University Computer Help Desk

Before You Begin

Mac OS X 10.6

To change your firewall settings in Mac OS X 10.6, do the following:

1. Click Apple Menu > System Preferences....
2. Click Security.
3. Click the Firewall tab.
4. If necessary, click the lock icon located in the lower-left corner of the window. This will allow you to make changes to your firewall.
5. Do one of the following:
   • Click the Start button to turn the firewall on.
   • Click on the Stop button to turn the firewall off.
   • When the firewall is turned on, click Advanced... to make additional changes.

Mac OS X 10.5

To change your firewall settings in Mac OS X 10.5, do the following:

1. Click Apple Menu > System Preferences...
2. Click Security.
3. Click the Firewall tab.
4. Click one of the following radio buttons to select your desired firewall settings .
   • Allow all incoming connections - This is the default mode for Mac OS X 10.5. This mode will not block any incoming connections to your computer.
   • Allow only essential services sets - This is the most restrictive mode. The firewall will block almost all incoming connections.
   • Set access for specific services and applications - This mode allows you to define the connections you'd like to allow to your computer. Click the + (plus) button to add exceptions.

Mac OS X 10.4

To change your firewall settings in Mac OS X 10.4, do the following:

1. Click Apple Menu > System Preferences.
2. Click Sharing.
3. Click the Firewall tab.
4. Do one of the following:
   • Click the Start button to turn the firewall on.
   • Click on the Stop button to turn the firewall off. 
   • When the firewall is turned on, click Advanced... to make additional changes.