Why is Windows Firewall telling me that it blocked some features of a program?

Firewall software helps block potential outside intrusion and also blocks applications from accessing the Internet without your permission. Windows XP has built-in firewall software that is activated by default if Service Pack 2 is installed.

Many different applications require Internet access. For example, programs such as Yahoo! Messenger need to connect to the Internet to allow you to chat with your friends. Online multiplayer games also require Internet access to allow you to play against your opponents.

While most software, such as the Rogers Internet Software, legitimately needs to access the Internet, some viruses can install malicious software that attempts to access the Internet through your computer without your knowledge.

To prevent applications from accessing the Internet without your knowledge, Windows Firewall will prompt you to grant or deny specific applications access to the Internet. Windows Firewall will also provide you with the name and publisher of the software attempting to access the Internet, allowing you to make the decision to provide it with Internet access or not.

When this occurs, you will be prompted with one of the following choices:

• Keep Blocking:

Choosing this option will cause Windows Firewall to continue blocking the application from accessing the Internet.

• Unblock:

Choosing this option tells Windows Firewall that the application is permitted to access the Internet. It is added to the Windows Firewall exceptions list and will not bother you in the future when this application attempts to access the Internet.

• Ask Me Later:

This option will prevent the application from accessing the Internet, but you will be asked again the next time that the application attempts to access the Internet.

Regardless of your decision, you can always use the settings within Windows Firewall to change your decision. To adjust Windows Firewall settings:

1. Click the "Windows Start" button and click "Control Panel."
2. From the Control Panel, click "Windows Security Center."
3. Click "Windows Firewall."
4. Use the General and Exceptions tab to manage your firewall settings.

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