IT Security - Securing Your Windows XP

Here are the steps that I recommend to secure your Microsoft Windows XP.

Basic:

1. Install the latest Service Pack by running Windows Update.

Start --> Windows Update

2. Disable the Guest account in your computer.

Start --> Settings --> Control Panel --> User Accounts --> Guest

3. Create a Password for your account.

Start --> Settings --> Control Panel --> User Accounts --> “Your Account” --> Create a password

4. Always enable the built-in Firewall.

My Network Places --> right-click then Properties --> Local Area Connection --> right-click then Properties --> Advanced --> Windows Firewall --> Settings --> ON

5. Install an Antivirus and Spyware Removal.

My Favorites: Kaspersky, eScan, Avast, NOD32, AVG

A little Techie (a little advanced?)

1. Put a PASSWORD on your BIOS.

2. Make your hard drive NTFS.

3. Change the boot order to boot first to hard drive after you install an Operating System.

4. Always use a licensed and original copy of Microsoft Windows Operating Systems to get the latest Security Patches from Microsoft. Some technician could convert a pirated Windows OS to a genuine one (I don't recommend it and it's illegal). 

5. Learn how hackers attack your computer and network and how you can prevent them. Please contact MITXpress Solutions (http://www.mitxpress.blogspot.com) for IT Security Seminars and other IT-related seminars.