What is a firewall?

A firewall is a software program or piece of hardware that helps screen out hackers, viruses, and worms that try to reach your computer over the Internet.

• If you use a computer at home, the most effective and important first step you can take to help protect your computer is to turn on a firewall.
• Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP SP2 or higher have a firewall built-in and turned on by default.
• If you have more than one computer connected in the home, or if you have a small-office network, it is important to protect every computer. You should have a hardware firewall (such as a router) to protect your network, but you should also use a software firewall on each computer to help prevent the spread of a virus in your network if one of the computers becomes infected.

(If your computer is part of a business, school, or other organizational network, you should follow the policy established by the network administrator.)

200,000 BitTorrent Users Sued Since 2010

Aug 09, 2011 10:00 am | PC World

Mass lawsuits against file sharers hit a record high.
by Sarah Jacobsson Purewal

Since the beginning of 2010, a whopping 200,000 BitTorrent users have been sued in mass file-sharing lawsuits by copyright trolls, according to TorrentFreak.

Copyright trolls are small businesses that hire teams of lawyers to go after illegal file swappers. And just a few days ago the trolls broke the 200,000 users-sued barrier--what a win. Of course, it's important to remember exactly how mass lawsuits like this work: 200,000 users sued doesn't mean that 200,000 people are being rightfully punished for sharing copyrighted material, or even that those behind the lawsuits plan to take all 200,000 users to court.

[CHECK OUT: What to Do If You're Being Sued for Piracy]

Instead, the purpose behind these mass lawsuits is to gather the personal info of the targeted BitTorrent users. Once the copyright troll organization obtains the necessary details about a user, it turns around and offer the user an opportunity to "settle" the case, usually for somewhere between $1500 and $3000.

Many people fall for this trap, but not necessarily because they're guilty. After all, defending yourself in court--even if you are innocent--means paying a lawyer, and potentially putting yourself in the position to lose. And, well, we all know what happens when file-sharing lawsuits are won by those who sue.

Over the course of the year, judges have dismissed thousands of these cases, but TorrentFreak, which follows these issues, estimates the number of defendants still at risk is around 145,000. Many of these defendants come from the infamous Hurt Locker case, in which 24,583 alleged BitTorrent users were targeted.

TorrentFreak also points out that, despite the massive number of defendants, none of the cases have actually made it all the way to court. In other words, the "evidence" that the prosecuting party claims to have hasn't been tested, and we have no idea if they have any evidence at all.

But that doesn't matter--because,if only half of the original defendants eventually settle for an average fee of $2500, the copyright trolls will be rolling in a quarter of a billion dollars in revenue.

Those copyright trolls should be saying, "Thanks, Piracy!"

How to choose a firewall

Three basic types of firewalls are available for you to choose from:

• Software firewalls
• Hardware routers
• Wireless routers

To determine which type of firewall is best for you, answer these questions and record your answers:

1. How many computers will use the firewall?
2. What operating system do you use? (This might be a version of Microsoft Windows, Apple Macintosh, or Linux.)

That's it. You are now ready to think about what type of firewall you want to use.

There are several options, each with its own pros and cons.

Windows Firewall (Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP Service Pack 2 only and higher)

If you use Windows 7, Windows Vista or Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) and higher, you have a firewall built in and turned on by default.

To learn more about the Windows Firewall, see:

• Windows 7 Features: Windows Firewall
• Explore the features: Windows Firewall (Windows Vista)
• Understanding Windows Firewall (Windows XP SP2 and higher)

Tip If you haven't downloaded Service Pack 3, visit Microsoft Update to learn how to get it. If you are using Windows XP and you choose not to download Service Pack 3, you still have access to the Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) that's built into Windows XP, but you need to turn it on. For more information on why you should update an older operating system, see End of support for some versions of Windows

Note The Windows Firewall and the Internet Connection Firewall are not available as a stand-alone package. They are also not available for other operating systems (for example, Apple Macintosh or Linux) or for versions of Windows other than Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP.

Software firewalls

Software firewalls are a good choice for single computers, and they work well with Windows 98, Windows Me, and Windows 2000. (Windows Vista and Windows XP both have a built-in firewall, so an additional firewall is not necessary.)

Software firewalls are also available from other software companies. For special offers on antivirus and firewall packages, visit our Security software: Downloads and trials page.

Does not require additional hardware.	Additional cost: Most software firewalls cost money.
Does not require additional computer wiring.	Installation and configuration might be required to get started.
A good option for single computers.	One copy is typically required for each computer.

Hardware routers

Hardware routers are a good choice for home networks that will connect to the Internet.

Hardware routers usually have at least four network ports to connect multiple computers together.	Require wiring, which can clutter your desktop area.
Provide firewall protection for multiple computers.

Wireless routers

If you have or plan to use a wireless network, you need a wireless router.

Wireless routers allow you to connect computers, portable computers, personal desk assistants, and printers without wiring.	Wireless devices broadcast information using radio signals that can be intercepted by someone outside of your home (if they have the right equipment).
Wireless routers are excellent for connecting notebook computers to the Internet and networks.	You might have to pay for extra equipment.
	Not all wireless routers come equipped with a built-in firewall, so you might have to purchase one separately.

Start using a firewall today

Connecting to the Internet can pose dangers to unwary computer users. Use a firewall to help reduce your risk.

Installing a firewall is just the first step toward safe surfing online. You can continue to improve your computer's security by keeping your software up to date, using antivirus software, and using antispyware software. Learn more about steps you can take to help protect your computer.

Host files

there is a  host file that remains in the windows 7 which u cant delete
try to find the solution for this !!!!!!!