Computer Bytes - No. 12 How safe is Wireless? And, what is a Firewall? Today's new technology offering wireless computers, wireless telephones, credit cards with computer chips, and such are becoming more commonly used. However, this technology is double-sided. While it offers us the convenience and freedom of no-hassle computing and communicating, you need to be very careful of how and where you use these instruments. Your wireless home computer uses a very broad band signal that has the potential of broadcasting hundreds of feet from your home. This means that someone with advanced computer knowledge could pick-up on your signal, view your computers contents or at the very least pirate your wireless Internet connection. The ability of someone to access your computer via a wireless connection is true for all places that now boast of having wireless Internet connections including cafes, restaurants, hotels and motels, RV parks and the like - literally anywhere that offers wireless. This is not to say that if you are in a café using your computer to access the Internet, everyone is going to tap into your computer. However, to keep your computer and its contents safe you should have a Firewall installed. A Firewall is a program that restricts the ability of outsiders to connect with your computer by intercepting and filtering information letting through only those that meet strict standards of security. Firewalls are usually included and bundled with the more advanced virus programs. If you have Vista or Windows XP on your computer you can check to see if your Firewall is active by checking through the Windows Security Center. Click on Start and then on Control Panel. Click on Security Center and then click Windows Firewall. For more information, visit www. microsoft.com/protect/computer/firewall/faq.mspx for on line answers to frequently asked questions. On a brief note, the pirating of information is not restricted to computers. There are now methods to harvest information from cell phones and the new swipe-type credit or medical cards that come with an embedded computer chip. Protect yourself while talking on the cell phone by never giving out any personal or otherwise sensitive information that you wouldn't want anyone to have. And, protect your computer chip credit cards with a billfold made from a disruptive material that blocks scanning. Moncrief Web2 Home Page Moncrief Web Design Computer Bytes Index Web Design | Search Engine Optimization | Site Maintenance & Management | Request Information | About Us ~ Sample Sites Send Us an Email | Home Page Copyright 2007 MWD. All rights reserved. Computer Bytes articles may not be reprinted, published, quoted, copied, or used in any manner whatsoever without the expressed written permission of David Moncrief.