Protecting
Windows XP from Spyware
If you
are running Windows XP then here are a few measures you can take to
help protect yourself from unwanted Spyware and Adware.
If
you are looking for the information on the following:
If
you are running Windows XP on your computer, then here are a
few measures you
can take
to help protect yourself from unwanted Spyware and Adware.
First of all, what is spyware?
Spyware is simply a
program that is installed on your computer, usually without
your
knowledge. Spyware programs can subject you to unwanted advertisements
in the form of popups and some can even help in theft of your identity.
It has been reported by at least one highly respected news source that
up to 90% of all computers
connected to the Internet may be infected with these types of malware
programs.
Luckily you can take a few steps to minimize the risk and
keep these programs of your Windows XP based computer.
Most of these programs make use of security holes which are found in
the Microsoft
operating system and Internet Explorer browser in order to install
themselves on your computer. So, the first step is to ensure you have
downloaded and installed
the latest security packages from Windows Update. You can set
this up to automatically install during the night when you are not
using your computer by setting this in the Security Center of your
control panel.
Service
Pack 2
Be aware that The Security
Center will only show up if
you have
applied Service Pack 2 for Windows XP you your system. If Service Pack
2 for Windows XP is not installed on your computer, then stop reading
this now and go do it. You can tell the service pack version that is
installed by right clicking on
your My Computer Icon and
selecting
properties and looking at the System sections
on the General Tab.
Service pack 2 is avery important tool if you want to protect your
system
from spyware as it has several built in functions to help you fight
this battle. In service pack 2 there is an improved Windows Firewall
that helps you combat whether these programs ever make it onto your
system. This firewall has a lot more control over the actions
allowed to enter your system than the original Windows XP firewall and
you will want to make sure it is set up correctly.
Luckily Microsoft
has built this firewall with simplicity in mind and it will protect
most people with the default settings in place.
The first time a
program tries to access the internet you will receive a dialog box
asking you if you want to allow the program to connect. Depending upon
your answer a firewall rule will be written to allow or deny the
access. Make sure you understand what
the program's purpose actually
is that you are allowing to access the internet. If you are not sure
answer No to the access and investigate the source of the program.
This one tip can go along way in securing your computer against
unwanted spyware infection, but there are also other methods you can
use to help prevent your computer becoming infected with these
programs. These other methods will be presented in other
articles on this site.
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