Microsoft launched the Windows XP firewall to help combat their customers concerns over security. As a single firewall it will only protect the computer it is installed on, unless the system is using internet sharing in which case the firewall will protect all networked computers. Activating the Windows XP firewall is simple and achievable by using the Start menu. Access the control panel and then your network and internet connections. Simply select “Firewall”, turn it on here, and you are done.