An Extract from the latest CNET Members Newsletter - June 3, 2005.
Member Question of the Week
Hi, I'm really new to computers and the Internet. I keep hearing people say I should use a firewall on my computer to prevent Web nasties, but I'm confused as to what a firewall is and if it's really absolutely necessary. If you say I need one, which one would you recommend? I want one that I can use and easily understand without pulling out what's left of my hair. Understanding my antivirus app was difficult enough, but I'm always willing to learn new things given a chance. Any advice to a grandpa who's just starting to explorer the computer world is sincerely appreciated.
Submitted by: Stanley M.
Answer: Stanley, a firewall acts as a gatekeeper between your computer and all the other machines that make up the Internet. Why do we need such a gatekeeper? It's because the nature of communication across computer networks allows for a loophole that can be exploited by malicious hackers. I'll use a telephone analogy to make the aforementioned points clearer, then make a recommendation...
To see the full answer follow this link
