Tip 2 in an occasional series. Keep visiting regularly for more Windows Security Tips.

Installing a firewall isn’t as difficult as it may sound. There are many, many free and paid alternatives that do the job wonderfully. For a free solution try Zone Alarm (free for non-commercial use). Download from the site, follow the setup instructions, and enjoy safer surfing.

A firewall protects your computer from unwanted access by third parties. Viruses, Trojan horses, malware, adware and worms, all of which may access your computer from the internet, can be stopped by a competent firewall.

Malicious entities on the internet will attempt to find unsecured PCs: those with a weakness that the entity can find and exploit. Once the PC is compromised (there will typically be some malicious software loaded onto the computer) the attacker can use it as he sees fit. Particularly nasty pieces of software include Key Loggers, which track and remember the keys you press on the keyboard; this is a common method by which criminals obtain passwords, bank details, and other personal information. A firewall will go some way to protecting you from this unwanted access.

Your computer is yours. Keep it that way.