Many novice, and some advanced computer users do not understand the difference between anti-virus and firewall software. Some believe that having anti-virus software will protect them from all viruses, trojans and worms. This is a potentially fatal belief.

True, if you do not use the internet, anti-virus will do the job. However, if you have an internet connection, a firewall is essential. A firewall puts a barrier between your computer and the outside world. It filters the incoming and outgoing internet traffic to protect you from malicious attacks.

In essence, it gives the user complete control over what can and cannot access the internet from your machine. A firewall also allows you to monitor the incoming and outgoing traffic from your computer.

You can select which programs you would like to have incoming and outgoing access from your machine and deny any programs you would rather not have accessing the internet.

Firewall’s cost roughly the same amount as anti-virus software. Many leading companies now sell packages which include both a firewall and anti-virus software.

However, if you would rather save the money and want something free, try Zone Labs: Zone Alarm Free Edition. As the name suggests, this is a completely free firewall and is very popular, infact, I myself am using it at the moment.

You really have no excuse not to install one now. To see the importance of the firewall for yourself, check out the intrusion logs once you’ve installed the firewall.