Using XWin-32 with a Firewall
If you are using firewall software, you will not be able to use X Windows until you enable access through the firewall.
First, make sure you have set up X Windows according to our instructions.
If you are running Windows XP, Service Pack 2 (XP SP2) or Windows Vista, then configuring the firewall is very simple. Just start X Windows, attempt to make your connection to your host, and click Unblock when you see a window presenting that option. That same window will appear occasionally to confirm that you do still want to "Unblock". That's it and there's no need to read on.
If you are using a firewall other than the one provided in Windows XP SP2, then you must instruct your firewall to permit TCP access on port 6000 and UDP access on port 177, as explained below.
The instructions below are written for people using the old Windows XP Internet Connection Firewall (ICF). Even if you are using a different type of firewall software, these instructions will give you an idea of what you need to do.
- Use the Start
Menu to open your Control Panel
- Click on Network and Internet Connections,
then click on Network Connections.
-
Right-click on Local Area Connection and choose Properties.
-
Click on the Advanced tab and then click the Settings button.
-
Click the Add… button
- Fill in the following settings, then click OK:
Description of Service: X Windows TCP port 6000
Name or IP address of the computer hosting this service: acs.bu.edu
External Port number for this service: 6000
Choose TCP
Internal Port number for this service: 6000 -
Click the Add… button
- Fill in the following settings, then click OK:
Description of Service: XDMCP UDP port 177
Name or IP address of the computer hosting this service: acs.bu.edu
External Port number for this service: 177
Choose UDP
Internal Port number for this service: 177
- Click OK again. Restart X Windows and your
X Windows connection should now be able to get through your
firewall.
written on 9/22/2004
