Windows Firewall vs. Antivirus Protection: How Are They Different?

When you are using the Windows operating system it comes with a firewall preinstalled when you purchase your PC. The purpose of Windows Firewall is it helps to protect your PC from hackers who attempt to gain access to your PC when you browse the Internet. At the same token, all antivirus programs claim to do the same thing so, what is the difference between the firewall in Windows and an antivirus program and why do you need both?

The answer is that there is a difference and yes, you do need both programs to provide the proper amount of protection for your PC in addition to an anti-malware program. Here is why:

Windows Firewall Defined

Windows Firewall comes preinstalled in your operating system and protects your PC by monitoring the flow of both inbound and outbound traffic. The firewall program is located in the Security Center inside the Control Panel and works on a predefined set of rules you create for allowing traffic to enter and exit your PC.

For example, if you install a program or download antivirus software you may be required to configure the Windows Firewall to accept the installation or download. Once you configure these settings you can change them at any time and as you see fit. The firewall will continue to monitor the traffic coming in and out of your PC and alert you when it finds a suspicious information packet.

Antivirus Protection

It is important to keep in mind that you must have a firewall activated even if you have the best virus protection installed. Although Windows Firewall provides some protection for your PC it is not 100 percent foolproof and cannot defend your PC against savvy programmers that inhabit the Internet.

When you download antivirus software this will provide you with the extra protection you need in addition to keeping Windows Firewall activated with predefined rules. This is because there are malicious programs that can easily make their way past a firewall despite the fact you have rules in place. Adding the best virus protection is worth the investment since Windows Firewall can only protect your PC to a certain point.

Windows Firewall is Only One Piece to the Puzzle

Deploying a firewall is only your first defense for protecting your PC. In the age of savvy programmers and increased malicious activity, it is necessary to use layered protection. If one malicious file slips by Windows Firewall another program such as your antivirus download will catch and destroy the malicious program. Most antivirus programs will also protect you during your surfing activity by warning you of malicious activity on a website before you click. A firewall program will not do this while you are browsing the Internet.

So, as a primary rule of thumb, Windows Firewall should only be one part of your overall protection strategy for your PC. You should download antivirus software and make it part of your security arsenal in addition to activating Windows Firewall to provide the best virus protection for your PC. Add an anti-malware program to the mix and update the definitions on a regular basis and you should be good to go.