Security

Windows Vista Firewall

Windows Vista allows you to designate your network connections as a "Private network" or a "Public network". This designation determines how the Windows firewall protects your computer. Unless you trust all of the computers connected to the network you are using, we recommend that you configure the connection as a "Public network". This signals the Windows firewall to prevent your computer from being discovered on the network, which in turn, helps prevent your computer from being attacked by viruses and other malicious software.

Ask yourself, "Am I certain that every computer connecting to this network is free of viruses or other malicious software that might infect or otherwise harm my computer?" If you are not certain, then you should configure the network as a "Public" network. This applies to ResNet and the University's wireless networks. Remember there are approximately 5,000 computers connected to ResNet, and unfortunately, some of them are infected by viruses and other malicious software.

Recommendation: when connected to ResNet, designate the network connection as a "Public network".

First, you must be connected to the network that you wish to secure. Then, you need to access your computer's Network and Sharing Center.

Step 1

Open the Start Menu, and select Control Panel.

Step 2

Click "View network status and tasks" under the Network and Internet section of the Control Panel.

Step 3

The network to which you are connected will be listed in the Network and Sharing Center (shown below). In parenthesis to the right of the network name, the network connection will be designated as a "Private network" or a "Public network". If it is designated as a "Private network", click the "Customize" link to the right of the network name.

Step 4

In the Set Network Location dialog, select "Public" under "Location Type", and click Next. Windows will indicate that the network settings were successfully changed. Click Close to return to the Network and Sharing Center.

After returning to the Network and Sharing Center, your network connection should now be designated a "Public network".