IF00069

 Allowing A Program To Communicate Through Windows Firewall!
 
To help provide security for your computer, Windows Firewall blocks unsolicited requests to connect to your computer. Because the firewall restricts communication between your computer and the Internet, you might need to adjust settings for some programs that prefer an open connection to the Internet. You can make an exception for these programs, so that they can communicate through the firewall.
 
Risks of allowing exceptions!
 
Each time that you allow an exception for a program to communicate through Windows Firewall, your computer is made more vulnerable. To allow an exception is like poking a hole through the firewall. If there are too many holes, there is not much wall left in your firewall. Unknown intruders often use software that scans the Internet looking for computers with unprotected connections. If you have many exceptions and open ports, your computer can become a victim of these intruders.
 
To help decrease your security risk if you allow exceptions:
- Only allow an exception when you really need it.
- Never allow an exception for a program that you don't recognize.
- Remove an exception when you no longer need it.
 
Allowing exceptions despite the risk!
 
Sometimes you might want someone to be able to connect to your computer, despite the risk—such as when you expect to receive a file sent through an instant messaging program, or when you play a multiplayer game over the Internet.
 
For example, if you are exchanging instant messages with someone who wants to send you a file (a photo, for example), Windows Firewall will ask you if you want to unblock the connection and allow the photo to reach your computer. Or, if you want to play a multiplayer network game with friends over the Internet, you can add the game as an exception so that the firewall will allow the game information to reach your computer.
 
To allow unsolicited requests to connect to a program on your computer, use the Exceptions tab in Windows Firewall. If the program or service that you want to allow an exception for is not listed on the Exceptions tab, you can add it by clicking Add Program. If you do not find the program on the list of programs to add, click Browse to search for it.
 
To add a program to the exceptions list.
You must be logged on to this computer as an administrator to complete this procedure.
 
1. Open Windows Firewall.
2. On the Exceptions tab, under Programs and Services, select the check box for the program or service that you want to allow, and then click OK.
 
If the program (or service) that you want to allow is not listed:
 
1. Click Add Program.
2. In the Add a Program dialog box, click the program that you want to add, and then click OK. The program will appear, selected, on the Exceptions tab, under Programs and Services.
3. Click OK.
 
If the program (or service) that you want to allow is not listed in the Add a Program dialog box:
 
1. In the Add a Program dialog box, click Browse, locate the program that you want to add, and then double-click it. (Programs are usually stored in the Program Files folder on your computer.) The program will appear under Programs, in the Add a Program dialog box.
2. Click OK. The program will appear, selected, on the Exceptions tab, under Programs and Services.
3. Click OK.
 
If you still do not find the program, you can open a port instead. A port is like a small door in the firewall that allows communications to pass through. To specify which port to open, on the Exceptions tab, click Add Port. (When you open a port, remember to close it again when you are done using it.)
 
Adding an exception is preferable to opening a port because:
- It is easier to do.

- You do not need to know which port number to use.
- Adding an exception helps provide security, because the firewall is only open while the program is waiting to receive the connection.
 
Advanced options!
Advanced users can open ports for, and configure the scope of, individual connections to minimize opportunities for intruders to connect to a computer or network. To do this, open Windows Firewall, click the Advanced tab, and use the settings under Network Connection Settings.

Did this Article Give you the Information You Were Looking For?