A firewall is a barrier between your PC and the Internet, and it's designed to prevent hackers from accessing your computer, and stealing or damaging your data.

We strongly advise internet users to install and use a firewall. It is especially important for Virgin Media Broadband customers to install a firewall as their Internet connection is "always on".

How can I install a firewall?

Windows XP Internet Connection Firewall
Windows XP also has a built-in firewall, which you can activate to give your PC added protection. Check if your Windows XP firewall is enabled:

1. Click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel
2. Double-click Network Connections.
3. Click the Internet connection that you want to protect, and then, under Network Tasks, click Change settings of this connection.
4. On the Advanced tab, make sure there is a tick in the box next to "Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet".

Virgin Media PC Guard firewall

If you are a Virgin Media broadband customer we recommend using PCguard firewall which has many features to help you maintain a secure broadband connection. PCguard Firewall monitors connections to and from your PC. It gives you control of:

• How your programs connect to the Internet.
• How your programs share files over the Internet.
• How settings identify you over the Internet.
• Your applications by checking for changes that may have occurred with or without your knowledge