Subtitles of the Movie

Working with Windows Firewall is not only important for the MCAS Examination, but also for the health of your computer. Remember, the purpose of the Firewall is to protect us from uninvited guests. Most of these guests will come via the Internet. Keep in mind that the Internet is simply a computer Network. It's formed by the interconnection of other computers and networks across the globe. It's the biggest public network in the world. With the evolution of eCommerce, Online Transactions, Chat Rooms, Videos, et cetera, keeping our machines safe is even more of a concern. You will need to know the Windows Firewall thoroughly for the Examination. You'll be asked to change the settings and to turn it on and off. There are a few ways that we can do this. It is not important which way you use, what's important is that you know how to change the settings. I'd like to show you two different methods. First, I am going to the Start Menu and to the Control Panel. In the Control Panel toward the bottom is the Windows Firewall. When I double-click you'll notice I open up the screen for the Windows Firewall Settings. First, if you are not aware of exactly what the Firewall does, I strongly recommend that you read the section on How Does a Firewall Help Protect My Computer? Once you have an idea of exactly what its doing, then keep in mind that on the left-hand side we can turn it on and off. You'll notice we can also allow a particular program to bypass the Firewall. On the bottom of the screen also notice that we can immediately get to Security Center and the Network Center. These are two important components that tie together with the Firewall. In the center of the screen you'll notice that it tells me that the Firewall is On. Here's where I can find Change Settings. When I select Change Settings it immediately takes me to the Settings dialog box. First, notice mine is turned On. This is the recommended selection for the Firewall. When it's turned On, if I want to, I can actually block Incoming Connections. Although you really want to think twice about doing it, it is an option. You'll also notice that I can turn the Firewall Off. This is not recommended. Now, there are some exceptions to this rule. Let's say perhaps I am running a third-party vendor solution. In those instances we find that Firewalls conflict with each other. In that instance we may choose to turn off the Windows Firewall. Do make sure you thoroughly understand the repercussions of turning the Firewall off prior to doing so. And, remember for the Examination, that the recommended choice is to have the Firewall on. As before, notice that you have a Help Menu that you can go to immediately to find out more about these Settings. You'll also notice on the top there's an Exceptions tab. This allows me to Unblock certain items and have them come through the Firewall very quickly. It is not necessary that you know exactly what each of these components are, however, you do need to know where to go if you want an Exception to the Firewall. Notice that if I want to turn on Remote Assistance, I can. I can add a program as an Exception and a Port as an Exception. A Port is a channel that talks between machines. Think of it as a connection on the Internet. You'll also notice on the top the Advanced Settings. This is where I can choose the actual Network connection that I want to apply the Firewall settings to. In this case I have the choice of the Local Connection, which is Hard-Wired, and the Wireless Connection. Now if you change settings and you are not comfortable with the effects that you've received, notice on the Advanced tab that I have the ability to restore the Defaults. This will take away anything that you have configured and it will set them back to the out-of-the-box settings by Microsoft Windows. Keep in mind, depending on what programs that you have loaded this may disrupt the performance of your machine. When you're finished with the settings we simply Close out. In this case I'm closing all the way out and out of the Control Panel, and you'll notice that I have a Network Icon on the Desktop. I'm going to right-click and go to Properties. Here you'll notice that although I'm taken to the Network and Sharing Center that on the lower left-hand side of the screen I have the Windows Firewall. When I select it, it takes me right back to the Windows setting. Now, the Network settings that I chose to go through is the same Network Center that is shown on the bottom of the screen. This allows you to start understanding the inner connections between the different Windows in Windows Vista. It's important to go ahead and explore where these areas take you so that you are prepared for the Examination. We'll talk more in depth about Network and Sharing in an upcoming movie. On the Examination remember that it's essential that you know how to change the settings of your Firewall and that you thoroughly understand why it's there.