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AnchorDesk

Jason Parker
Firewalls stop intruders cold

Jason Parker
Contributing Editor, Downloads
Friday, Sept. 24, 2004
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In my last column, I gave you three of my favorite adware and spyware detectors. I hope I got the point across that you should run one or more  of these programs to ensure that you get all spyware and adware off your system. But even if you're sticking to a strict regimen and running 10 programs a day to detect spyware, your computer is still not completely safe without a good firewall program.

At work, I don't have to worry because ZDNet has our network locked up tighter than Fort Knox, but at home I can't count on that kind of security. That's where software-based firewalls come in.

Firewalls keep hackers and bandits out while your computer is connected to the Internet. They hide your computer from would-be intruders and stop anyone from trying to get in. They also prevent spyware and adware from contacting the mother ship with your personal information.

Now that you have spyware detectors up and running, check out one of these three firewall programs to beef up your security even further.

ZoneAlarm is one of the more well-known firewall programs, and it's the one I run at home. It installs easily and alerts you via a pop-up window the second anyone tries to access your connection--coming in or going out. A paid version of ZoneAlarm offers more options, but the free version is enough for basic security, which is why I'm listing this one as free. (Free/Windows)

Kerio Personal Firewall is another solid firewall program that provides protection similar to ZoneAlarm's. I like how this program essentially fingerprints trusted programs so that Trojan horses, which impersonate other programs, have no chance of squirming in. Kerio Personal Firewall has both paid and free versions, like ZoneAlarm, and the free version works great.(Free/Windows)

Intego NetBarrier X Personal Firewall for Mac OS X offers a four-level line of defense against hackers and vandals and prevents exporting of personal information. Not even a Mac is bulletproof (though I'll admit it's close). Unfortunately, you'll need to pay to play with this program. (Shareware/Mac)

Adware and spyware detectors are an integral part of personal computer security, but only part of your first line of defense. Get one of these programs to protect your data and to keep out hackers and other Internet vandals and to keep spyware from reporting back to advertising companies.

Is your computer as secure as it could be? What do you think is more important, a firewall or a spyware/adware killer? Talk back and let me know!

   

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