What is Spyware? 
 

 Spyware, adware, malware,  
 trackware, etc. are tracking 
 devices that are maliciously 
 placed on your computer to 
 track and record your computer 
 use and your surfing habits.

 These agents are innocently
 picked up by your computer, 
 without your knowledge, while 
 your're surfing the net.  
        
A firewall is a system or gateway that prevents unauthorized access to 
your computer or private network. It is usually the first line of defense 
in protecting your private information or data. A good firewall will help 
protect you from malicious attacks of spyware, adware, malware, worms, 
trojans, and hackers.

Firewalls are security mechanisms that control who can access and 
send data thru your network or computer. They can be applied to both 
hardware and software on your computer - many systems use a 
combination of each for greater protection. All data or messages entering 
or leaving your computer has to pass thru the firewall - which checks 
all messages and blocks those that don't meet your specified security 
criteria or rules.

To put it in simple terms: think of a firewall as a security guard or a 
security scanner for your computer or network. Anything going in or out 
must be checked thru this system and must obey your rules!

Of course, this is just a simple explanation, firewalls can be very 
complex; consisting of a whole combination of techniques that can be 
used in concert depending on the level of security you wish to achieve.

These firewall techniques may include:

Application gateway - places security mechanisms on specific 
applications (FTP, Telnet, etc.)

Packet filters - examines each packet using your computer and accepts 
or rejects according to your rules

Circuit-level gateway - security measures for such connections as TCP
(Transmission Control Protocol) or UDP (User Datagram Protocol) 

Proxy server - all messages entering or leaving your network must go thru 
this proxy server, effective for hiding your true network or computer address

Also, for greater security, many networks use encrypted data.


If you are operating a computer or a server, putting up firewalls will 
give you protection for your data and information that's passed along your 
network. If you regularly surf the Internet, placing a firewall on your own 
personal computer is a MUST. There is no reason not to have a firewall 
in place, you can download a free firewall from www.zonealarm.com 
for your own personal use. 

Keep in mind, no system is foolproof - any computer or network hooked 
up to the Internet can be hacked! Therefore, most people in the know, always 
keep a back-up of their important data/information off-line: on floppy disks, 
CDs, or on a computer that's not connected to the Internet. Do daily or 
weekly back-ups to make sure your data and programs are safe.

Still, a good firewall will go a long way in protecting yourself from any 
unauthorized access to your computer. With the occurrences of spyware, 
adware, and other more invasive scumware increasing daily; putting
up a firewall and protecting yourself should be your first line of defense 
against such unwanted and rude visitors. Nuke them at the gate and save 
yourself from some major headaches.

Put that firewall up right now!



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To learn more about Spyware and Adware Click Here:Spyware Removal Guide
Copyright © 2005 Titus Hoskins of www.bizwaremagic.com. 
This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays 
attached. 
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