Firewalls

The name "firewall" derives from the term for a barrier that prevents fires from spreading. A computer "firewall" is a barrier between your computer and the outside world.

A firewall is a set of related programs configured to permit, deny or encrypt all computer traffic between different security domains based upon a set of rules or other criteria. In the former case, it is used to prevent network intrusion to the private network. In the latter case, it is intended to contain and delay structural fire from spreading to adjacent structures.

A firewall's basic task is to regulate some of the flow of traffic between computer networks of different trust levels. Typical examples are the Internet which is a zone with no trust and an internal network which is a zone of higher trust.

An effective software firewall isolates your computer from the Internet using a code that sets up a blockade to inspect each packet of data, from or to your computer - to determine whether it should be allowed to pass or be blocked.

Comodo Internet Security is a complete form of protection against Hackers, Viruses, Trojans and Malware.

Online Armor Personal Firewall Free is a personal firewall, with HIPS and a host of other security features.

Comodo Firewall is a freeware firewall that provides protection from inbound and outbound attacks.

ZoneAlarm Free is an easy-to-use firewall that blocks hackers and other unknown threats.

Outpost Firewall Free is the first freeware firewall with an open architecture and support for plug-ins.

PC Tools Firewall Plus is powerful personal firewall for Windows, aimed at using at home computers.

Outpost Security Suite Free is a fully functional free version of an Internet security suite for Windows.

Sunbelt Kerio Personal Firewall helps control how their computers exchange data with other computers.