Uses of Firewall

[Linux-Us]

Hi, I use Windows XP and I have a firewall installed. But truly speaking I do not know what is the work of a firewall. As every one have a firewall so do I. Can any one explain me the uses of a firewall.

[Milton.J]

A firewall is a part of a computer system or network that is designed to block unauthorized access while permitting authorized communications. It is a device or set of devices configured to permit, deny, encrypt, decrypt, or proxy all computer traffic between different security domains based upon a set of rules and other criteria.

[Spyrus]

A firewall gives the organizations a way to create a interpreter ground between networks that are completely isolated from external networks which can be a public network such as the Internet, and those that are completely connected. A firewall provides a simple way to control the amount and kinds of traffic that passes between an organization's internal network and the external network. Hence it is a wall between the networks.

[Snake08]

In any organization, firewall can limit the amount of damage, an intruder may break into set of machines, but firewall will protect others. Firewalls can be implemented in either hardware or software. Firewalls are used to prevent unauthorized Internet users from accessing private networks connected to the Internet.