The problem with Windows before Vista came along was that Microsoft left all your ports open for your convenience—and, as it turns out, for the bad guys’. Starting with Vista, all the ports arrive on your PC closed. The firewall blocks or permits signals based on a predefined set of rules. They dictate, for example, which programs are permitted to use your network connection, or which ports can be used for communications. You don’t need to do anything to turn on the Windows Firewall. When you turn on Windows, it’s already at work. But the Windows Firewall can be turned off. To do that, or to fiddle with any of its settings, there are plenty of ways to find it: •• Open the Start menu. Start typing firewall until you see “Windows Firewall” in the results list; click it. •• Choose StartÆControl Panel. In Icon view, double-click Windows Firewall. Or, in Category view, click “System and Security” and then Windows Firewall. As you can see in Figure 10-3, the Firewall screen is pretty simple. Tip: It’s perfectly OK to use the Windows Firewall and another company’s firewall software—a first for Windows. Each can be assigned to handle different technical firewall functions—if you’re a supergeek.
Figure 10-3: The firewall is basically a dashboard that tells you if your firewall is turned on, the name of your network, and what the settings are for each kind of network location—Domain (Work), Private, or Public. See page 715 for details on these network types.