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  CNET GLOSSARY: Terms for the techie
firewall
Software that prevents unauthorized users from logging in to a private network (usually one that's connected to the public Internet). It can also be used to keep users inside the firewall from accessing computers outside the firewall. A firewall could be a dedicated computer equipped with security measures such as a dial-back feature, or it could be software-based protection or a combination of both. The firewall screens incoming server requests to make sure they come from authorized sources. For instance, a company might authorize outside users from certain IP addresses to access its intranet. 
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