Absolute Beginners Guide to Security, Spam, Spyware & Viruses

Chapter 8. Let's Smash-Proof Windows: Tweak Windows XP Nice and Tight

In this chapter

• Clean out Unneeded Programs to Prepare for Security Upgrades

• Stop Using Internet Explorer and Switch to Firefox

• Protect Your Computer with an Antivirus Program

• Double the Protection: Install Two Anti-spyware Programs

• Block out the Bad Guys with a Firewall

• Install SP2the Big Fix

• Update, Patch, and Polish Windows

• Stop Spam, Phishers, and Tighten up Wireless

• Protect Yourself from Wireless Snoops

In its raw virgin state, Windows XP is horribly vulnerable to viruses, spyware, and other ugly pieces of digital misery. Your best bet is to strip it down naked and rebuild it from the beginning. But if the idea of that gives you a throbbing headache , simply clean it and lock it down with these must-do security tips. Consider this a 10-step, do-it-yourself guide to rock-solid security for Windows XP.