A. Versions of Windows before Windows XP did not come with a built-in firewall. If you have a computer with an earlier version of Windows, such as Windows 2000, Windows Millennium Edition (Me), or Windows 98, you should get a firewall and install it. You can use a hardware firewall or a software firewall. The following resources provide more information about your firewall options.

Hardware Firewalls

Many wireless access points and broadband routers for home networking have built-in hardware firewalls, which provide good protection for most home networks. The Microsoft Broadband Networking Wireless Base Station is one example of a wireless access point with a built-in hardware firewall and other integrated home networking features.

Software Firewalls

Software firewalls are a good choice for single computers, and they work well with Windows 98, Windows ME, and Windows 2000. (Windows XP has a built-in firewall, so an additional firewall is not necessary.)

Software firewalls are available from other software companies. For special offers on antivirus and firewall packages, visit our Security software: Downloads and trials page.

To learn more about different types of firewalls, read Why you should use a computer firewall.