ResNet-Firewall Info & Support

What does a Firewall do?

The firewall helps protect networked computers from intentional & unauthorized access.  A Firewall sits at the junction point or gateway between two networks, in our case between ResNet and the Internet. 
The Firewall examines all traffic routed between the two networks to see if it meets certain criteria. If it does, it is routed between the networks, otherwise it is stopped. As a result of this added security, certain things will be affected by the Firewall. 

How are you affected?

Connections between useres on ResNet will not be impacted by the Firewall. Our implementation will allow you to connect to as many resources on the Internet as you wish, but users on the Internet will not be allowed to initiate a connection directly to your computer. 

Socks connections:

The Firewall replaces the need for the socks server, therefore it has been shutdown.  NOTE:  Make sure that any applications that you are using are not setup to use a socks server.  Programs like AOL and Instant messenger are two examples of programs that will not work if a socks proxy is selected.  You can normally find these settings in the Preferences or Setup menu of your software. 

Firewall Settings for applications:

Typically you will not have to make any specific settings/ adjustments to use the Firewall, however there are some applications that will still need to be setup manually to work correctly.  In general you would look at the software preferences or advanced settings to set Firewall parameters.

If you are unable to configure a program you wish to use, call the Help Desk and they be able to help you (depending on is they are familiar with it).