Firewall

[redvette]

Hi gang

Going to show my ignorance again here. It has been around for some time, I guess I just ignored it, now it has me curious. This firewall/firewire stuff. If you have a firewall type connection on the back of your computer, and you want to put this to use. Are you supposed to have your router/modem run through this connection. My understanding is it puts some sort of protection, a wall in front of your computer and being what gets to your computer comes through that modem/router, so this is where the protection should be. Am I right in my thinking.?

Or am I misunderstanding what this firewall is all about.

Thanks and take care........Gunny

[Alaron]

I think you are confusing two things, a firewall and firewire. They are unrelated.

Firewire is a type of peripheral connection like USB. It is not as common, and usually found on cameras. http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/I/IEEE_1394.html

A firewall is type of protection, via software or hardware that prevents hackers online from getting into your computer or network. If you have a router, that is an example of a hardware based firewall. If you don't have a router and instead use Windows XP's built-in Firewall, that is a software solution. They both accomplish the same goal. http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/f/firewall.html

Hope that helps.

[redvette]

Hi Alaron

Thanks that is perfect. Great explanation. You said it so even a ignorant person of this subject like myself can understand. There are times I have a vague understanding, I get from reading articles about some thing but to have it explained in plain English sinks in better.

Thanks and take care........Gunny