Ask a Business Expert

A: If the computer is connected to the Internet, it needs a firewall. Of course, these days, that's like saying, "If the car is being driven on a street, it needs seat belts." There was a time when computer users didn't connect to the Internet and so didn't need firewalls, but those were simpler times, halcyon days of yore. These days, simply logging on to a broadband connection invites intruders, even if you don't actually do anything online. One recent test found that an unprotected system was compromised on a broadband connection

Fortunately, for simple, single–PC set–ups, there are simple and effective firewall solutions. One of the most effective is also available for free for individual use. ZoneAlarm from ZoneLabs (http://www.zonealarm.com/) operates on a "white list" system, allowing you to specify which programs get to access the Internet and which do not, and which external requests for access to your computer are honored, and which are blocked.