UNR IT recommends using vendor-provided firewalls when using Windows, Macintosh and Linux operating systems.
What is a Personal Firewall?
A personal firewall is software installed on a PC that controls communication to and from that PC when connected to a network or the internet. It provides a line of defense against someone who might try to access your computer from outside the firewall without your permission.
What does it protect against?
A personal firewall can help prevent computer worms from reaching your computer by blocking unsolicited communications. Through intrusion detection, the firewall allows a connection to be terminated or blocked when it suspects an intrusion is being attempted.
Tip: Enabled firewalls are one part of basic safe computing good habits. A firewall does not detect or disable viruses or worms if they are already on your computer. For this, you will want to install antivirus and anti-spyware software on your computer. You will also want to keep your software up to date to prevent malware from taking advantage of software vulnerabilities in Windows and other programs.
Enabling Personal Firewalls
For any questions about enabling or configuring personal firewalls, contact the OIT Support or your local IT support provider.
Windows
Machines running Microsoft Windows (XP or later) have built-in firewalls that are turned on by default. Additionally, UNR IT strongly recommends that you install anti-virus software on any machine linked to the UNR network.
Apple Mac
With virtually no effort on your part, Mac OS X offers a multilayered system of defenses against viruses and other malicious applications, or malware. The Mac OS X security site provides information and links to configuration instructions.
Linux
Linux has a built-in firewall. Please read a general discussion of Linux Security solutions.