It is important to know how and why you should install a firewall with the onslaught of computer hackers, scammers, and viruses that are prevalent around the Internet. This is your first line of defense between your computer and data that is entering it. With one, you can avoid dangerous attacks that can wipe out your data or steal personal information.

The type of firewall required for your computer should be ascertained since there are a wide variety available including those from major corporations such as Microsoft. It is likely that your firewall will already be set up and ready to use if your computer came with the Microsoft XP or Vista operating system installed. Check that it is turned on and working properly. If you do not have one of these later operating systems, then you need to purchase your own software. Even with Microsoft XP, you may still want to purchase separate firewall software since the XP version doesn't get great reviews.

The many products available, include Norton, AVG, and McAfee and can be puchased in store or downloaded from the internet. There are plenty of low cost versions available, even from the big name companies, with prices varying according to the sophistication of the software.

A few things must be taken into consideration prior to the installation of your firewall. You must configure the program to allow the functions that you need, such as file and printing sharing. You will normally learn how to do this during the installation or by using its documentation to change the settings once the program is installed.

Firewalls can limit access to certain parts of the Internet. You should be aware how you connect as this may happen if you use a local area network or a router. Secured networks in particular are difficult to access when you have installed a firewall in place. Before installing a firewall to a pc linked to a company network, you should liase with the company's IT department since they may give you a specific settings configuration so you are still able to connect to them.