How to enable Windows XP Firewall

Microsoft Windows® XP Professional and Windows XP Home Edition both include a built in firewall called the Internet Connection Firewall (ICF). The ICF is a software firewall, which means it is installed on the computer. Read on to learn how to turn on ICF. Remember, ICF is only available in Windows XP Home and Windows XP Professional.

How to turn on the Internet Connection Firewall

If you have Windows XP on your computer, you just need to turn ICF on to use Internet Connection Firewall. Here's how:

1. Click the Start button and then click Control Panel
2. Click Network and Internet Connections, then click Network Connections
3. Right click on the connection that you want to protect with Internet Connection Firewall then click Properties
4. The Properties screen will open. Click the Advanced Tab
5. In Internet Connection Sharing, check Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet
6. Click OK to finish

Turning on the ICF will increase your computer's security defenses against threats online. You can continue to improve your computer's security by keeping your software up to date and maintaining a current antivirus software subscription.

(source Microsoft)