Basic Network Security
No matter what kind of network you use--wired or wireless--you'll want to make sure you take some basic steps to protect your computer. In addition to anti-virus and anti-spyware software, you'll want to make sure that you have some sort of barrier between your data and the outside world. The most common type of barrier is the firewall.
There are many brands of firewalls, but there are a few basics that are common to each. Essentially, all firewalls evaluate all the data that comes through them and tries to determine if it should be allowed to continue along its path or should be stopped. The goal, of course, is to allow the data that you want through, and to discard the data that you don't want--or that could be trying to do damage to your computers or network--and stop it from getting into your systems. The actual mechanics of firewalls depend on the type used, but conceptually, a good way to think about it is as a security guard on a road. If the firewall thinks the incoming data should be continue, it is allowed to pass; if not, it is stopped and turned back 1.
It's important to take some time to test and configure your firewall. Rarely do they work perfectly out of the box. In most cases, they will block some things that you wanted to allow through. In this case, you need to configure the firewall with an "exception", telling it to change its policy in a certain way. Since firewall software varies very much by brand, it's best to consult the owner's guide or manufactuor's website for tips on doing this.
Windows Firewall
One firewall that is included on all Windows XP computers that have been upgraded with Service Pack 2 is Windows Firewall, made by Microsoft. It's designed to serve as a very basic firewall, but it's useful for illustrating some of the basic concepts. To explore it, go to your control panel's classic view and click Windows Firewall. In this tab, you can set exceptions and configure your firewall. For more information on Windows Firewall, including step by step instructions for how to perform the basic tasks we've outlined, see Microsoft's introduction to it.
Router Firewalls
Nowadays, some routers, both wired and wireless, will come with firewalls built into the router that are designed to regulate what comes into your network before it even reaches your computers and devices. In considering what router you are going to purchase, the firewall protection should be a factor. A router without a firewall is not necessarily a bad router, but it just means that you'll need to be aware of it and compensate by putting firewalls in other places on your network.
Security Center Bundles and Proper Configuration
Since all security software shares some common characteristics, many companies sell security software bundles that are designed to be an all-in-one security solution, protecting against spyware, hackers, viruses, and other threats. Common vendors that sell this software are Symantec (their product is called Norton Internet Security), and McAfee. The ZoneAlarm solution is also offered by Check Point at various levels for all types of users. For more information about these products, see their manufactuors' websites, linked to above. Regardless of what security solution you choose, from our experience, we believe that proper configuration is the most important part of maintaining a secure network. From our experience, an improperly configured security solution can be as bad or worse than no security solution.
Note: We are in no way affiliated with the software vendors mentioned on this page and are not endorsing their products.
Tyson, Jeff. "How Firewalls Work." How Stuff Works. 14 Apr 2007 <http://computer.howstuffworks.com/firewall1.htm>.