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Firewall
is a piece of software that monitors all incoming network
traffic and allows in only the connections that are known
and trusted. Port 80 is open so that you can browse web
pages; port 1863 allows you to engage in instant messaging
with friends; port 443 gives access to secure web pages
used by online merchants to encrypt purchases.
You could manually grant
or restrict access to each of the 65,535 ports available
under the Internet Protocol. Every time you add a new
program that requires Internet access, you would need to
determine which port(s) it uses, and reconfigure your
computer accordingly. You've likely got better ways to
spend your time.
Firewall software takes
on this burden for you, allowing access to the ports you
need open, and closing off those you don't. It also makes
your computer "invisible" on the Internet; if
hackers can't find you, they will have a hard time
attacking you.
More advanced firewall
software also monitors outgoing traffic. This is crucial
since malicious code spreads by accessing the Internet and
pushing copies of itself to other computers (often those
of your friends and family!). Outbound protection can keep
even brand-new Trojan horses and spyware from doing their
damaging work. The ultimate protection is program-level
control, so that only those applications that you trust
are allowed to access the Internet.
New in ZoneAlarm 3:
- All-new, easy-to-use
interface gets new users up and running quickly
- New in-client logging
provides log filtering, sorting and real-time analysis
- Multi-layer protection
system shields you from inbound and outbound threats
- Basic MailSafe email
protection stops .VBS email viruses
- Context-sensitive help
system, quick-start tutorial, quick-reference text
column, and new security overview panel guide you
through installation, use, and threat evaluation
- All new AlertAdvisor
offers instant security advice from the experts at
Zone Labs—you never face security threats alone
- Zone management area
lets you easily share files with computers and
networks you trust while simultaneously blocking
everyone else
- Active network
indicator tells you what computers and networks you're
trusting
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