Windows XP Firewall

Windows XP has a built-in firewall to help protect you against Internet threats. If you set up your firewall, hackers and worms searching for vulnerable computers can't easily detect your computer.

Open the Security Center control panel using Start -> Settings -> Control Panel

Select Windows Firewall

Select On (recommended)

Click the Exceptions tab and uncheck the boxes for File and Printer Sharing, Remote Assistance, and Remote Desktop. The ports these services use are the most exploited part of the Windows OS. To avoid application problems, leave the other boxes alone. If you see random characters or something similar to "port 1337" your computer may have already been breached; pick up a StudentNet CD from the Information Technology Office to guide you in removing these threats. Click OK