Windows 7 Firewall Settings

A firewall is a part of the security system, every computer or network has. It is designed to block any unauthorized access and only permit authorized communication, in the computer security authentication process. When one wants to implement computer or network security, there are two types of computer security, which can be implemented. You can either opt for a hardware firewall or software firewall. Both of them are able to protect a computer from unauthorized access. All the messages, which enter or leave the computer or the intranet, pass through the firewall. Each of these message is examined, and the messages that do not meet the specified computer security criteria are blocked. Firewall for windows was introduced for the first time in Windows XP, where it was christened as Internet Connection Firewall. But it was looked upon as a low-key Windows component and it did not generate any appreciable interest among the users. One of the major problems of the firewall was, that it remained disabled, hence a large number of Windows-based unpatched computers became victims of random attacks of various malware, like worms, trojan horses, etc. Due to the debacle of the first firewall, Microsoft decided to release built-in firewall with the next release of the computer operating system and it was so done, when built-in firewall was released with Windows XP SP2 and was renamed as Windows Firewall. A number of features were added to the Windows Vista firewall, however after Windows Vista problem, a new version was released with Windows 7 and was christened as Windows 7 firewall. Windows 7 firewall settings are so designed, that the firewall turns on automatically by default, when Windows starts.

Windows 7 Firewall

Although many changes were made to Windows 7 firewall, some of the features of Vista firewall were retained. Like in Vista, Windows 7 firewall also has a three profile structure, which contains domain profile, private profile and public profile. Change was made in the private profile and it was restructured to include both home and work network.

How to Configure Windows Firewall

The firewall settings in Windows 7 can be configured for each type of network location, including the firewall settings for remote desktop. You will have to follow the steps mentioned below and change the settings.

• Click on the Start button on the task bar, then go to Control Panel.
• In the search box in the right hand top corner, type Firewall and press enter, you see Windows Firewall.
• Under the Windows Firewall, you will see the Turn Windows Firewall on or off. Click on the option.
• You will now be prompted for an administrator password or confirmation. Type in the password or give in the required confirmation, so that you are able to change the firewall settings of Windows 7.

How to Change Windows 7 Firewall Settings

Switch on Windows Firewall
If you think of turning Windows Firewall on, you will not have to take any measures, because the firewall settings are by default on. Due to which, majority of programs are blocked from communicating through the Firewall. In case there is a particular program, which you want to allow to communicate through the Firewall, you will have to make changes in the settings and add it to the list of allowed programs.

Block Connections
With the block connections, you will be able to block all incoming connections, including the connections, which are included in the list of allowed programs. Due to this setting, any unsolicited attempts to connect to your computer are blocked. There is maximum protection for your computer, when you connect to a public network in a hotel or airport, if you use block connections options. It is also beneficial, when there is a computer worm, that has spread over the Internet. When this setting is turned on, you will not be notified, if certain programs are blocked by Windows Firewall or if the programs in the list of allowed programs are ignored. However, even if you block all incoming connections, you will not face any problems, as you still be able to view most web pages, send and receive e-mail as well as send and receive instant messages.

Notifications
There is an option called 'notify me, when Windows Firewall blocks a new program', if you check the box, every time a new program is blocked by the firewall, you will be informed. There also exists the option of unblocking the program, which are blocked by the Firewall and make Windows 7 Firewall exceptions.

Disable Windows Firewall
Disabling Firewall for Windows 7 is not recommended. If you really want to disable the firewall, do so only if you have another Firewall running on your computer. When the Firewall is disabled, your computer and your network, is vulnerable to harm from hackers and malicious software.

With the right firewall settings most of the malware can be stopped from reaching the system, yet there are some malware which can be stopped by this firewall. The two major malicious elements, which cannot be blocked include e-mail viruses and online phishing attempts. Hence, anti-virus and anti-phishing software will have to be installed on the machine.