Step 2: Check the Firewall Status

Personal firewall can help to keep external parties away from your PC. Some operating systems such as Windows XP, Vista and RedHat Linux Desktop have already been bundled with basic firewall functions. You may also choose and install your own firewall to protect your PC against attacks.

For example, on Windows XP, please follow the procedures below to check whether the firewall is enabled.

1.	Click "Start" at the left bottom corner in Windows to open "Control Panel" and double click icon "Windows Firewall".
2.	In the "Windows Firewall" dialog box, check whether the firewall is enabled. If not, click "On (recommended)" option and press "OK" button to enable the firewall.