Changing the Firewall Settings in Windows Vista

The Windows Firewall stops harmful files (viruses, adware, spyware) from infiltrating your computer from the Internet. Change the firewall settings as needed to provide a balance between usability and protection.
Broadband Internet users are especially vulnerable because their computers are constantly connected to the Internet. That increases the chances that hackers will locate them and try to exploit any available vulnerability.
Occasionally, however, you’ll want another computer to interact with your computer over the Internet. You may be playing a multiplayer game, for example, or using a file-sharing program. To stop the firewall from blocking those programs, add their names to the firewall’s Exceptions list by following these steps:

•  Choose Control Panel from the Start menu, click Security, and choose Security Center.  The  Security Center pops to action. 

•  Click the Windows Firewall link on the window’s left side and choose Change Settings. Click Continue or enter an Administrator account’s password if Vista’s permissions screen nags you.

•  Click the Exceptions tab.

   Shown in this figure, Windows Firewall lists every program currently allowed to communicate through its firewall. (Windows Vista adds some of its programs automatically, so don’t be surprised to see them already listed.)
  

  Make sure that the Tell Me When Windows Firewall Blocks a Program check box is selected. When a program doesn’t work correctly, that message lets you know that the firewall may be the culprit.

   

  
   
  •   Click the Add Program button, select the program (or click Browse to locate the     program), and click OK.
    Almost all programs live in the Program Files folder on your C drive; the program’s name bears the same icon you see on its Start menu entry.
    The firewall adds your selected program to its Exceptions list and begins allowing other computers to connect to it.