Windows XP System Security Tips, Tricks and Tweaks

Automatic Updates
In yesterdays tip, we discussed the importance of updating your computer to keep it safe and secure. In today's tip, we'll discuss your updating options. Do you want to let Windows update your system automatically? Or, do you want to run your updates manually? The link supplied below will give detailed instruction on how to:-Change the Settings for Automatic Updates -Turn On and Use Automatic Updates -Turn Off Automatic Updates -Have Windows Remind You About Pending Updates -Pause or Resume Downloading -Restore Declined Updates -Update Your Files by Using Windows Update: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;306525#4 [Top]
Protecting Your PC
A very important and often overlooked method of PC security is keeping your Operating System up-to-date. Falling behind in your updates will only compromise the systems integrity by giving hackers a way in. Checking for updates is easy using Internet Explorer: Open Internet Explorer>> Tools>> Windows Update. Windows XP users can benefit from Windows Automatic Update Feature. How does Automatic Updates work? When you turn on Automatic Updates, Windows routinely checks the Windows Update Web site for high-priority updates that can help protect your computer from the latest viruses and other security threats. These updates can include security updates, critical updates, and service packs. Depending on the setting you choose, Windows automatically downloads and installs any high-priority updates that your computer needs, or notifies you as these updates become available. [Top]
A Virus that won't go away...
In many cases, a virus will load itself into your system restore files. It is a technique used by hackers to keep re-infecting your computer using its own back up system. So anytime you are infected with a virus, make sure that you disable the system restore feature and then run your virus scan.Disable System Restore in Windows XP:Right-click "My Computer" and select "Properties". Click the "System Restore" tab and check the box "Turn off System Restore" then click OK.Disable System Restore in Windows ME:Right-click "My Computer" and choose "Properties". Select the "Performance" tab then click the "File System" button and go to the "Troubleshooting" tab. Put a check mark next to "Disable System Restore" then click OK. You'll need to restart your computer.Run your virus scan. Once it is complete, follow the instructions above in reverse to Enable System Restore. [Top]
How to prevent spyware
Spyware and other unwanted software can invade your privacy, bombard you with pop-up windows, slow down your computer, and even make your computer crash. Here are several ways you can help protect your computer against spyware and other unwanted software.On This Page:Step 1: Update your softwareStep 2: Adjust Internet Explorer security settingsStep 3: Use a firewallStep 4: Surf and download more safelyStep 5: Download and install anti-spyware protectionStep 1: Update your software:If you use Windows XP, one way to help prevent spyware and other unwanted software is to make sure all your software is updated. First, visit Windows Update to confirm that you have Automatic Updates turned on and that you've downloaded all the latest critical and security updates.Step 2: Adjust Internet Explorer security settingsYou can adjust your Internet Explorer Web browser's security settings to determine how much-or how little-information you are willing to accept from a Web site. Microsoft recommends that you set the security settings for the Internet zone to Medium or higher.To view your current Internet Explorer security settings:1. In Internet Explorer, click Tools and then click Internet Options.2. Select the Security tab.For a step-by-step guide to adjusting your settings without blocking content from sites that you trust, see Working with Internet Explorer 6 Security Settings.If you're running Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) and you use Internet Explorer to browse the Web, your browser security settings for the Internet zone are already set to Medium by default. Internet Explorer in Windows XP SP2 also includes a number of features to help protect against spyware and many other kinds of deceptive or unwanted software.Step 3: Use a firewallWhile most spyware and other unwanted software come bundled with other programs or originate from unscrupulous Web sites, a small amount of spyware can actually be placed on your computer remotely by hackers. Installing a firewall or using the firewall that's built into Windows XP provides a helpful defense against these hackers.Step 4: Surf and download more safelyThe best defense against spyware and other unwanted software is not to download it in the first place. Here are a few helpful tips that can protect you from downloading software you don't want:-Only download programs from Web sites you trust. If you're not sure whether to trust a program you are considering downloading, ask a knowledgeable friend or enter the name of the program into your favorite search engine to see if anyone else has reported that it contains spyware.-Read all security warnings, license agreements, and privacy statements associated with any software you download.-Never click "agree" or "OK" to close a window. Instead, click the red "x" in the corner of the window or press the Alt + F4 buttons on your keyboard to close a window.-Be wary of popular "free" music and movie file-sharing programs, and be sure you clearly understand all of the software packaged with those programs.Step 5: Download and install anti-spyware protectionMicrosoft currently offers anti-spyware beta software for download; more information is available on Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) site.Additional security tools to help block, detect, and remove unwanted software from your computer are available on the Security Downloads resources page.Note: Microsoft is not responsible for the quality, performance, or reliability of third-party tools. Source: Microsoft[Top ]
Secure your computer from external threats using a password
Using a complex, virtually impossible to guess type password is very important these days. Hackers have password stealing software that could help them gain access to your computers valuable data. Any security measures you take can be undermined by a simple to steal password.
