| Protecting your computer is just as important as | | | | sitting on your desktop right now. |
| protecting your home. In order to do what's necessary | | | | I was amazed at the number of alerts I got when I first |
| to prevent hackers from getting personal and private | | | | installed my firewall. Each alert meant that someone or |
| information, a firewall is a must for internet users. | | | | some automated robot was trying to access my |
| With more and more small and home based | | | | computer. Admittedly, if you are a small business just |
| businesses getting high speed, full time Internet | | | | beginning e-commerce operations, you are not a |
| connections, like Cable modem and DSL, there is an | | | | prestigious target for a hacker to attack. But you might |
| increased need for firewall software and/or hardware. | | | | be a fun target for some 8th grader who wants to |
| A firewall can be many things, but the main thing you | | | | see if they can get into your computer. |
| need to know is that without one you are at risk of | | | | Begin by immediately downloading and installing some |
| someone breaking into your computer. With people | | | | free firewall software: You could visit for many |
| staying connected to the Internet full time with Cable | | | | choices and more technical articles about firewalls. |
| modems or a DSL line, you are at a MUCH greater | | | | I got my free firewall at . It provides a good beginners |
| risk of someone accessing your computer from a | | | | level of protection. has a popular firewall for about |
| remote location. | | | | $40.00. So does that has one called Black Ice |
| Basically a firewall limits the access to your computer | | | | Defender. |
| from the Internet. This has nothing to do with your | | | | As your business grows, you probably will want to |
| website. That's your webhost's responsibility to protect | | | | graduate to more sophisticated software and |
| your site (which is another reason to make sure you | | | | hardware solutions. Just know that you MUST do |
| have a reputable firm hosting your website). We're | | | | something and you must do it NOW! |
| talking about someone accessing the computer that's | | | | |