Troubleshooting & Maintaining Your PC All-in-One For Dummies, 3rd Edition
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You see firewall warnings on your Windows PC during one of two situations. First, because you're using a new program that accesses the Internet. Second, because something sneaky is trying to access the Internet or get into your computer from the Internet. In both situations, the firewall is unfamiliar with what's going on, so you're warned.

A typical firewall warning is shown here. The one you see on your screen may look different, but your actions remain the same:

PCs-firewall-warning A firewall warning.

Did you just start that program or do something that caused the program to ask for access? If so, allow the access. If not, deny access.

For example, if you're running an online, multiplayer game for the first time, you may see the firewall warning. That's an allowed use. On the other hand, if you see the firewall warning and don't recognize the program or you're not doing anything that requires Internet access, block the program.

• When you allow a program through the firewall, it won't ask again. That's because you created a new firewall rule that allows the program Internet access.

• You can unblock a program if you learn later that it's legitimate.

About This Article

This article is from the book:

About the book author:

Dan Gookin wrote the very first For Dummies book in 1991. With more than 11 million copies in print, his books have been translated into 32 languages. PCs For Dummies, now in its 12th edition, is the bestselling beginning PC book in the world. Dan offers tips, games, and fun at www.wambooli.com.

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