Firewalls, what's that? I'm sure you've heard that word. Well, a firewall is a protection unit between your own machine and the Internet. It can be software as well as hardware. Firewalls are very common in local networks, for instance, a company must have protection against unauthorized access to their computers and also a guarantee that the persons in the company can get reliable web sites and files from the Net.

A firewall contains usually two routers and a proxy server. Their task is to examine the data that passes between the local machines and the Internet. Anything that is suspicious, like unauthorized access, virus, trojans and other spiteful code will be directly terminated.

Now there are also software that provides security, and I will present them with a short description.

Here's a screen shot from Lockdown 2000.
If you want further information, visit   http://www.lockdown2000.com/

Absolute Security Standard 3.0
A.S.S protects confidential and sensitive information which passes through insecure networks, like Internet..

AtGuard 3.0
This application will not only enhance your privacy. AtGuard also optimises your connection, so you can go faster on the Net. Filtering traffic and alerting you when an unknown program sends data from your PC are other features.

avirt SmartFilter Plug-in (Intel)
avirt SmartFilter sets limit on the Web sites. The program can ban 27 unique categories, like sex, games and much more.

ConSeal PC Firewall This is another popular firewall from PC ConSeal. It filters all the Internet traffic.

@Guard 3.1
Security program that not only works as a firewall, but also an Internet connection optimizer, by blocking cookies, graphics, adds, animated gifs and more.

Guard Dog 2.01
Guard dog is an advanced protection development from the famous McAfee. It's the best firewall for browsing. The application will block hostile Java applets, destructive ActiveX controls, trojans, and virus. Guard Dog will help you to decide which cookies to accept or reject.
This link will take you to Mcafee.com, where you'll only have to search for Guard Dog.

Internet Firewall 2000
A really sharp firewall, like Lockdown, but not that easy to configure and use.

Jammer 1.02
This firewall is specialized on Netbus and BO. But it also listens on all the Internet traffic. If anyone tries to connect to your computer, Jammer will send a warning email to the hacker's system administrator..

SyGate 3.0
SyGAte allows an unlimited number of computer to share one modem without using a proxy. It also supports NetMeeting, iphone, Net2phone running servers on SyGate clients, pcAnywhere and more.

WinRoute Pro 3.04
WinRoute Pro can connect a network through one single ip, providing transparent network access for all standard tcp and udp applications. This version features satellite connection support, allowing multiple users Internet calls from behind a firewall or proxy.

WebTrends for Firewalls and VPNs
This firewall analyses, reports and logs incoming and outgoing activity, showing which protocols are being used.