firewalls

[Hard@it]

How do I check if my computer firewalls are on and if they are doing their job ?

[Gizmonster]

Look in "Control Panel".

I don't know what version of Windows you're using, but I'm on Windows XP and in my version, in "Control Panel", there's an icon named, "Windows Firewall". Click on that and it will tell you if your firewall is on or not

[rojash]

Go here to test your firewall:

http://www.auditmypc.com/firewall-test.asp

[vehelpfulguy]

I notice you say firewallS, plural.

Does this mean you are running more than one firewall?

Not a good idea, just have one running.

The Windows Security Centre (available in XP and Vista) tells you if your firewall is on. The security centre is shown in the Control Panel.

I have Zone Alarm and every time a new program tries to get out to the internet I get a warning message asking if this is OK so I KNOW it is working.

What firewall program are you using ?

[fo3nix]

Use Shields Up:

https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2

Click the proceed button, then check 'all service ports'.

You want ports to be closed or stealth, not open (see the colour coding). I've just checked mine, and it's all green, happily.

(Probably does the same as rojash's suggestion, but I personally use this.)

[rojash]

Whilst vehelpfulguy is correct when he says that you shouldn't run more than one firewall, that only refers to software firewalls. Most of us who connect via routers have a second firewall in the router itself, and it's perfectly fine (and good practice) to have that enabled, as well.

Also, there is a difference between knowing that a firewall is running, and knowing that's it's working well. Hence, it's better to test your firewall, rather than just assuming that because it sometime pops up messages, you have full protection.

[Hard@it]

1) Windows XP pro., checked control panel and Windows firewall is on and ok.
2) Can't get through to www.auditmypc.
3) Only said Firewalls as a matter of statement.
4) Could /should I add Shields up.
6) I do have a router supplied by talktalk, which Iassume will be on.
6) How do I test?
Thanks to all Hard@it

[markysngc]

the windows firewall is far better than nothing but I personally would recomend installing zone alarm, which is free and turning windows firewall off.

The router supplied by talktalk should have the firewall turned on by default, however if it is a wireless one make sure you either have the security setup for wireless if you are using it, or if not using wireless turn it off altogether as the default setting on a lot of routers leaves you wide open to attack via wireless (though only by people in range)

Sheilds up is just another website, like audit my pc, that will check your firewall status, if you couldn't get the audit my pc site up try sheildsup

and even when you are sure you have working firewall in place if you do get a popup from it saying something is trying to access the internet actually read the popup and think about it, don't just click yes to make it go away.

[fo3nix]

Shields up isn't a firewall to download.

It's just a website that can test your computer's connection to see if you're open to the world or not.

Just goto the website above, click 'proceed' then 'all service ports', and wait a bit. A block made of lots of different blocks will appear, perhaps many different colours. Let us know what blocks are different colours, etc.

[Hard@it]

fo3nix, hi ran check :-
No open ports found.
Area code for phone 0.
Stated my IP.
Host name not found.
All sounds good to me !

[fo3nix]

All green (i.e., all stealth)?

If so, (or closed), then you're fine. Whatever you're using is working.

[Hard@it]

Yes fo3nix all 100% green ! cheers and thanks.