A firewall protects a computer network from unauthorized access. Firewalls may be hardware devices, software programs, or a combination of the two. A firewall typically guards an internal network against malicious access from the outside; however, firewalls may also be configured to limit access to the outside from internal users.
Hardware Firewalls (Routers)
A dedicated hardware device designed to protect one or more computers on a network on on the Internet, sometimes called a network appliance. These devices are generally easy to add to your network, easy to configure and are less prone to user-error and software file corruption problems as are software firewall solutions. There are a variety of different manufacturers and price points for these devices, such as LinkSys, SMC, Netgear and 3COM.
Software Firewalls
ZoneAlarm
Easy to install and configure. ZoneAlarm's Internet Lock blocks Internet traffic while your PC is unattended or while you are not using the Internet . Application Control alerts you when a new application attempts to access the Internet. Security Levels automatically configure the Firewall and eliminate the risk of improper use
BlackIce Defender
Configured to provide color-coded alerts, as well as optional audible alerts, to inform you of the importance of the potential threat at a glance. Also identifies and blocks intruders.
Symantec Norton Internet Security
when used with Norton Anti-Virus software, stops viruses, malicious Java applets and ActiveX controls, includes parental control software to restrict children's access to specified web sites, newsgroups and other areas of the Internet, and blocks pop-up windows
McAfee Internet Guard Dog
Includes "Configuration Assistant" that makes Guard Dog easy to install and configure, includes Parental Control software, full anti-virus protection, scans e-mail attachments and disk drives
