A firewall is a lot like a prison - it is designed to stop unauthorised exit and entry.
A computer firewall stops attempts to gain access to your computer via the internet and helps stop unauthorized transfers of data from your computer. It grants appropriate security access, the right to use the Internet, to specific programs only.

Software & Hardware Firewalls

If you use a dial up service for your Internet connection, then most likely you'll need to use a software based firewall. Broadband Internet connections can use a hardware based solution.

Online Firewall Checker   This checker is free and can be used for both firewall and antivirus detection*.

* Make sure you read and understand all installation instructions and / or licence / end user agreements before using / downloading / installing any software product.