Internet security is no longer merely a topic of interest just for experts. A free firewall option should be a part of your security software, along with a free or purchased antivirus application, is required for all but the most casual computer user and or owner.

With the advent of open connections to the Web via cable and DSL, your unprotected home computer can be an easy target for hackers.

Hoping you haven’t protected your computer with purchased or free firewall software, they invariably have the malicious intent to assault you by tracking your online behavior, inundate you with unwanted or even unsavory ads, or, at worst, steal your financial and personal data. 

Purchased or free firewall software acts as a filter standing between your computer and the Internet. This assures that all information flowing to and from your PC is monitored and blocked to certain ports or openings to your computer. This allows you to restrict access to your computer by unknown parties.

They are likely hackers looking for personal information, looking for open access to your hard drive, hoping to use your computer to launch any number of attacks, including an animated “robot”  with which to spread denial-of-service and, or in the case of wireless, to get free wireless Internet connections. 

All is not bad news. There are options for you. If you like to do one-stop shopping, all-in-one suites pack an assortment of tools--data recovery, security, privacy, troubleshooting, and more--onto one CD. One such option you would be wise to check out is Norton-System-Works for 2006.

Most experts agree that good firewall software, whether purchased or free firewall software, firstly, needs to be effective, but secondly, it should be easy to understand, and thirdly it it could be easy to install and inexpensive.

That's why reviewers place so much emphasis on ease-of-use.