Anti-virus software isn't enough - it's also a good idea to install firewall software which will help prevent unauthorized incoming and outgoing communications from your computer while connected to the Internet. In most instances you wouldn't even be aware that these illegitimate probes and scans of your systems are occurring. Port scanning is *very* common and is carried out with a view to finding weaknesses in your system that can then be exploited.
If you are using Windows XP, then you're in luck as there's already an effective firewall included - but it's not enabled by default.
To activate the firewall in Windows XP:
- Go to "Start"
- Go to "Settings", then "Network connections"
- Select your Internet connection
- Click on "Properties"
- Click on "Advanced"
- Check the box in the "Internet Connection Firewall" section
If you are using Windows XP, then you're in luck as there's already an effective firewall included - but it's not enabled by default.
To activate the firewall in Windows XP:
- Go to "Start"
- Go to "Settings", then "Network connections"
- Select your Internet connection
- Click on "Properties"
- Click on "Advanced"
- Check the box in the "Internet Connection Firewall" section
![[Image: 2z7pnio.jpg]](http://i28.tinypic.com/2z7pnio.jpg)
Sukanjan.K
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