5 Steps to Securing Your Windows Xp Home Computer

5 Steps to Securing Your Windows Xp Home Computer

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 perceive is how easy it is to significantly improve your computer's security and sacrifice the likelihood of becoming a victim to ever increasingly sophisticated threats that lurk on the internet. These steps should take less than a integrate of hours to perfect and should not clean out your wallet.

1) Windows modernize - the first crucial step you need to take to make sure that all your Microsoft applications have all the newest product updates installed. These updates or "patches" address security vulnerabilities and other issues. Microsoft ordinarily issues these updates on a monthly cycle. Visit the Microsoft website or switch on self-operating updates from the Windows control panel. Even if your "new" computer is second hand this is still a primary first step. If you buy a used computer with Windows Xp make sure aid Pack 2 or Sp2 is installed.

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2) Strong Passwords - people often overlook this but having well plan straight through passwords is an important element of your computer security. A strong password should include at least 8 characters with a combination 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, reputation 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 safety - while it is fair to say the threat of the computer virus has receded during the last integrate of years they can still impose serious damage on your computer. Part of the suspect why the threat has reduced is because Pc business are now more oftentimes 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 box 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" contribution which is very aggressively priced.

4) Firewall - if you are using a broadband connection then a firewall is definite requirement to administrate the traffic flowing between your computer and the internet. A firewall monitors the inbound internet traffic passing straight 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 box which most vendors offer as standard. If a hardware firewall is included as part of your router box then you do not need anyone 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 transportation 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 combination 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 oftentimes recommended in computer help forums. Be truthful if you rule to purchase a solution. There are a amount of rogue vendors out there which aggressively push products which offer you exiguous value. Stick to trusted names like Webroot's Spy Sweeper or Pc Tool's Spyware Doctor. These products all the time come out well on independent tests.

5 Steps to Securing Your Windows Xp Home Computer

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