# data[].attributes.body
https://www.techradar.com/news/the-best-free-firewall

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Best free firewall software

In the 1990s, Microsoft had a problem: Windows seemed to suffer from endless security problems that hackers and other online villains were quick to exploit. One way to fight back was to install a firewall - an app that blocked malicious and/or unwanted network traffic and that could ensure that dodgy software couldn't sneak onto your PC.

So Microsoft began building its own firewall into Windows, but there has been ongoing controversy as to its robustness as a 'best solution', or whether it's merely just good enough. That remains the case today, with the potential for cyber-attacks still very much a danger, and the promise that third-party software can make your system even more secure. These are the firewall apps we think you should consider using no matter which version of Windows you're running.

Most of us run a hardware firewall on our router, and a software firewall on our Windows PC. Some antivirus providers bundle a firewall with their free antivirus software, while others only include one with their premium security suites. Here we're looking at firewalls that can be used alongside your regular antivirus software.

Offers real-time protection and extra tools for Wi-Fi security

Boasts a 'full stealth' mode

DefenseNet security updates

Requires email address for activation

For many of us, ZoneAlarm Free Firewall 2018 was the app that introduced us to firewalls in the first place, and it was a must-have app back in the days when Windows effectively told the internet "Hack me! I'm easy!"

The current version of ZoneAlarm Free Firewall hides open ports, identifies potentially dodgy traffic, disables malicious programs and connects to DefenseNet, which provides real-time security updates as new threats are detected. It also protects your computer on public Wi-Fi networks, and offers 5GB of online data backup via IDrive.

When you're installing the software, read through each step carefully if you don't want to set Yahoo as your default homepage; the 'Customize installation' option is quite well hidden. You'll also need to submit an email address to activate the firewall, though ZoneAlarm promises not to share it with any third parties. If that isn't an issue for you, ZoneAlarm Free Firewall is the best free firewall you can download.

An effective solution with easy sandboxing to stop malware in its tracks

Sandbox for less secure programs

Monitors for suspicious activity and apps

Tries to install Comodo Dragon browser

It's worth taking your time when installing Comodo Free Firewall because it comes bundled with an extra browser, and if you click through too hastily you might find that it's installed itself without you realizing.

Comodo Free Firewall sits in a small window at the top right of your desktop, providing one-click access to sandboxed versions of Chrome, Firefox and Comodo Browser for safer surfing. You can also run any other programs in a sandbox - ideal if you enjoy experimenting with free software, as these apps can sometimes offer more than you bargained for.

It's easy to control permissions for different networks, and you can create rules for specific programs too (allowing incoming traffic, outgoing traffic, both, or neither). Viruscope monitors the behavior of processes for anything that looks suspicious (though your regular antivirus software probably has this covered), and website filtering enables you to block certain sites.

Comodo Free Firewall will also offer to set Yahoo as your homepage, but the checkbox is much easier to see and untick than ZoneAlarm's. It will also suggest making its own secure Comodo Dragon your default browser and importing your settings from Chrome. You can't opt out of installing the browser, but you can choose not to use it.

Comodo Free Firewall will offer to change your DNS (domain name resolution service) provider to Comodo Secure DNS for more faster, safer browsing.

A well-designed, information-packed firewall to boost your security

Displays network traffic usage

Can block individual programs

Scans apps for suspicious behavior

GlassWire is a slick looking free firewall that shows you exactly which programs are sending and receiving data over your network, and how much, making it easy to identify anything unusual. There's a huge amount of information available, which might seem alarming at first, but you can clear all of GlassWire's logs in a few seconds.

You'll be notified when a new application or service wants internet access, and you can allow or block it with a single click. In actual fact, GlassWire is really just an interface built on top of the Windows firewall, so while certainly more attractive (and informative) than the latter, it's not going to be any more robust.

The premium versions of GlassWire includes some extra features like monitoring of your webcam and microphone, storing records for more than a month, and monitoring multiple remote connections, but for basic use the free edition is superb.

A neat little app that gives you extra control of Windows' own firewall

Simple and clean interface

Requires manual intervention to vet apps

TinyWall is better known for what it doesn't do than what it does: unlike some free firewalls it doesn't interrupt you with pop-up warnings about what seems to be every second bit of data.

TinyWall (now on version 2.1) is designed to improve Windows' own firewall features without requiring any expert knowledge, and while it offers the same whitelisting features as other packages - to ensure that the apps you use can get online without any difficulty - it does it through hotkeys or lists rather than pop-ups.

