windows firewall

Since Service Pack 2 of XP, each new version of Windows already has a firewall on board. But what is the Microsoft Firewall suited for?

Windows XP
Microsoft felt compelled to do something about the security of their operating system only after the Blaster 2003 worm massacred Windows computer. Unfortunately, the XP firewall cannot do much either. Even simple things such as checking the outgoing connections do not work. But nevertheless, the programs protects against worm attacks. That at least helps temporarily when you are unprotected, before you get a real firewall and Windows updates.

Windows Vista
For the first time ever, Microsoft developed an “Out-Bound-Firewall” for Vista to check the outgoing connections as well. However, since many inexperienced users had problems in the beta test with this function and certain programs, this feature was immediately deactivated. However, you can bring the enhanced functions back to life: Enter “Windows Firewall with Advanced Security” in the program search of the Vista start menu in order to open the detailed settings menu on your screen. Note that the Vista firewall is not as safe and comfortable as its commercial contemporaries.