Software Firewalls

     Software firewalls are programs that reside on your computer and help to protect your system from unwanted and malicious intrusions, scans, probes, and attacks. Basically the firewall monitors all traffic ports on your system and alerts you to the presence of incoming or outgoing connection requests. You can then decide if the request is legitimate or not and either block or allow it. Most personal firewalls have tracking and logging capabilities that will help you determine the origin and legitimacy of the request. Most personal firewalls are very easy to install and use, you don't need to be an uber geek to have one up and running in no time at all.

     Popular software firewalls include Black Ice,   Zone Alarm Pro,    Norton Internet Security 2003 and Tiny Personal Firewall (TPF).

     Personal firewalls are inexpensive and you should definitely use one. However, they should not be considered as the final word in home security. They should be used in combination with antivirus software, a hardware firewall (if you have a DSl or cable modem), and other other security software such as Pest Patrol © and Spy Cop ©. Since Some malicious code is actually intended to exploit or hide inside of existing antivirus and security programs, it is quite easy for a virus, trojan, RAT, key logger or other exploit to slip by one particular program in your personal security portfolio only to be discovered by another. Using a combination of detection and prevention software goes a long way towards creating and maintaining a secure operating system.