What is a firewall?
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FIREWALL
A firewall is software or hardware that checks information coming from the Internet or a network, and then either blocks it or allows it to pass through to your computer, depending on your firewall settings.
A firewall can help prevent hackers or malicious software (such as worms) from gaining access to your computer through a network or the Internet. A firewall can also help stop your computer from sending malicious software to other computers.
Illustration showing how a firewall creates a barrier between the Internet and your computer Just as a brick wall can create a physical barrier, a firewall creates a barrier between the Internet and your computer. A firewall isn't the same thing as an antivirus program. To help protect your computer, you need both a firewall and an antivirus and anti-malware program.
To turn off Windows Firewall
- Open Windows Firewall by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking Security, and then clicking Windows Firewall.
- Click Turn Windows Firewall on or off. ...
- Click Off (not recommended), and then click OK.