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You Cannot Hack Me, I have Windows Firewall
A firewall, despite what you've always thought, is NOT that burnt area where folks have said "we'll burn this now so that it won't burn later". Instead, a firewall is sort of like a traffic officer on your computer or better yet, one of those security guards sitting at a boom somewhere, letting in only the information that is allowed and trying to prevent unauthorized persons getting onto your property and raising hell.
Now that the metaphor above has been mangled beyond belief, let's try and get a little technical. Firewalls in general create and maintain an access control policy, usually set by a network administrator. You know; that guy who never answers his phone and who will change your password if you are irredeemably stupid in his presence? Firewalls can focus on which outward traffic is permitted on a network, allowing or denying access to certain sections of the web. Incoming traffic can also be blocked using your firewall, preventing (really) easy access to a network. Ports can also be blocked by a firewall, denying access to downloads and if the admin is feeling really malicious, incoming email can be blocked as well.
It was once in vogue to hack computers by using a port scanner and enter via unprotected ports, alter data and take anything of interest for one's self. Just on that note, never open a folder called Betty's Barnyard. Ever. This hacking can still be done to a certain extent but only the really senseless have neglected even the basic protection of a firewall these days.
A firewall is no protection against a determined hacker though. Nor will it do squat for the ever-present threat of viruses and malware. The name firewall conjures up an image of malicious software simply bouncing off its tough outer exterior while in reality; it will let through anything that looks correct. These permissions are set by the guy in charge and he can make mistakes. Just never ever let him know that you know that he made the mistake or your computer will never work correctly again.
Firewalls are helpful in the same way that an antivirus program is helpful. Anything is better than nothing but placing one's faith only in Windows' standard firewall is like installing Norton. Helpful to an extent but it could end in tears.
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