UTSA Windows Firewall Policy

In our continuing effort to ensure a safe and secure computing environment for UTSA's factulty and staff, we have implemented a policy to enable the firewall that comes with Windows XP Service Pack 2.

Why do you need a firewall if your machine already has anti-virus software?  Your anti-virus software takes a reactive approach to protection because your computer must first contract a virus before the anti-virus software can clean it.  The firewall attempts to block the infection in the first place.

This firewall protects your workstation in a proactive manner by blocking unwanted connections from unknown computers.  The firewall software coupled with the anti-virus software brings together a comprehensive set of protections that should allow you to work unhindered by viruses and hackers.

Now that this software is enabled you may notice a window pop up on your workstation asking for input.  If it looks like one of these below, then you are being asked a question by the firewall.  If you are unsure of what to do, please contact the UTSA Helpdesk and ask them how you should proceed.

Thank you for your cooperation,

UTSA Server Team

Local Admin Window

Non-Local Admin Window