Enabling the Windows Firewall

Click Start, go to Control Panel, and double-click Network Connections.

Note: If it says "Pick a category" at the top, choose Network and Internet Connections first, and then click Network Connections.

Select your network connection you want to firewall (It is usually called Local Area Connection).

Under Network Tasks on the left, choose "Change the settings of this connection".

On the Advanced tab all the way to the right, put a check by clicking the box next to Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet. Your connection should now be protected by a firewall.

Installing ZoneAlarm Firewall

If you are not running Windows XP, you can download and run the ZoneAlarm firewall for free. ZoneAlarm is a little different than the Windows firewall, in that it also provides outbound protection. This keeps programs on your computer from communicating over the Internet without your knowledge.

Go to ZoneAlarm.com.

Click on Home/Office Products.

Click on ZoneAlarm on the left. Don't click on ZoneAlarm Pro or ZoneAlarm Plus. We want to install the free version.

Click the image that says Free Download, then click Download FREE ZoneAlarm. Once the file downloads, double-click it to begin installation.

Click Next on the first page. On the next page, you will need to fill out your user information. If you want to be able to download updates, check the box that says I want to register ZoneAlarm so I can download updates. Click Next.

Read the license agreement, check the box, and click Install. The program will begin installing.

There is an optional survey at the end, but it's completely voluntary. You can just press the Finish button to complete installation.

You will be asked to start ZoneAlarm now, so click Yes. Next you will be offered to try ZoneAlarm Pro for 15 days. Just click Select ZoneAlarm and click Next.

Now click Finish again, and the Welcome screen will appear. Click Next to continue.

The first question it asks is how you want to be alerted. Choose the first option, Alert me whenever ZoneAlarm blocks traffic. (You can change this option later.)

Next it asks to configure access permissions. Select Yes and click Finish.

After that is an optional eBay fraud protection feature. This is optional if you are an eBay user. If you aren't sure, just pick No thank you for now.

Finally a short tutorial will appear to help get you familiar with how ZoneAlarm works and how to use it. Read each page and click Next at the bottom until it's complete.

ZoneAlarm should now be ready.