a public network in a hotel or airport. It also proves to be useful, if there is a computer worm, that is spreading over the Internet. With this setting, the system will notify when certain programs have been blocked by windows firewall, and if the program is in the list of allowed program has been ignored. However, it does not mean, you will not be able to view certain web pages. You will view almost all the web pages and you will also be able to send, as well as receive emails and instant messages.

Notifications
There is an option, whereby you will be notified, if a new program has been blocked by the firewall. To activate this option, you will have to check the checkbox, which reads 憂otify me, when Windows Firewall blocks a new program? There is also an option of unblocking the program, which has been blocked by the firewall and make Windows 7 Firewall exceptions.

Disable Firewall
You can disable Windows 7 Firewall, however, it is not recommended. It should ideally, be used only if there is another firewall running on your computer. If the firewall is turned off, your computer or your network, or both, are more vulnerable to attacks from hackers and malicious software.

According to the Windows 7 Firewall review, Windows 7 Firewall is the best. Windows 7 firewall has a number of changes and it is certainly much faster. There is always the option of making connection security rules with dynamic encryption. In some cases a user may find it difficult working with the firewall for Windows 7, but it should not be turned off, for better security of your data.