If your computer is running Microsoft Windows XP and you are using email and/or surfing the internet, it's essential to use secure your computer and protect your data. It takes some time and effort to secure your computer, but if you don't take precautions, you will have problems. Period. You may even lose all of your data. So, here's what you need to do:
Use an internet firewall.
Use antivirus software.
Prevent spyware and adware.
Use a pop-up blocker in your browser.
Keep Windows XP and all other Microsoft products updated.
Create System Restore points.
The programs I recommend on this page are free. You must keep these programs updated in order for them to be effective. Go to www.hootowlcomputing.com/updates.html for Update Instructions. Microsoft has released their own firewall and spyware removal tools, and there are others available, but I use the programs listed here and have had no problems.
Make a folder on your desktop (or in My Documents) and call it Security. This is where you will keep your downloaded programs.
When you have completed the necessary steps to download a program and receive the File Download Security Warning prompting you to Run or Save this file, choose Save. In the top box, where it says Save In:, click on the arrow to the right of the drop-down menu and choose Desktop (or My Documents), or wherever you created your Security file. Then, in the big box, double-click on Security. Note the file name at the bottom of the box.
If you don't use a firewall, attackers can find and attack your computer within 15 minutes of connecting to the internet. If you use an "always-on" form of internet access, such as satellite, cable modem or DSL, it's especially important that you install a firewall.
Firewalls come in two forms: hardware and software. A hardware-based firewall is usually a router, or a personal computer that's been tweaked to act as a firewall to the rest of your home network. For the majority of internet users a software firewall is sufficient. There are many firewalls available, for free or by paid subsription. Windows XP includes it's own firewall, however, it does not provide outgoing protection. I recommend Zone Alarm. The free edition is sufficient for home users..
To download Zone Alarm, go to: http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/catalog/products/sku_list_za.jsp?dc=12bms&ctry=US&lang=en&lid=nav_za. Click on the Free Download button and follow any prompts to download.
After installing the program, be sure to choose the free version, not Pro.
Zone Alarm is easy to use, the program includes a tutorial. The important thing to remember is, in the Program Control, Never allow ANY program to accept connections from the internet or act as a Server. Doing so leaves your computer vulnerable to hackers. If an alert comes up with a program wanting to do this, check the box to Remember This Setting and click on Deny.
Once in awhile check the Programs (Program Control, Programs tab) and make certain that all of the items in both the Server columns are blocked. If you see any item in the Server column with a checkmark, click on it and choose Block.
AVG Anti-virus is a good program, I've used it for years and never had a virus. To download the free version, go to: http://free.grisoft.com/doc/5390/us/frt/0?prd=aff. Click on the big Download button to download from Download.com, or AVG 7.5 Free For Windows (the version changes). Save to your Security folder. There is also other documentation available if you want to download it.
When the program first runs, just make sure it you update it.
There are a couple modifications I make to this program. For instructions on how to update manually, go here: www.hootowlcomputing/updates.html#AVG. I do not like the window that comes up when emails are being scanned. To disable this, open the AVG Control Center, click on Email Scanner, then click on Properties. in the window that opens, click on Properties. Uncheck both boxes (Show notification icon and Show information window).
If you surf the internet, your Windows XP computer will get spyware and adware installed without your knowlege or consent. If you, or anyone else using the computer, share files or do instant messaging, you'll get spyware and adware even faster. The best defense against spyware and adware is not to download it in the first place.
Here are few helpful tips that can help protect your computer from downloading potentially dangerous programs:
Download programs only from websites you trust. Read all security warnings, license agreements, and privacy statements associated with any downloads.
Never click Agree or OK to close a window. Instead, click the red X in the upper-right corner of the window or press Alt+F4 on your keyboard to close a window.
Be cautious about using music and movie file-sharing programs, and be sure you clearly understand all of the software packaged with those programs.
Install the anti-spyware program Spyware Blaster and keep updated.
No matter how careful you are, you will eventually end up with some spyware and need to delete it. You should download and install the following anti-spyware programs and run them at least once a month. I recommend two programs, as Ad-Aware may find items that Spybot - Search and Destroy does not, and vice-versa.
To download Spyware Blaster, go here: http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html . Click on the download link, and on the next page, choose a download location and follow the prompts to download and save to your Security folder.
After installing this program, click on Updates, then click on Check for Updates. After the updates are downloaded and installed, click on Enable Protection for all Unprotected Items. This is all you need to do for this program, other than keeping it updated.
To download Ad-Aware, go here: http://www.lavasoft.com. On the left side of the screen, click on Ad-Aware Personal. Click on Download Now. You will be redirected to a 3rd Party mirror site. Follow the prompts to download and save to your Security folder.
Run this program weekly at first. If you don't have any problems, after awhile you can go to monthly.
To download this program, go here: http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html. Click on the Download Here link, and on the next page, choose a download location and follow the prompts to download and save to your Security folder.
The first time the program runs, it will bring you through some setup steps. Just do everything it says, including updates.
When all the updates have loaded, click on Immunize on the left hand side of the screen. Click on Immunize at the top of the screen.
To run the scan, click on Search and Destroy on the left hand side of the screen, if it is not already there. Then click on Check for problems. The program will scan your computer, this will take awhile.
When the scan is finished, the screen will show the results. Click on Select All in the menu at the top of the screen. Then click on Fix selected problems. In the box that comes up after the System Restore point is created, click Yes. When it has finished, close the program.
Sometimes Spybot will not be able to fix a problem and will ask if you want it to run on the next boot. If this happens, say yes, then restart the computer.
Run this program weekly at first. If you don't have any problems, after awhile you can go to monthly.
There is a Pop-up Blocker in Internet Explorer 6. You use this by clicking Tools, Pop-up Blocker, Turn on Pop-up Blocker. Using the default settings will block most pop-ups, you don't want to block all of them, as there are many websites that legitimately use them. Most other browsers nowdays include some form of a built-in pop-up blocker.
Go here www.hootowlcomputing.com/updates.html#WU for instructions on Windows and Microsoft Updates.
Windows XP does not automatically backup the registry daily like Windows 98 did. While it’s not necessary to create a daily restore point, it’s a good idea to create one once a week or so. Especially when things are going well! System Restore is found here: Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, System Restore. When the program opens, select Create a Restore Point. In the next window, type Manual Checkpoint. When it’s finished click Close.