Ten tricks to ensure Windows XP system security

Source: Internet
Author: User
Tags malware protection

For all types of operating systems, basic security protection is usually similar. Of course, each operating system platform also has its own characteristics. The advice provided in this article is for the Microsoft Windows XP operating system.

1. Disable functions that may cause danger.

The Microsoft Windows operating system has some new default functions, which seldom or hardly bring convenience to users, but may cause major security risks. These functions include self-running Autorun, guest accounts, and even automatic updates, after all, it is not a good idea to change the system without knowing what software your system is running. The Microsoft Windows operating system activates a large number of different functions by default, some of which may be unnecessary for most users, it also causes security problems. These functions all indicate possible risks and need to be disabled when not necessary.

2. disable unnecessary services.

In addition to the features required by the operating system, you should disable unnecessary services. About a year ago, I wrote an article listing ten services that should be disabled in Microsoft Windows XP and a simple list, to make sure you understand why you need to disable them. Although this list may not be comprehensive, it can be at least a good start.

3. provide effective protection for the email service.

Use Basic email security rules to prevent content from being obtained by the bad guys, prevent spam harassment, and avoid cyberphishing attacks.

4. Install and run malware protection tools.

In any aspect, in fact, for Microsoft Windows operating systems, malware is a major threat, and putting the system under the threat of malware is an irresponsible thing. Perform careful analysis and research on anti-virus and anti-spyware tools to select the most effective ones. Do not make the feature database of the malware protection tool obsolete, but simply because it can only protect against known threats. Do not rely solely on the brand of anti-virus software, but not on its updates.

5. You need to update not only the Microsoft Windows operating system.

In the world of Microsoft Windows operating systems, most users use software from third-party vendors and do not use Microsoft's own software distribution channels. This means that when you install a software like Adobe Photoshop or Mozilla Firefox browser, you must pay attention to the updates of these software security patches different from those of the operating system. Updating the monthly patch for Microsoft Windows does not mean everything is secure. Sometimes some third-party applications need to be updated. You need to pay full attention to system updates. After all, security not only refers to the security of the operating system.

6. analyze and test the updated patch.

It is important for security to accept security vulnerability patches from Microsoft and other software vendors to ensure system updates. However, it is also very important to ensure that the update has been analyzed and tested during the installation of the update to the application system. In fact, users and System Administrators often find that untested updates are worse than vulnerabilities. Because of function errors, they not only cause more vulnerabilities in the system, it may also damage the security effect of the original update. Another reason why we need to test updates is to help us study the practices of other people when they encounter such events, so that you can have a pre-developed plan when you encounter such a situation; installing and testing the patch in the testing system is a necessary step before installing it to the application system. This ensures that your system will not have security issues due to incorrect updates.

7. Investigate software that can be used to replace default applications.

If you want to use a web browser other than Internet Explorer, should you choose Google Chrome, Mozilla firefoxfirefox or Opera? With AIM, MSN, Y! Compared with the original clients of M, ICQ, and gTalk, the integration of multiple instant messaging tools with the OTR encryption plug-in with Pidgin can better meet your needs in instant messaging, it can also bring higher security. The only thing that should be kept in mind is to ensure that you understand the actual needs and make informed choices. Do not forget that you can choose because of the existence of the default application.
 
8. Use a high-quality Desktop Firewall.

Like other applications, the Desktop Firewall can be applied in many aspects, but it is particularly significant for the security of Microsoft Windows operating systems. In addition, be sure to understand this. Although Windows servers can control the desktop system, but in order to reduce the CPU and memory usage, do not install and install a good "desktop" Firewall Application, relying solely on servers is not a wise choice. In the actual Desktop System of end users, the Desktop Firewall has a greater role. The default purchase time is a good way to cause damage to the system without notice. The Windows Firewall provided by Microsoft Windows Operating System Service Pack 2 is a better choice than none. You should consider replacing the Windows Firewall tool and choosing the one that best suits the current system requirements.

9. Select the time for the Microsoft Windows XP operating system and confirm that it is actually needed.

The options for applications also apply to operating systems. Different operating systems provide different benefits in terms of functionality and security. Are you sure that Microsoft Windows XP is the best choice? Have you investigated other alternative software? Why not choose Microsoft Windows 2000 or Vista? Have you investigated Workstations using operating systems such as MacOS X, FreeBSD, or Ubuntu Linux? What about servers that use OpenBSD, OpenSolaris, OpenVMS, and other operating systems?

10. Make sure that the time is used by any other operating system, and you will do the same.

In my article last year on ten security tips for all general operating systems, I made a list of security tips, it is applicable to any general-purpose operating system, including the Microsoft Windows operating system, to ensure good security practices.

Installing Microsoft Windows XP is only the first step. If you stop here, you may encounter security threats from various attacks on the Internet. Pay attention to the current system configuration so that it is not vulnerable to dangerous attacks lurking in every corner.

  1. Enhance system security with Windows Disk Quota
  2. For Windows system security, you can customize IP policies.
  3. Windows operating system common security problems

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