Make your computer more secure

source : www.microsoft.com

It seems like the media report on a new Internet attack, spyware program, or virus every week. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a security expert to improve your computer’s security.

The quickest way to protect yourself is to sign up for Windows Live OneCare. OneCare provides virus scanning, a firewall, tune-ups, automatic updates, and most everything else you need to help protect your computer. If you don’t understand how those security features work, it’s okay, because OneCare does almost everything automatically. If OneCare does need information from you, the software service walks you through the process in a straightforward, friendly manner.

If you’d rather not use OneCare, follow these four steps to make your computer more secure:

1. Install Windows XP Service Pack 2

Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), available freely from Microsoft Update, greatly improves the security of your computer. SP2 updates your computer to prevent known security threats, enables Automatic Updates to help protect you from future security threats, and enables Windows Firewall to help protect you from direct Internet attacks.

2. Install antivirus software

Viruses install themselves on your computer by exploiting a security weakness. Once installed, viruses attempt to propagate to other computers across the Internet. Windows XP does not include antivirus software, so you need to download and install an antivirus program, such as Windows Live OneCare. Many other software vendors offer antivirus software, too.

Microsoft also offers the free Malicious Software Removal Tool to help clean your computer if it should become infected. However, the Malicious Software Removal Tool cleans only a limited number of viruses and cannot prevent virus infections. Therefore, you still need to install antivirus software.

3. Install antispyware software

Spyware is a broad term used to describe software that might install itself without your knowledge, take unwanted actions (such as monitoring your computer usage or displaying advertisements), and make itself difficult to remove. If you have ever had your Internet Explorer home page change, seen a toolbar appear unexpectedly, or noticed new icons near your system clock, you may have spyware on your computer.

Antispyware improves your protection by helping you remove known spyware from your computer and helping block the installation of new spyware. Microsoft offers the free Windows Defender for spyware protection.

4. Back up your computer

The first three steps work to protect you from threats against your computer. However, not all threats can be prevented. In particular, hardware failure, theft, and fire can damage your computer and destroy your data. To protect yourself from these threats, plan for recovery by backing up your computer. If disaster strikes, copies of your pictures, home movies, e-mail, and other important documents will be stored safely in your backup.