firewall?

You never, never go on the web without a firewall. Simples.

If you really, really need to disable the firewall for something specific; say to run a particular malware scanning application, then OK, but it's shields up straight away afterwards.

Of course, a simple Googl esearch threw this up as the very first result:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/283673

Come on - you DID try to do a search and help yourself before relying on other people to do the work.

Didn't you?

You may also like to check this:

http://www.symantec.com/connect/blogs/importance-using-firewall-threat-protection

And also this, for next time you want to find something out:

http://www.google.com/support/websearch/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=134479

Googler
March 2010

Based on your question: DON'T!

T
March 2010

First, a question: Why do you want to do that? Your firewall is an essential component of your internet security. Your computer can get compromised within minuts after you connect without one, without any need for you to navigate the web, or even to have any browser open. Just having the computer on and connected is all that it takes.

Maybe it's a malicious application trying to call home. In that case, you ABSOLUTELY DON'T want it to connect!!!!!!!!

It's preferable to set exceptions.

Assuming you are running Windows:
Open your controll panel.
Double click "Windows firewall­"
Click the Exceptions tab.
If an application can't access the internet, AND it's not listed, click the "Add a program" button.
Sellect the name of the program or navigate to the executable you want.
Click OK
If the name IS in the list but unchecked, add a check mark for that program.
Click OK to finish.

If you still want to disable your firewall, then, in the same dialog, on the General tab:

Check the box "Disabled (not recomended)"
Click OK
Your firewall is now disabled, and good luck, you'll realy need all the luck you can have.

Then again, disabling your firewall is realy NOT a good idea, nor a wise one.

Kualinar
March 2010