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With more and more small and home based businesses getting high speed, full time Internet connections, like Cable modem and DSL, there is an increased need for firewall software and/or hardware.

A firewall can be many things, but the main thing you need to know is that without one you are at risk of someone breaking into your computer. With people staying connected to the Internet full time with Cable modems or a DSL line, you are at a MUCH greater risk of someone accessing your computer from a remote location.

Basically a firewall limits the access to your computer from the Internet. This has nothing to do with your website. That's your webhost's responsibility to protect your site (which is another reason to make sure you have a reputable firm hosting your website). We're talking about someone accessing the computer that's sitting on your desktop right now.

I was amazed at the number of alerts I got when I first installed my firewall. Each alert meant that someone or some automated robot was trying to access my computer. Admittedly, if you are a small business just beginning e-commerce operations, you are not a prestigious target for a hacker to attack. But you might be a fun target for some 8th grader who wants to see if they can get into your computer.

Begin by immediately downloading and installing some free firewall software: You could visit http://www.firewall.com/ for many choices and more technical articles about firewalls.

I got my free firewall at http://www.zonelabs.com. It provides a good beginners level of protection. http://store.mcafee.com/ has a popular firewall for about $40.00. So does http://www.networkice.com/ that has one called Black Ice Defender.

As your business grows, you probably will want to graduate to more sophisticated software and hardware solutions. Just know that you MUST do something and you must do it NOW!