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Secure Microsoft Windows

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Windows has security holes. Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 3 is much more secure than Windows XP-SP1 or 2, XP, 2000, ME, 98 or 95. Vista and Windows 7 are even better. For an introduction to Internet security for home and SOHO end users, see our Overview page. For this week's top Internet security and privacy topics, see our Newsletter page.

Step #1 -- Remember that Internet outlaws love out of date software. Install all security updates for your current operating system and Microsoft software applications immediately. Scan your other installed applications with Secunia Online Software Inspector (they also have an even better offline version) and install all available security updates now. Download all updates for any security software you already have installed and turn on their automatic update features if they have them.

Step #2 -- Backup your files at least weekly including documents, music, photos...

Step #3 -- If you are using a dial-up Internet connection, consider moving to DSL or cable to make it easier and faster to use the automatic update features of Windows, antivirus software, and other security and privacy software. Also consider signing up with an ISP and/or email service that provides online spam, virus and content filters for two levels of protection, see our Secure Website & Email Hosting page.

Step #4 -- Upgrade to Windows XP Service Pack 3, Vista or Windows 7. Turn on automatic updates and turn on the Windows firewall (until you replace it with a better one). Turn off file and printer sharing if you do not use these features. If you want or need to do a clean install, see our Installation page.

Step #5 -- Use Firefox instead of Internet Explorer and a more secure email client like Thunderbird instead of Outlook Express.

Step #6 -- Turn off the Windows firewall and replace it with software and hardware firewalls for two levels of protection, see our firewall software, wired and wireless router pages. Be sure to test them after installation, see our testing page.

Step #7 -- Install an Internet security suite, anti-malware (combo of antivirus, spyware, etc.), or separate anti-virus and anti-spyware software products. Also consider using anti-Trojan, anti-spam, anti-phishing privacy, and zero-day protection software. Turn on automatic updating and/or check for updates of malware definition files yourself at least once a day.

Step #8 -- Tighten Windows