This helps improve network protection for new Windows XP installations and Windows XP upgrades. Windows Firewall also helps improve protection for new network connections.

XP Firewall Commander lets you add and remove exceptions for programs and services so that they can receive inbound traffic.

You may find it useful to use Windows Firewall with no exceptions when you connect to a public network, such as a public network at an airport or hotel.

This setting can help protect your computer because it blocks all attempts to connect to your computer. When you use Windows Firewall with no exceptions, you can still view Web pages, send and receive e-mail messages, or use an instant messaging program.

In order to see what exceptions are enabled, XP Firewall Commander offers a separate tab called Add/Remove Programs. You can easily add a new exception by browsing for the executable file and providing a name. Just as easy you can select one of the active exceptions and click Remove. If you need to allow specific inbound traffic, XP Firewall Commander permits you to add a specific port and protocol (UDP or TCP) and a suitable port name. The Firewall Status area permits you to instantly turn on / off the firewall. This feature should be used whenever you want to block all inbound connections to your computer.

Turning the firewall on gives you a good protection against internet security threats such as worms, port scans and remote exploit attempts.