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What does this mean?
It means that the device is equipped with a software firewall that provides some minimum protection from malicious network traffic. In some cases, it refers to a separate appliance.
Why is this standard necessary?
The University network is constantly being scanned from the Internet for vulnerable systems. A firewall provides an effective layer of protection from these scans. It also protects your PC from worms, i.e., self-propagating malware.
What Firewalls are available?
The two main types of firewalls are hardware and software. We will only be talking about software firewalls here, and the options for software-based firewalls are built-in, freeware, and commercial firewalls. Any software firewall will meet the connection standard, but for most users it is recommended to use the built-in firewall provided with your operating systems, e.g., Windows XP Pro, Service Pack 2.
Do I have a built-in Firewall?
Built-in firewalls are now part of most current operating systems. Microsoft Windows XP with Service Pack 2 has the firewall turned on by default. If you are not sure if you have a built-in firewall, please contact your computer's manufacturer or vendor.
Additional Information:
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