With the release of Windows Server 2003, Microsoft changed the world of host-based firewalls by including Windows Firewall as a standard feature. Using this basic software firewall, it's possible to limit inbound connections to those matching pre-defined rules. To enable Windows Firewall:
- Open the Local Area Connection Properties page;
- Click the Settings button on the Advanced tab;
- On the General tab, ensure that the firewall is turned on.
Use the exceptions tab to create port-specific rules using the Add Port button. It's also possible to limit inbound traffic to certain IP addresses by clicking the Change Scope button on the Add a Port window.
When Windows Server 2008 was released, Microsoft included Windows Firewall with Advanced Security. This product offers a dramatically enhanced graphical user interface (GUI) and allows administrators to create both ingress (inbound traffic) and egress (outbound traffic) rules.
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