Windows and Mac Firewall and Encryption

How To Enable Windows or Mac Firewalls and Setup Encryption:

Windows 7 or Vista:

  1. Click Start and in the Search for Programs and Files box type Firewall and press enter.
  2. In the found programs click Windows Firewall.
  3. If the Windows Firewall is enabled the Windows Firewall state will be on. If it is off, clickChange settings or Turn Windows Firewall on or off in the left column.
  4. In the Firewall Settings window, select On and click ok.

Windows XP:

  1. Click Start, Settings, Control Panel and open Network Connections.
  2. Within the Network Connections window, right-click the Local Area Connection and select properties.
  3. Within the Local Area Connection Properties window, click the Advanced tab.
  4. Finally, check the Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet option.

There are no built-in encryption packages for XP or Windows 7, we reccomend True-Crypt as a free and fairly easy to use product. For assistance call (206) 221-5380 or email orthohlp@uw.edu. 

Mac OS X 10.7 (Lion) and 10.6 (Snow Leopard)

  1. From the Apple menu, select System Preferences... . When the System Preferences window appears, from the View menu, select Security & Privacy (10.7) or Security (10.6). 

  2. Click the Firewall tab. 

  3. Click Start or Stop to enable or disable the firewall, respectively. 

Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard)

  1. From the Apple menu, select System Preferences... . When the System Preferences window appears, from theView menu, select Security. 

  2. Click the Firewall tab. 

  3. To configure the firewall, at the top of the window, click one of the radio buttons: 

    • Set access for specific services and applications is the best choice for most users; it will block most incoming connections, but allow you to make exceptions for trusted services and applications.
    • Allow only essential services activates the firewall in its strictest mode.
    • Allow all incoming connections deactivates the firewall.

    Enabling Encryption on a Machintosh is Free and built-in to every OS.

    -Caution: Encrypting your drive and forgetting your master password can result in dataloss, pick a password carefully. 

    1) Log on as the user you want to turn on FileValue for.

    If you like, you can turn on FileVault while creating a new account — you’ll see a check box to select.

    2) Select System Preferences from the Apple menu, click the Security icon, and then click the FileVault tab at the top, if it isn’t already highlighted.

    You see the FileVault setup window.

    2) If you haven’t already, set a master password for your Mac by clicking the Set Master Password button.

    A master password allows you to recover data from any FileVault user that has forgotten his password. Knowing the master password also lets you reset any user’s logon password.

    4) Choose a password.

    You can call up Password Assistant to help you choose this password by clicking the Key icon next to the password entry field. Because FileVault encrypts your home directory using your logon password, your account should have a high-security-level password.

    5) If you need to change your logon password, select System Preferences from the Apple menu and click the Accounts icon. Change your logon password.

    You should also log out and log back on to make sure that everything is working.

    6) Return to the System Preferences Security screen and click the Turn On FileVault button.

    Depending on how much data is in your home directory, the initial encryption process could take a while. If you’re working on your laptop, plug in the charger. If you already have sensitive info stored in your account, select the Secure Erase check box to ensure that OS X thoroughly obliterates the unencrypted data when it’s done encrypting.

    When you log out of a FileVault account, OS X often asks your permission to tidy up and recover some unused space. Only say yes if you have time and battery power for the operation to complete. Otherwise, tell OS X to wait.

    For assistance call (206) 221-5380 or email orthohlp@uw.edu.