Top 8 Windows XP Security PicksHere is a list of things you can do to protect your Windows XP powered computer. After you complete these steps your computer will have greater security from viruses, spyware, and hackers.
A great thing about these tools is they are free! Windows XP Firewall is build into every copy of Windows XP. In Service Pack 2 (SP2) the Windows Firewall is turned on by default. As it is included with XP it does not add an extra cost or complexity to securing your computer. AVG Free is a great light weight non intrusive anti-virus software. It protects your PC in real-time and inspects your ingoing and outgoing email. If you like AVG free I recommend you upgrade to the licensed edition to support this great product. In the days of bloated software it is great to see a lean and mean AV.
Corporate license also available. Hackers exploit weaknesses found in software. As weaknesses are discovered, vendors like Microsoft, issue patches that will fill the holes that hackers discover. Not patching security holes in your software presents a very serious risk. Microsoft's Update site enables you to get the latest software updates and shows you how to configure your Windows XP to automatically get the newest patches so you are always up to date and protected. For those that own a genuine copy of Windows XP, Microsoft offers Windows Defender as a free add on to Windows XP. From Beta 1 to Beta 2 Microsoft has greatly improved this product. Windows Defender lives up to its name, it defends your Windows desktop from Spyware and does so with little burden on the computer or its user. Volume based Disk Encryption is used to created secure partitions or virtual secure drives on hard drives and portable storage device such as a USB thumb drive. Disk Encryption is used mainly on portable computers, but can also be used on any computer that contains highly sensitive data especially if it is located in high risk areas. Windows stores application data, configuration information, and temporary files in numerous locations, even a diligent user can have sensitive information stored on the computer in the clear. Full disk encryption protects the whole hard drive no matter the sophistication of the user, application or operating system – everything is protected all the time. If you travel with a laptop that has sensitive data then seriously look into full disk encryption. I have been using Anti Spam for as long as I have been using email and have played with many products. All have advantages and some disadvantages. If you are a Outlook or Outlook Express user, Cloudmark Desktop is an effective anti-spam solution. One thing that is very annoying is forgetting a password. Hunched over a keyboard incessantly pounding away in an effort to regain access to a computer system.
No one has found an easy replacement for passwords yet and leaving a computer insecure is not an option. But remembering dozens of passwords is hard and often confusing. Password safe is a free way to keep track of all your passwords.
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