Personal Firewall Software
A personal firewall on your computer
- can block unauthorized access to your computer;
- scans for hacker-like behavior and block suspicious requests, often without any user intervention; and
- is especially important for users connecting to the Internet via cable modems or DSL, since these "always-on" connections make systems available and vulnerable to more attacks.
NOTE: Windows XP and Mac OS X (v10.2 or later) have built-in firewall protection. If you have a previous version of either of these operating systems (Windows 2000, Mac OS 9.x, etc.) and would like to run firewall protection, purchase/download third party software.
More information about built-in firewall protection is available at:
Third Party Firewall Software
While NUIT does not promote one brand of firewall software, there are several packages to consider if your operating system does not have one. Some are free for home use, while others companies may charge for the software:
| Firewall Software Name | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Feature | BlackIce Defender | Norton Personal Firewall | ZoneAlarm |
| Vendor Web Site | BlackIce Defender | Norton Personal Firewall | ZoneAlarm |
| Offers Trial or Freeware Version | No | Yes | Yes |
| Supports Mac OS 9x | No | Yes | Yes |
| Supports Mac OS X | No | Yes | No |
| Supports Windows 2000/XP Professional | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Supports Windows ME | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Supports Windows 98 SE | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Supports Windows NT 4.0 Workstation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Last Updated: 01 July 2008
