Windows XP - Security Recommendations

First and foremost other than disconnecting from the internet and never sharing a floppy disc, USB memory stick or CDR ROM with anyone else there is no absolute guaranteed method that will protect you. However we have put together based on our experience and the research we have undertaken the following recommendations: Before reading further please however ensure you have run Windows Update (this can be found here Windows Update) and update your system to latest available set of updates. We also recommend an online Virus Scan if you have any doubts as to whether your Antivirus software is up to date, you can try the online scan at Symantec (Norton) you also check your online exposure to other security threats Symantec Online Symantec Online

Windows XP with the latest Service Pack 2 includes a security centre which will advise you of problems if Automatic updates is not enabled, Antivirus or Firewall security problems. Prior to service Pack 2 you manually check these yourself however the guidance below will work, we would recommend an upgrade to Service Pack 2 if you are not already running it.

1. Connecting to the internet via dial-up ?

If you are still using dial-up then to appreciate the internet and the applications available on-line an upgrade to broadband should be considered ! If you stay with dial-up a good software firewall should be installed as an absolute minimum. Windows Firewall as it is known in Service Pack 2 or Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) prior to Service pack 2 is adequate for a basic level of security, however it only monitors inbound connections. Many security risks are caused by spyware and malicious programs and a full bi-directional firewall that monitors both inbound and outbound connections is really needed for proper security. Appleton Computers therefore recommend Zone Alarm (free version) for this purpose in addition to free Antivirus from AVG,  Anti-spyware packages such Ad-Aware from Lavasoft or the more experienced users Spybot Search and Destroy are also recommended - these can all be found in the Download Section Windows XP and Windows 2000 Download Page

2. Are you using broadband ?

Firstly if you are using a USB modem, then we would recommend you consider an upgrade to a full ADSL Modem/Router. A router with built in hardware firewall will provide you a first line of defense in that your computer will no longer be directly visible on the internet, also most USB modems are not latest USB 2.0 compatible and therefore will only allow a maximum internet speed of approx 2Mbits, broadband is now also widely available with speeds up to 8Mbit, another reason for ditching the USB modem. If you are on NTL / TeleWest cable broadband a hardware firewall that connects via Ethernet to either your cable modem or set-top box is also highly recommended. A further benefit of a hardware firewall / router is that if you ever buy a second machine or laptop then your internet connection can be used by more than one computer at the same time. Appleton Computers will be happy to provide and install either an ADSL Modem / Router or Wireless unit and set this up with your computer accordingly.

In addition a good software firewall should be installed, Windows Firewall as it is known in Service Pack 2 or Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) prior to Service pack 2 is adequate for a basic level of security, however it only monitors inbound connections. Many security risks are caused by spyware and malicious programs and a full bi-directional firewall that monitors both inbound and outbound connections is really needed for proper security. Appleton Computers therefore recommend Zone Alarm (free version) for this purpose in addition to free Antivirus from AVG,  Anti-spyware packages such Ad-Aware from Lavasoft or the more experienced users Spybot Search and Destroy are also recommended - these can all be found in the Download Section Windows XP and Windows 2000 Download Page