5 Steps to Securing Your Windows
XP Home Computer
by Richard Rogers
Most people are aware that there are continuous security issues with Microsoft's
Windows operating system and other programs. However, what most people do not
realize is how easy it is to significantly improve your computer's security and
reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim to ever increasingly sophisticated
threats that lurk on the internet. These steps should take less than a couple of
hours to complete and should not clean out your wallet.
1) Windows Update - the first crucial step you need to take to make sure that
all your Microsoft applications have all the latest product updates installed.
These updates or "patches" address security vulnerabilities and other issues.
Microsoft usually issues these updates on a monthly cycle. Visit the Microsoft
website or switch on automatic updates from the Windows Control panel. Even if
your "new" computer is second hand this is still a critical first step. If you
buy a used computer with Windows XP make sure Service Pack 2 or SP2 is
installed.
2) Strong Passwords - people often overlook this but having well thought through
passwords is an important element of your computer security. A strong password
should include at least 8 characters with a mixture of text, symbols and
numbers. As a minimum you need to make sure the services most at risk have a
strong log-in password. These services include your bank, credit card, other
financial services like PayPal, your email address and any other services like
Ebay which hackers can use to generate profit.
3) Anti Virus Protection - while it is fair to say the threat of the computer
virus has receded during the last couple of years they can still inflict serious
damage on your computer. Part of the reason why the threat has reduced is
because PC manufactures are now more frequently bundling anti virus packages
with their new computers. For example last year my new Dell shipped with a
90-day trial of McAfee's Internet Security Suite. The best bet here is to
purchase a security package which includes firewall and anti virus software as a
minimum. Top brands include McAfee and Symantec Norton products. However,
Microsoft has recently entered the market with their "OneCare" offering which is
very aggressively priced.
4) Firewall - if you are using a broadband connection then a firewall is
definite requirement to manage the traffic flowing between your computer and the
internet. A firewall monitors the inbound internet traffic passing through the
ports of your computer. Better products also monitor outbound traffic from your
computer to the internet. As per above the best bet here is buy a firewall
application as part of a security package which most vendors offer as standard.
If a hardware firewall is included as part of your router package then you do
not need anything else. A company called Zone Labs offer a great free firewall
product called Zone Alarm which should be used as a minimum. Windows XP does now
ship with a free firewall but the product does not monitor outbound
communication and therefore I believe does not offer adequate protection.
5) Anti Spyware Tool - this software is the last piece in your basic internet
security set up. This tool helps combat spyware and adware. There is a good
mixture of free and paid versions on offer. Good free software include
Microsoft's Windows Defender, Spybot S&D or Ewido Anti-Malware. Ewido
Anti-Malware is frequently recommended in computer help forums. Be careful if
you decide to purchase a solution. There are a number of rogue vendors out there
which aggressively push products which offer you little value. Stick to trusted
names like Webroot's Spy Sweeper or PC Tool's Spyware Doctor. These products
always come out well on independent tests.
About the Author:
Richard Rogers runs a
number of computer-related sites offering
Spyware Remover
and
Anti Virus Software
help.
Source of article:
www.goarticles.com
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