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Table of Contents

Instructions for Windows Vista

  1. From the Control Panel, double-click on the Windows Firewall icon.


  2. If Windows Firewall is off, click Change Settings.


  3. Select On (recommended).


  4. Click OK to finish.

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Instructions for Windows XP

Warning! You must install XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) before you complete this step.

Introduction:

Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) introduces a new firewall that helps make your system less vulnerable to attack by malicious users or by malicious software, such virus software. We recommend that you always run with a firewall. Without a firewall, you may be more prone to security issues. We do not recommend that you turn off Windows Firewall, but an option exists to do this. Windows Firewall is the updated firewall software in Windows XP Service Pack 2 that replaces Internet Connection Firewall (ICF).

Applies To:

Windows XP Home and Professional with Service Pack 2.

Requirements:

You will need to be logged into an account with administrative privledges to perform this procedure.

  1. Click Start and click Control Panel.

  2. Click on Security Center.

  3. In the Windows Security Center window, click Windows Firewall.

  4. Click the On (recommended) radio button.

  5. Click the OK button to save this setting and close the box.

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Instructions for OS X
  1. Open System Preferences by going to the Apple Menu and selecting System Preferences.

  2. Click Sharing.

  3. Make sure the Services tab is selected, that all boxes are unchecked, and that Personal File Sharing is off.

  4. Click on Firewall.

  5. Click Start to turn the firewall on.

  6. Scroll down and make certain that everything is unchecked. Only turn on these options if you absolutely must, and remember--turning them on opens up your computer to potential security breaches.

  7. Congratulations! You're finished. Close System Preferences.

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