When it comes to security and privacy on your computer, nothing works as well as a firewall. Whether you choose a hardware or software firewall, they both offer excellent protection against hackers and can prevent remote access to data and systems on your computer network. In an age where Internet connections are always on and the owner of the connection is largely responsible for the content transmitted, this is of vital importance.
Understanding how a firewall works will allow you to find superior products when purchasing a firewall package.

Once installed, a software firewall monitors all communications ports on your computer and checks the data going in and out of them. If there are any requests on suspect or unauthorized ports, the firewall will notify you and prevent access until specifically authorized by you. By setting filters, programs can be given limited access to network or internet resources. As a basic example, you can think of this like a bus station. The firewall would be the security guard, making sure that no one is boarding any buses without permission, that all busses are being driven by the proper people and that any busses that are not authorized to use the station are prohibited from entering.

Hardware firewalls are more advanced and highly configurable, but require sufficient computer knowledge to set up, run and maintain. It is possible to build your own hardware firewall by outfitting a spare computer with multiple network cards and specialized software for analyzing traffic and configuring access. However, these are typically reserved for business use. For home use, basic hardware firewalls are also contained in many routers. By placing either of these solutions between the modem providing internet access and computer or network, you create a secured gateway and can monitor and regulate all network traffic. Redirecting any network traffic through a remote server, or proxy, can provide further security benefits and privacy as well.

For the average user a software firewall, router and proper PC maintenance will cover most security issues. Many popular antivirus software suites, such as Norton Security or McAfee Antivirus offer firewalls as part of their protection package. If you are looking for a firewall to install, this may be your best option, as it will integrate seamlessly into the antivirus system you are used to. However, ZoneAlarm, Comodo and Kerio all offer robust stand-alone firewall programs at great prices. In a world where our data, communications and digital assets are becoming increasingly important and accessible, not running a firewall can be a disastrous choice.