Desktop Firewall

Desktop firewalls have become very useful for users who have a constant online connection due to DSL or high-speed cable modems. Many of these connections use a static IP address, making the network rather vulnerable to malicious hackers. The functions are very similar to anti-virus programs. A desktop firewall works in the background, while protecting an operating system from malicious codes being sent to a user’s machine via an online connection. A desktop firewall is able to filter incoming and outgoing traffic, informing a user of any attempts at penetration. In large part, the desktop firewall works closely with router applications, examining individual network packets and determining whether entrance should be permitted. It also co-exists with proxy servers to ensure a networks’s request. A desktop firewall is perhaps most effective when installed on a designated machine separate from the network. This means no incoming request will be allowed to access sensitive network resources. This type of program is developed and sold by a variety of vendors. Features typically include daily logs and reports, automated alerts of attack and a graphical user interface made for operating the application.