Family & Community Historical Research Society

Practical PC Housekeeping for Members of FACHRS

This part of the FACHRS website deals with some simple practical questions, or frequently asked questions that relate to using a PC for historical research. Initially the focus will be on aspects that affect the use of the FACHRS website by members. As this electronic help desk progresses a useful store of information will be assembled.
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Internet Firewall

What is a firewall?

A firewall is a protective barrier between your PC and the internet, the purpose of which is to prevent unauthorised entry into your PC when you are 'on-line'. There are people who believe that it is a challenge to gain access to your PC when on-line and take a look around your hard disk, maybe even leave the odd nasty file on your PC to catch you out.

Do you need a firewall?

That depends upon how long you stay on line. If you 'surf' the internet then it would be wise to consider implementing a firewall, especially when you can get free a firewall from reputable companies. If you are reading this page on-line ... you most probably should have a firewall. Most people who surf the internet never use a firewall and never have a problem. Most car (automobile) drivers wear a seat belt and never have an accident, it is a good comparison especially as a lot of car drivers do have accidents ... do you feel lucky?

What type of firewall?

Most of the members of FACHRS only need a software firewall, certainly if you use a desktop or notebook PC to surf then a software solution is all you need. There are commercial programmes around from such companies as Norton, but one of the best, a product called Zone Alarm is actually free for personal use. The file is around 2MB in size and can be downloaded from their web site, or sometimes from the free cover disks that come with PC Magazines.

What else will a firewall do for me?

A good firewall will intercept suspicious file attachments in emails and 'quarantine' them. When you open a mail with a file attachment the firewall program alerts you and tells you that it has 'quarantined the file' and that you should not open the file attachment until you have checked it out with a virus scanner. Using this type of safety net overcomes those intriguing email titles that caught so many people out.

Are firewalls easy to install?

That depends upon the software program, most that are available use the Windows Install Wizard so everything is reasonably straight forward. The Zone Alarm web site has installation instructions that you can print.

Should I regularly update my firewall the same as a virus programme?

The big difference between a firewall and an anti-virus programme is that most vendors will automatically tell you when an upgrade is available by sending you an email. This means that you do not have to check every couple of weeks for updates. (Most firewalls will update about two times a year).

If free firewalls are so good, why should I purchase one?