TinyWall lives up to the 'tiny' part of its name, and only takes up about 1MB on your hard drive, and is a very useful addition if you decide to stick with Windows' built-in security tool.

Customizable filters to protect your personal data at a router level

Alternate approach to firewall security

Can be used to supplement existing firewall

Doesn't replace separate firewall software

OpenDNS isn't a downloadable free firewall; it's a change you can make to your router's settings so it connects to the internet via OpenDNS' servers. That means the protection applies to any device on your network, which is useful in today's hyper-connected homes and businesses.

OpenDNS Home automatically blocks known offenders and offers a range of content filtering options to keep the kids away from filth, too, and it helps prevent phishing attacks. The service is free, and there are full setup instructions for every kind of device.

Find out how makes the most of its security tools

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Best free firewall software In the 1990s, Microsoft had a problem: Windows seemed to suffer from endless security problems that hackers and other online villains were quick to exploit. One way to fight back was to install a firewall - an app that blocked malicious and/or unwanted network traffic and that could ensure that dodgy software couldn't sneak onto your PC.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Top 10 Ways To Keep Your Computer Healthy

4. Defrag your hard drive every 6 months to keep it running faster.

5. If your computer is older, one of the easiest and cheapest things you can do on some computers to speed it up is to upgrade the memory. 8 GB of RAM or more is recommended to have a good experience browsing and multitasking on your computer.

6. Have an up-to-date, paid Antivirus software on your computer. Do not install or use any free Antivirus program. Once again, nothing is free. Most things that you download for free will keep asking you to upgrade or to buy an upgrade.

7. To really speed up your computer, you can upgrade your hard drive to a Solid State Hard drive or SSD hard drive. However, that is for more advanced users only.

8. Go to your Task Manager, click on Startup and take a look at all the programs that load each time you start your computer. You may be able to disable some of those. They only slow down your computer when it is booting.

10. Scan your computer for viruses and spyware. Run a complete scan.

Stay safe out there.

Melissa & Marcus Jakimik have extensive IT backgrounds and are so passionate about technology that they founded Tech Tutors Onsite & started out tutoring senior citizens on technology such as tablets & computers. After much demand, they are happy to have branched out into providing small business and residential tech support by helping companies and people with their technology issues as well as ensuring they have proper backup solutions in place, up-to-date operating systems, software and hardware & proper antivirus solutions. They make sure to always teach their clients how to stay safe online and how to avoid scams. When providing support, they come right to you so you don't have to worry about lugging your devices around. Marcus & Melissa have over 15 years of IT experience, guarantee top notch service and affordable rates.

John Bloom

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Top 10 Ways To Keep Your Computer Healthy 4. Defrag your hard drive every 6 months to keep it running faster. 5. If your computer is older, one of the easiest and cheapest things you can do on some computers to speed it up is to upgrade the memory.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Are You Doing This To Keep Your Computer Healthy?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
When you're surfing the web, you may inadvertently click on a link that downloads a document, image, video, or any other type of file onto your computer. These files will automatically end up in your Downloads Folder...and most of the time, they will be absolute junk!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
4 min read

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Your computer is probably the single most important piece of equipment in your business. When it's not working properly, your entire business slows, employee productivity dips, customers aren't served--or aren't served properly--and partners get frustrated. If you're ignoring your computer's maintenance and upkeep, you could find yourself in trouble someday.

The good news is, maintaining your computer's health doesn't have to involve much time or many resources. Here are seven things to consider that will help you take better care of your computer:

1. Think before you install. So many times I'm told that someone's computer isn't working properly only to discover they've downloaded several programs from the internet or from a CD of a friend. Installing software on your computer will take up space on your hard drive, which will eventually slow your computer down. These random programs could also be an open door for viruses and cause other programs to crash. So install as few programs as possible on your computer. If you can, use a second computer to "play with" and test programs you're thinking of using company-wide.

2. Install the right software. Ensuring your computer is protected from digital vandals is critical if you want to keep information safe. It's therefore important that you install both an antivirus program and a firewall software program. These two critical pieces of software, which you should update on a regular basis, will serve as a wall of protection for your computer.

3. Update your operating system. Microsoft Windows is the software you're most likely using to power your computer programs and control how your computer operates. It's critical that you update Microsoft Windows on a regular basis by going to the "Windows Update" website http://www.windowsupdate.com to automatically update your operating system.

4. Dump what you don't need. Every few months you should regularly inventory your computer to find and delete the programs you don't really need. These unused or unnecessary programs take up valuable hard drive space, and if you're not using them, you should remove them from your computer via the "Add/Remove" programs option in your control panel.

