Microsoft Windows XP Security
There are 5 essential program steps that are required to keep Windows XP running quickly and securely. I have been using these essential tools for years to keep my own computers safe and secure. In addition to these essential programs, It should be stressed that people running Windows XP should use Internet Explorer, Tools, Windows Update every week to check for, download, and install updates from Microsoft. This keeps newly discovered holes in Microsoft XP plugged with the latest updates, keeping out opportunistic hackers.
The 5 essential programs are:
1. McAfee AVERT Stinger. Download Stinger from http://vil.nai.com/vil/Stinger/ Download it new each month and run. Stinger is a program that checks for the viruses that get around and disable your antivirus software. Running the latest version of this regularly will help assure that your antivirus software is working correctly. If Stinger has a hit, then you must uninstall, then reinstall, your antivirus software.
2. Ad-aware, from LavaSoft, used to remove spyware secretly installed by advertisers on your computer. Download Ad-aware for free from http://download.com.com/3000-2144-10045910.html?part=69274&subj=dlpage&tag=button Ad-aware is a spyware removal program. It checks your entire hard drive for files and folders that are evidence of (or infected by) spyware programs. It also checks the most common entries in your Registry. Ad-aware has an update feature, so save it into a folder you create in your PROGRAM FILE, place an icon from it on your desktop, and double click to launch. Before each scan, be sure to run the live update! It is not unusual to find hundreds of spyware programs in one week of typical web surfing. Simply quarantine / delete all spyware programs Ad-aware uncovers.
3. Spybot Search & Destroy, used to remove spyware secretly
installed by advertisers on your computer. Download Spybot Search & Destroy
for free from http://www.safer-networking.org/index.php?page=download
Spybot S&D is another spyware removal program. It complements Ad-aware, in that it doesn't check the hard drive
full width, but does a very deep and thorough search of your Registry. Running both regularly helps insure that your system is spyware free.
Spybot has an update feature, so save it into a folder you create in your
PROGRAM FILE, place an icon from it on your desktop, and double click to launch.
Before each scan, be sure to run the live update! Simply delete all spyware
programs Spybot Search & Destroy uncovers.
4. Anti-Virus, such as McAfee, Norton, or AVG. These programs need to be running all the time your computer is on. They need to be updated weekly, or even, daily. McAfee and Norton cost about $20 per year. AVG, from Grisoft is free, and I have found it to be an excellent product. It can be downloaded at http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_index.php
5. Firewall, such as Zone Alarm by Zone Labs, Symantec's Norton™ Personal Firewall, or McAfee Personal Firewallplus 5.0.
Zone Alarm is free and can be downloaded at http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/products/znalm/freeDownload.jsp Your firewall needs to be turned on and running all the time. Set the preferences to auto-update. You may have to give your firewall an opportunity to learn your particular habits and computer, but once it is up and running, you will be surprised how many attacks it will thwart. I have found that the hardware firewall that is typically found with network routers offer inadequate protection.
This information is compiled with thanks to Soundbytes at http://soundbytes.org/ These guys know what they are talking about!