Shared:Securing Windows XP
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[edit] Security for Windows XP
[edit] Security center
Windows XP has a security center built into it. This product is free with Microsoft XP. The security center tells us what security features are active on your computer. You can monitor what is turned on and off and make sure you have what you need setup. Here is a link to Micorsoft.com that instructs you on how to set up the security center:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/security/internet/sp2_wscintro.mspx
Time Needed: approx. 15 minutes
All Information for this section was acquired from Microsoft.com on 10/10/2007
[edit] Firewall
- Firewalls keep out hackers, viruses and worms. It is an
effective and important first step towards protecting your personal
computer. Firewall must be turned ON before you connect to the
internet for it to be effective.
- If your computer has a version of Windows that is before Windows XP,
then you need to buy a firewall and install it.
- If you need to chose a firewall go to this website if you're not sure
what kind you need.
- [http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/firewall/choosing.mspx|
- Firewall does NOT protect against viruses downloaded from email.
- For general firewall questions and or information or problems go to this website:
- [http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/firewall/faq.mspx|
All of the above information was found on Microsoft.com
Time Needed: Approx. 15-30 minutes for setup
[edit] Spyware protection (spī'wâr')
"What is Spyware?
1. Software that secretly gathers information about a person or organization.
2. Any malicious software that is designed to take partial or full control of
a computer's operation without the knowledge of its user."
For more information on what Spyware is go to this website.
[edit] The definition above came from dictionary.com
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/basics/spyware.mspx
How to prevent it?
1.Use firewall 2.Update youre software 3.Adjust Internet Explorer settings 4.Download and install antispyware protection 5.Surf and download more safely
For more information on how to prevent Spyware go on this website.
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/spyware/prevent.mspx
Time Needed: Approx. 15-30 minutes for setup
[edit] Pop-up blockers
Time needed to change settings: 2 to 5 minutes.
[edit] Basics
Many newer versions of Internet browsers include pop-up blockers. Enabling pop-up blockers prevents unwanted windows, such as advertisements, from opening on your computer when you view a website.
[edit] Enabling Pop-up Blockers
Many Internet Browsers like Firefox and Internet Explorer have a settings option under a Tools menu option. The option on the menu could be referred to as "Settings," "Options," or "Preferences."
When opened, you can turn on the Pop-up blocker and on some manage how active the blocker is or list sites that require new windows to open that it may block.
For more information on Pop-up blockers go on this website.
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms537632.aspx
[edit] Anti-virus
It is either already installed on your computer or you have to buy it and install it youself. They help protect your computer against most viruses.
Anti-Virus programs help against files being deleted, personal information being stolen, and from someone using your computer to attack other peoples computer.
Your anti-virus software will need to be updated often. These updates come from a subscription through the anti- virus provider.
If you have questions, or want general information about anti-virus programs or if you havegeneral problems go to: http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/viruses/antivirus.mspx
For helpful information on how to use the anti-virus software go to this site:
http://www.microsoft.com/india/smallbusiness/itguides/viruses.mspx
This site tells you how to download relevant software patches, how to use the anti-virus software scanning properly, and it talks about making regular back-ups.
All the above information can be found at Microsoft.com
Time Needed: Approx. 15-60 minutes for setup and 15 minutes monthly for maintenance
[edit] Network security
When you have your computer on a network, you want to make sure that the network is encypted to protect others from using your network. According to Microsoft.com, these are some risks of having an unprotected network that someone else is now using:
"*Slow down your Internet performance.
- View files on your computers and spread dangerous software.
- Monitor the Web sites you visit, read your e-mail and instant messages as they travel across the network, and copy your usernames and passwords.
- Send spam or perform illegal activities with your Internet connection."
Here is a link to Microsoft.com on securing home networks:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/security/overview.mspx
Time Needed: Approx. 15-60 minutes depending on how familiar you are with computers
All Information for this section was acquired from Microsoft.com on 10/10/2007
[edit] Security Programs
[edit] Windows OneCare Service is a relaiable source which is directly quoted below on their system of protecting programs.
[edit] "Windows Live OneCare Service
View the Microsoft onecare video below for great information on spyware and the need to make sure that you have good security for your computer.
[edit] Antivirus
* Removes viruses, worms, and Trojan horses * Scans and cleans attachments, downloads, and other files * Updates automatically to counteract new threats
[edit] Antispyware
* Helps protect your PC against pop-ups, slow performance, unwanted programs, and security breaches
[edit] Anti-phishing
* Monitors whether you have Microsoft Phishing Filter in Windows Internet
Explorer 7 installed and turned on to help protect your personal
information from phishing Web sites
[edit] Two-Way Firewall
* Helps protect your PC from hackers when you send or receive data over the
Internet
* Updates continuously to block harmful applications
[edit] Performance Tune-ups
- Disk Cleanup: will delete unnecessary files, including Temp and Wastebasket.
You can choose what files are emptied.
Time Needed: 2-10 minutes
- Defragment: goes through your hard disk, cleans and compresses temporary
files, and installs operating-system updates from Microsoft. There are many tips to use before defragmenting, mainly get rid of all unneeded files first, and turn off all other prgrams.
Time needed: less than an hour to days, it really depends on the computer's hard disk size, the amount of information on it, program used (the Windows version or some other program), and how much there is to defragment.
[edit] Backup and Restore
* Helps protect your files by regularly backing them up to a CD, DVD,
external hard drive, network drive, or other USB-enabled data-storage
device
[edit] CHECK THE FINE PRINT; THIS IS NOT FREE AFTER 90 DAYS.(This is a financial warning I added!)
Download your 90-day free trial today or purchase a full OneCare subscription: $49.95 (USD) *covers up to 3 PCs for a year and includes free phone-based support
- Final price will be confirmed at the point of purchase based on your country location/currency and may differ from the price that appears here.
For more information go to: http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/technology/archives/cat-106/"
[edit] Free Service
Many of the ISP providers will provide free security programs through them. For example, if you get your internet service through cox or charter, they provide their customers with free Internet Security programs. You can usually download them from their home page if you are a paing customer. (This info is based on my personal experience only)
