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Protecting Your Data: A Guide to Windows Firewall
CHAPTER 3: USING WINDOWS FIREWALL
Although Windows Firewall deals with very technical networking components and the inner-workings of operating systems, the user interface and day-to-day operation of Windows Firewall is incredibly simple. In most cases, Windows Firewall runs optimally without any configuration changes or modifications.
Installing Windows Firewall
Windows Firewall is included free with Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. In both of these operating systems, the most recent service pack provides the most robust version of the Windows Firewall. As new versions of Windows Firewall were created, the updated versions were rolled into the latest service packs.
In early releases of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003, Windows Firewall was called Internet Connection Firewall. This precursor to Windows Firewall had a similar user interface, but the underlying technology contained fewer capabilities than Windows Firewall. Windows Firewall is now more tightly integrated into the Windows operating system, providing a much safer networking experience.
If you are running Windows XP, you already have Windows Firewall as part of your Control Panel. If Windows XP Service Pack 2 or later is installed, Windows Firewall is enabled automatically.
Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 also includes Windows Firewall. If an existing installation of Windows Server 2003 has been upgraded to Service Pack 1, then Windows Firewall is installed but not enabled as part of the upgrade. If an new installation of Windows Server 2003 includes Service Pack 1 as an integrated part of the installation, Windows Firewall will be enabled by default.
Upgrading to the Latest Service Pack
If you haven't yet upgraded to the latest Windows XP or Windows Server 2003 Service Pack, it is highly recommended that you install the update! The latest service packs contain security updates and significant Windows operating system feature enhancements. Updating to the latest service pack will ensure that you are using the fully enhanced version of Windows Firewall. To upgrade to the latest Service Pack, use the Tools / Windows Update option within Microsoft Internet Explorer or visit http://update.microsoft.com.
