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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Technology
Jack Schofield

A firewall that doesn't stay turned on

Often when I switch on my computer, I get a message that the Windows Firewall is not turned on. As I never turn it off, I do not know how this happens.
Bill Ross

The two things most likely to turn off the Windows Firewall are (a) security suites from other companies; and (b) malware. Reboot your PC and run Panda's Anti Rootkit. Next, download and run the Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool. You should also check that you have all Windows Updates installed, and that third-party software is patched. Secunia offers a scanning tool for this, and I recommend running the desktop version, Personal Software Inspector. This type of inspection has become more important now that many web-based malware attacks target programs such as Apple QuickTime and RealPlayer.

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