Most people buy a computer to get on the internet, communicate with people they know or to get programs or information.But because there are people who hate Microsoft or who like to think that by being able to mess with other people's computers that shows how smart they are.

I hope that here I will be able to help others to secure their computers and to help them to use them.

OK, for those that got a computer with Windows XP installed. Or they install Windows XP , on their computer. There are some things to do and install that will help to keep your computer secure and running.

The 2 programs I give here are free and they both work very well. They are compatible with XP.  Now I'm not sure but installing one of these programs during installation, says it is not compatible with Windows XP. But it will have 2 buttons. 1 is Continue the other is Cancel, just click on the Continue Button and it will install.

First you need a firewall, one of the best is ZoneAlarm. It is free for non-commercial use. They have a Pro version that does cost $39.95+but it is one that few can match. The Pro has more features for those that need it, commercial sites.

I have used ZoneAlarm for more than a few years and I can highly recommend this program. If you have a "always-on connection"you absolutely need this program. Windows XP includes a firewall but it is just a limited firewall. It makes your computer invisible, but unlike AlarmZone it does not tell you if a program wants to access the internet. ZoneAlarm will tell you what is trying to and if you want, it will not allow it to happen. Just for information on a dialup connection, I have had as many as 50 pings per half hour of somebody trying to see if my computer was on line. But they could not find me and ZoneAlarm told me of their tries.

Personally I use both because with the both of them, it increases the security on my computer.

For ZoneAlarm goto http://www.zonealarm.com 

For pro click on button

The second program is a Anti-virus program. It runs in the background, checking the system files and is also checking any e-mails for virus's. This program is 100% certified to detect virus's by ICSA Laboratories, so this means that it is as effective as any anti-virus that you can buy.

Here is where you can download AVG  http://www.grisoft.com

One thing if after installing AVG you find that you do have a virus and it is able to get rid of most of them but find that for some reason, it says that it is unable to remove some. What is happening is that system restore,in both Windows Me/XP, is protected from being changed by a outside program. So what has to be done is to turn off system restore in both Windows Me/XP. Restart the computer, this will dump the file off of all harddrives, then re-enable system restore. Then run the anti-virus again and you will see that your computer is clean.

Using Windows XP to Increase It's own security

When you either install/upgrade or buy a new computer with it already installed. By default, when first booting up(turning on computer) you will boot into a administrative account. You should only get on the internet in a limited account. Why, by using a limited account, You further protect your system. If you do receive a executable file by either the browser or outlook express. Without administrative permission, it will be unable to run/install on the computer.  So let's start.

Click on the Start Button, then Control Panel, User Accounts. Here is where we add a Administrator and various limited accounts. The first is to create a administrator account. Click on Create a new account. It will ask for a name for this account, type it in then click next. Here you choose if it is a Administrator or limited account.  The first is a Administrator, then click on Create account. After this you will back to the first screen again. Click on the account you just create, the next screen is where you create your password for this account. On the password, I suggest that you a combination of letters and numbers at least 12 characters long. This will give you millions of different combinations, making it almost impossible for anybody to get into this account. For the limited account do the same thing as creating the Administrator account. On the various accounts, everybody can have different wallpaper, check their e-mail and if password protected, others can not access their account. Also it is a good idea to create a floppy to access your account if you forget your password. You can do this here.

If you have any questions e-mail me at michael_hereid_sr@hotmail.com

Designed and Updated by Michael L Hereid Sr with