Network Uptime

Protecting Your Data:

A Guide to Windows Firewall

Written by James Messer

A NetworkUptime.com Publication

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION TO WINDOWS FIREWALL

• Should you use Windows Firewall?

CHAPTER 1: WHAT IS A FIREWALL?

• Software-based Firewalls and Hardware-based Firewalls
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Hardware-based Firewalls
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Software-based Firewalls

CHAPTER 2: NETWORKING BASICS

• Internet Protocol (IP)
• Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and User Datagram Protocol (UDP)
• TCP and UDP - What's the Difference?
• Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)
• User Datagram Protocol (UDP)
• Simularities between TCP and UDP
• "Well Known" Ports
• Open Ports
• Update, Update, Update!

CHAPTER 3: USING WINDOWS FIREWALL

• Installing Windows Firewall
• Upgrading to the Latest Service Pack
• The Windows Firewall User Interface
• The Windows Firewall General Tab
• The Windows Firewall Exceptions Tab
• Why Have Exceptions?
• The Exceptions List
• Exceptions / Display Notification
• Exceptions / Add a Program
• Exceptions / Add a Program / Change Scope
• Exceptions / Add Port
• Exceptions / Add Port / Change Scope
• Exceptions / Edit
• Exceptions / Delete

CHAPTER 4: ADVANCED WINDOWS FIREWALL OPTIONS

• The Windows Firewall Advanced / Network Connection Settings
  
  • Advanced / Network Connection Settings / Settings
    
  • Advanced / Network Connection Settings / Settings / Add...
    
  • Advanced / Network Connection Settings / Settings / Edit...
    
  • Advanced / Network Connection Settings / Settings / Delete
    
  • Advanced / Network Connection Settings / Settings / ICMP
    
• Windows Firewall Advanced / Security Logging
  
  • Advanced / Security Logging / Settings
    
  • The Security Log File
  • Viewing the Windows Firewall Log
• The Windows Firewall Advanced / ICMP Options
  
  • Advanced / ICMP / Settings
    
• The Windows Firewall Advanced / Default Settings
  
  • Advanced / Default Settings / Restore Defaults