What is a firewall on a computer and what does it really do?

i just recently installed antivirus and antispyware on my computer but the package also included a firewall for free for purchasing the other systems. i talked to a friend who said i should delete the firewall as it will only prevent me from looking at alot of websites. i know the antivirus and antispyware work great as it scanned my computer and removed a bunch of trojans and spyware. but i really dont know exactly what a firewall is. i thought it was a way of protecting my computer from incoming viruses. but my friend said it will only prevent me from getting on websites i might want to look up. i didnt really want it but they included it free. its from the company called webroot if that makes any difference. should i delete it or just leave it?

What is a firewall on a computer and what does it really do?internet security software

you're friend misinformed you. A software firewall prevents other internet users from being able to find you easily while you're connected to the internet, by keeping your PC from responding to outside attempts to detect it. Depending on the software firewall, it will also alert you should programs on your PC try to connect to the internet, allowing you to decide whether they should be allowed to do so - careful use of this will let you know whether any malware (viruses, spyware, trojans, keyloggers) have gotten onto your PC and are trying to communicate out.

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