Windows Xp & 2003 Performace And Security Part One

Last week I promised to release my very first tutorial on Xisto regarding basic computer security. Why is computer security important? For starters, ask yourselves the following question. Can you really risk losing your personal data, including memorable pictures, videos, documents, and important projects that are currently being developed by you? That is up to you to answer, yet I know that most computer users don’t have instant backup solutions that keep data safe, even if Windows is dead. The following tutorial will guide the average user on how to easily tweak his system without editing the registry (Windows registry is a database which stores settings and options for the operating system,).NOTE: I advise users to start with a fresh clean copy of windows, or a preinstalled version of windows for OEM users. Also, these directions are from Windows XP or 2000 users. Some systems may vary.Alright so let’s get a crack on securing and making your computer work well!Firstly boot up your computer that is running Windows XP or 2000. Make sure that you have installed all of the latest Windows updates. Microsoft releases updates for Windows, Office, and SQL express monthly. If you have already updated your system then lets proceed. 1.) Disable System Restore. This is an app that you just don’t need. System restore is not needed and only causes major problems when trying to restore windows. To disable system restore just right click on My Computer > Properties> Go to System Restore tab and uncheck the box.2.) Install an antivirus agent that will protect your system from dirty viruses. I personally use AVG-FREE because it gives you complete protection. Just remember to consistently update it. AVG automatically searches for updates when your system boots. The best part of this application is that it uses minimal system resources. 3.) Install a firewall application. The best free ones include Comodo Personal Firewall and Zone alarm. This will keep you secure. Also, remember to check for updates. The most important thing your must remember is that whenever these programs ask you to allow access to an application read what the message actually says. This will protect you from allowing mall ware programs from taking control of your system. If you are not sure about something then just ask one of the advanced users on this forum. 4.) Install one or several spyware applications. Computers should not only have an application that removes spyware but also blocks it. I personally prefer Spyware Blaster and Ad-Aware personal. If you have the money then you might go for some paid applications but these are all that you’ll need. The good thing about them is that they use very little system resources. Remember to check for updates weekly. 5.) Disable Error reposting. There is no point to open up an additional port on your computer. I would disable error reporting. Error Reposting is a program that sends errors to Microsoft for analysis. To do this go to My Computer > Properties > Error Reporting > and select disable error reporting.6.) Create a backup of Windows Hardware profile. There are times when hardware software fails and then a user receives the windows death screen (Its blue with errors) with no way to fix their system. To do this go to My Computer > Properties > Hardware Profile > Select Copy > then Rename > For the time section make it 1 second > Verify that Profile 1 (current) is the first profile. 7.) Make sure that Automatic Updates are enabled. This will make sure that whenever a new updates comes out it would most likely be installed. Once again, My Computer > Properties > Automatic Updates > and select automatic.8.) If you do not use Remote Assistance then disable it. To do this go to My Computer > Properties > Remote Tab > and uncheck Allow Remote Assistance. 9.) If you do not use file and printer sharing on your main connection then disable it. It will boost your system security by 20% also you will need to disable client for Microsoft Networks. To do all this just go to Network connections and select a land or high-speed device > Right click on it > go to Properties > and deselect file and printer & sharing and Microsoft Networks.These are just the first steps of securing your system. I don’t have time to continue right now so I’ll continue it next week. In fact, I’ll start creating weekly threads until I cover everything I know. I hope this article will inspire you to secure and take care of your system. Have to goAll content, unless otherwise stated, is copyright © Bakalinsky-NET 2006. All Rights Reserved.

Nice Post, Lewis... cool tips and tricks

great post and great tutorial! very informative and explains how to do everything each step of the way! but i must disagree with disabling system restore. it is very useful when you install a program that play havoc on your system, system restore is an easy way to go back and undo what has happened to your computer!!it will not delete any of your documents or personal confrontation, it only changes anything that was installed or changed on the system. and the best thing, if it doesn't work or makes it worse, you can just undo the restoration you just completed!