What is a firewall?A firewall is software or hardware that checks information coming from the Internet or a network, and then either blocks it or allows it to pass through to your computer, depending on your firewall settings. A firewall can help prevent hackers or malicious software (such as worms) from gaining access to your computer through a network or the Internet. A firewall can also help stop your computer from sending malicious software to other computers. The following illustration shows how a firewall works:  | | Illustration of how a firewall works |
Worm
A self-replicating program, similar to a virus. A worm can make it possible for a malicious user to take over your computer or can send out enough copies of itself to cause your computer or a web or network server to stop responding.
Malicious software __elbasuer__ Malicious software
Software designed to deliberately harm your computer. For example, viruses, worms, and Trojan horses are malicious software. Also known as malware.
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