If you've installed firewall software you already know how humble they are. Hold the phone here. Humble firewalls? Is this a trait we want in something that is protecting our computers? Let's talk about it. One of the traits shared by the truly brilliant is the constant knowledge that for every one bit of information or concept they grasp there are millions more they haven't even considered. These are the people who keep an open mind. These are the people who never quit learning. The more they learn, they more they understand how little they really understand. Firewalls are like that.

A good firewall will come to you with a pool of knowledge regarding the most common programs that almost everyone runs on their computers. As you install your firewall software it will search your computer for these well-known programs and add them to its "Allow list." Let's say you run Outlook Express as your email client. The firewall sees that and allows outbound connections from that program without any intervention from you so you can get your email. Here's the nice part (and the part that protects you): Unless your Outlook Express initiates a conversation with a mail server your firewall will not allow any traffic from that mail server inbound into your computer. If you don't specifically invite the traffic it is not allowed in. Period. That one firewall attribute shuts down every one of those 65,000+ ports to unwanted, inbound connection attempts. You've just slammed all your windows closed.

Now the humble part. Your firewall software will not assume it knows more than you do. If it sees any outbound or inbound traffic it doesn't understand, it will get your attention, indicate which program is trying to send out data or which network is trying to send in data, and leave the decision to you. You can allow the traffic once or you can tell the firewall to add that program or network to its Allow list. Or you can tell the firewall to never let that traffic through. Firewalls never assume they know more than you do. They need your input. Because of that you will be a bit busy for the first hour or so after you install new firewall software. After that, your firewall will ask for your permission fewer and fewer times. If you have a firewall device like an STI DSL modem, this process will be transparent (i.e., you will not be prompted by your firewall).

STI subscribers can find links to firewall programs (some fee-based, some free) at http://www.sti.net/members/m-downloads.html. Remember, your computer is YOUR resource, not some stranger's. Protect yourself. Install a firewall.

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