Never setup an account without creating a good password for it. I recommend using a password that is 15 or more characters (whenever possible). A password should never be less than 5 characters.The hardest to steal passwords incorporate a mixture of character classes such as uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. Stay clear of using passwords that are regular dictionary words or names. Password stealing software will sniff those out extremely fast. Also, stay away from using keyboard patterns such as "ZXCVB" or "123654". A very effective way to remember a long password is by passphrasing. A passphrase is a collection of 'words' used for access control. An example of a passphrase would be "Ihatecheapbeer!"It is important to use different passwords for each of your important accounts. If one of your passwords is compromised, then the others accounts are not easily accessed. This can be a bit of an inconvenience, but with the use of some creative passphrasing, it doesn't have to be that hard. Lastly, be sure to change your password often. This is especially important if your computer is accessed by other individuals. Keep to a good password regimen and your personal information should remain safe and secure. [Top]
Manage Your Computer's Security Settings in One Place
Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) contains a collection of new technologies designed to help keep your PC and your personal information more secure. SP2 also makes it easier to monitor these settings with the new Windows Security Center, available through the Control Panel. The Security Center lets you check the status of your essential security settings. You can also use it to find information about the latest virus or other security threat or to get customer support from Microsoft for a security-related issue. To open Security Center 1. Click Start and then click Control Panel. Control Panel with new Security Center icon 2. Double-click Security Center. You should see a window that looks like the one below (Security Center)3. Security Center checks to make sure you have: -A software firewall.-An up-to-date antivirus program. -Automatic Updates set to download and install updates automaticallyIf the Security Center detects that your computer might benefit from enhanced security in one of the three essential areas listed above, it displays an alert in the notification area (to the right of the taskbar, above the clock). You will see an alert like the one below every time you log on, until the problem is fixed. (Security settings alert)Tip: To find out how to address a problem, click any alert and the Security Center will open. In the Security Center, click Recommendations. Note: If your computer is part of a domain (a group of computers on a network), your security settings are typically managed by your network administrator. In this case, the Security Center Source: Microsoft [Top]
Content Advisor Password
If you would like to restrict access to restricted web sites, Internet Explorer makes this possible by adding a supervisor password to the Content Advisor. Here's how:Open Internet Explorer, then go to Tools>> Internet Options>> Content tab>> Enable tab (under the Content Advisor section)>> General button (in the Content Advisor window)>> Create Password button (under Supervisor Password section).If you should forget your password, there is a way to work around this issue, here's how:
Warning: The following instructions involves editing the Windows registry. Incorrect editing can have severely adverse effects on your operating system. I recommend that you do a backup of the Windows registry prior to making any modifications.
Go to Start>> Run. Type in: regedit [Enter] or click OK.
Drill down to the following registry key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS\CURRENTVERSION\POLICIES\RATINGS
Right click on the "Ratings" entry and then select Delete. Exit the Registry editor.
Now you can open IE and disable the Content Advisor.
Once you are prompted for the Supervisor Password, leave the password box blank and then click OK.
You can now re-enable the Content Advisor feature and create a new Supervisor Password.