5. Defragment your hard drive. Your hard drive is one of the hardest-working parts of your computer-you're using it all the time, every day (whether you realize it or not) to access the programs you use and store the files you create. But the hard drive doesn't save the files in any particular order; instead, it uses the first empty space it encounters (space that's created when you delete files). So the pieces of data become scattered around the hard drive, making it slower for you to access the data stored there. That's why it's critical to defrag your hard drive on a regular basis to keep things running as quickly as possible. Do it monthly if you're a "light" computer user and weekly if you're a power user.

6. Keep things clean. I've seen offices where people have paper and stickies all over their computers, covering up the air vents. To help ensure your computer runs smoothly, don't cover the air vents-you need to keep the internal components as cool as possible. You should also vacuum your computer every few months to clean out the dust that accumulates.

7. Security is important. When things do go wrong, you want to be prepared. Therefore, its important to always backup your important data. You can back it up online, to an external hard drive or to a central server, or you can place the data on CD-ROMs or DVDs. Whatever method you choose, make sure to back it up on a regular basis so that if your computer crashes, you can easily recover your important data.
Ramon Ray is Entrepreneur.com's "Tech Basics" columnist and editor of Smallbiztechnology.com. He's the author of Technology Solutions for Growing Businesses and currently serves on the board of directors and the technology committee for the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
4 min read Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. Your computer is probably the single most important piece of equipment in your business. When it's not working properly, your entire business slows, employee productivity dips, customers aren't served--or aren't served properly--and partners get frustrated.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A lovingly cared for engine keeps a car performing at its best. It's not much different when it comes to your computer. If you clean your hardware and nurture your software, you can expect smoother gaming sessions and fewer system errors. And it doesn't take much effort to keep everything in check; all you need to do is follow the advice below and hammer out the tasks at the appropriate times. Performing all of these steps isn't mandatory, but we recommend tackling each one-it'll only make your life easier in the end.

CRITICAL TASKS

Each step below is essential for keeping your rig at maximum strength. If you're really strapped for time, be sure to complete these projects above all others.

Tools needed: NVIDIA GeForce Experience (NVIDIA GPUs only)
How long: 10 minutes
How often: Whenever prompted(or monthly, if checked manually)

Updating GPU drivers these days is comically simple, and if you like playing games as fast and as stable as possible, it's incredibly important. For those rocking NVIDIA video cards, just mosey on over to GeForce.com and download GeForce Experience (if, for some bizarre reason, you don't already have it). After that, the program will automatically alert you when a new driver is ready. Just make sure to actually install the driver when that happens. Alternatively, you can check for NVIDIA drivers manually here.

Lightly dusting out your gear is the easiest, fastest, and most effective chore ever, but oddly enough, it's often neglected. All you need to do is shoot a few short, compressed bursts of canned air (in a well ventilated area) into the inside of your case, keyboard, and mouse. Set a recurring time and day to make sure this gets done, such as after your Friday night World of Warcraft raids. Don't worry about taking out GPUs, RAM, or storage drives-that comes later.

Tools needed: Antivirus suite ( MSE, Kaspersky, etc.)
How long: Varies, but about 1 - 2 hours average
How often: Monthly, or enable automatic scans

As long as your antivirus protection is on and active, you don't need to worry too much about weekly or daily scans. Typically, if a virus is detected, your software will alert you as soon as it happens and you can take action immediately. But that doesn't mean your shield against harmful files is bulletproof. Take the time at the end of each month to run a full system scan. Many of the programs out there let you auto-schedule the timing, so you won't even need to worry about hitting start.

Tools needed: Anti-malware programs ( Spybot Search & Destroy, etc.)
How long: Varies, but about 15 - 30 minutes average
How often: Weekly

If your antivirus suite doesn't have any anti-malware options, you'll want to download a free program, such as the trusty Spybot Search & Destroy. While viruses can be rare, malware will clog up and stymie your PC in no time flat (browsers hijacks are especially annoying). Just be sure to check for updates and install any new versions before running each system sweep. Don't ignore this task-malware can creep in from everywhere, even from seemingly legitimate websites and apps.

HELPFUL TASKS

These steps aren't as paramount as others, but knocking them out at the right times will result in a PC that's as vigorous and clean as the day you brought it to life.

Tools needed: Active internet connection
and a lot of patience
How long: 5 - 10 minutes for each program
How often: Weekly

We admit it, this one is annoying. You've probably got dozens and dozens of high-use software on your machine, such as Adobe Flash, Adobe Reader, Java, Chrome, Steam, and Windows Updates, to name but a paltry few. As tempting as it is to ignore these updates-of which there are many-downloading and installing all the latest versions protects your PC and keeps it quick. Yeah, it's likely that every other day a message will pop up and prod you for attention (we're looking at you, Firefox), but the more you toss these updates aside, the more you're at risk for exploits and instability.

Tools needed: External storage drive or backup software
How long: Varies greatly based on file sizes and backup method
How often: Weekly

Always be backing up. Always be backing up! Even a champion of a PC can suffer from a failed hard drive, corrupted OS, or an unbootable partition. As awful as it sounds, these things happen, and sometimes without any warning. The good news is it really doesn't take much to protect your games' save files, important documents, and more. Manually saving your files on an external drive is the simplest method, but there are tons of fantastic programs as well (most of which you can set to backup automatically on a schedule).

Your video card and processor have to stay frosty to function, especially when stressed. Intel's handy XTU software has built-in CPU benchmarking and temperature monitoring, and you can use ASUS's GPU tweak to record your video card's info while 3DMark runs its course. Anything over 91° C for either part (while being benchmarked) means trouble, so you should consider reapplying thermal paste on the CPU or installing more system fans near the video card if that's the case. Liquid cooling and third-party coolers aren't bad choices either, if you can afford them.

Tools needed: Canned air, alcohol wipes, magnetic tray, screwdriver, microfiber cloth
How long: 1 hour
How often: Every six-to-twelve months

This is the biggest project on the list, but deep cleaning your PC will do wonders for its longevity. Unplug every cable from the back and front of your rig and remove all of your add-in cards, RAM, and storage drives. (The PSU can stay put.) Use the microfiber cloth to wipe down the case and the surfaces of all your other parts. Take the canned air and blast out any of the case's dust filters. Lastly, use canned air to thoroughly dust out the motherboard, GPU, and any accessories. For stubborn spots, such as fan blades, clean off the grime with alcohol wipes. Then just pop everything back inside the case and you're in the clear!

Tools needed: Alcohol wipes, Quality Thermal Paste
How long: 30 minutes
How often: Every one-to-two years (depending on TIM used)

Whether you're overclocking or not, it'll do your processor good to reapply its thermal interface material (TIM) every year or two. This is particularly true if you used the stock thermal paste that came with the hardware, or use short-lived but extremely efficient TIM like Coolaboratory Liquid.

Removing the old gunk is pretty simple-unplug your PC and pop off the cooler by following its manual (leave the CPU installed in your mobo). Then just take an alcohol wipe or two and clean off the existing paste. After that, push out a pea-sized portion of new thermal paste into the middle of the CPU (don't glob it on, too much is just as bad as too little!) and reapply your cooler. For further tips on this process, check out this old, but still relevant article about applying TIM, and this equally relevant roundup evaluating the performance of 39 TIMs.
Got any maintenance tips of your own? Let us know in the Comments!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A lovingly cared for engine keeps a car performing at its best. It's not much different when it comes to your computer. If you clean your hardware and nurture your software, you can expect smoother gaming sessions and fewer system errors.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Keep Your Computer Running Smoothly

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Computers are often the most important single items that you can have, and having to reformat can mean a significant loss of time and information. In order to avoid the panic associated with file loss and/or corruption, a few preventative...

# data[].attributes.body
WORD OR MUSE

# data[].attributes.body
clear your browser history
xxx history

# data[].attributes.body
B
A
C
K
U
P

# data[].attributes.body
Never Divulge Sensitive Information

# data[].attributes.body
dont,t use pc to play game use console

# data[].attributes.body
delete unwanted files from downloads that you do not recognise

# data[].attributes.body
Do a monthly clean up. Each month, delete unneeded folders, and files.

# data[].attributes.body
close running programs in the background while using the Pc

# data[].attributes.headline
While those updates may seem like a pain when you’re trying to get work done, they are necessary maintenance for your system.

# data[].attributes.subject
While those updates may seem like a pain when you’re trying to get work done, they are necessary maintenance for your system.

# data[].attributes.body
Don't have too many programmes running

# data[].attributes.body
download an anti virus software on your computer

# data[].attributes.body
to protect your computer

# data[].attributes.body
Keep security updated

# data[].attributes.body
the reason for computers turning slow is because of unwanted programs

# data[].attributes.headline
Using the best up-to-date anti-virus and firewall

# data[].attributes.subject
Using the best up-to-date anti-virus and firewall