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 Securing your Windows XP vol. 1
April 4, 2005 - Part I
by Andrew Cooper
Intro
Hello. Today we're going to talk about how to make your Windows XP more secure.
All the security programs that we use on our computers are really important, as they contribute to overall system protection, but if your operating system is poorly configured, improperly serviced or inaptly used these tools won't be of much help. By exploiting unrecognized configuration errors or flawed auto-started programs, the "bad guys" will still be able to penetrate your system despite all the fortifications you've erected.
In the present article, which is comprised of two parts we will focus on the necessary settings, program configurations and extra tools that will help you enhance the security of your Windows-based computer without resorting to the use of third-party commercial software.
Variants of Operating Systems
Computers use Operating Systems (OS) to operate, and without them they would be nothing more than a bunch of hardware sitting idly on desks. Tasks are carried out within the context of an OS, and the OS manages the operation of the computer's hardware and software components.
The operating System of a computer is like the foundation of a house: over it every other piece is built. That's why it's important to construct a reliable basis, the one over which all further pieces will be built.
There are many different operating systems out there: Windows, Linux, NetWare, BSD. Some of them are free and come with an open-source code that can be modified by others (Linux family), while others are quite costly and their codes are downright confidential (Windows 2003 Server or Novell NetWare).
Word is out that the most protected and secure system is Linux, but it hasn't yet (regretfully) garnered a mainstream use, and is being used primarily by the computer professionals. Since Windows still remains the dominant operating system in the world today, and is expected to remain so for years to come, we'll devote our attention to the strengthening of Windows today.
Among consumer-oriented versions of Windows, the most modern (and admittedly the most protected) version is Windows XP. Additionally, it is touted by Microsoft as the toughest, most robust and best supported system of the Windows family currently available.
Windows XP exists in two versions: XP Pro and XP home. The former is for advanced users who either work in complex network environments or can make use of its extended functionality. Its younger sibling is more suitable for home or small office use and lacks some of the features found in the Pro version. As these systems are built on the same kernel, and use similar working principles, they are equally strong in terms of security, and this article is equally relevant to both of them.
Keys to better Windows security
1. Installing Windows and program updates
What you should do straight away after you've installed your Windows, is apply the latest Service Pack (SP) to it. If your copy of Windows XP didn't come preinstalled with SP2, you'll need to go to the trouble of about getting it yourself. SP2 is available through the Windows Update site (windowsupdate.microsoft.com), by enabling the automatic Windows Updates or by downloading a complete SP2 package from this Web address. Service Pack 2 is an aggregated kit comprised of numerous past updates and modifications all packed into one product. It is very important to install the newest version of Service Pack, as it contains the latest security updates and system enhancements that will add to the stability and dependability of your Windows program. Service Pack 2 can be installed on any "bare" XP system, as well as over an existing SP1. The rest of this article is written assuming you have already installed the Service Pack 2, so I urge you to go ahead and do that if you haven't already done so.
It is important to recognize that even after you've applied SP2, it is still absolutely crucial to regularly install monthly updates to Windows XP, available from Microsoft. These regular updates fix previous errors in its software and installing them promptly is a significant step towards a "better" Windows.
Also, as you probably work with programs other than Microsoft's, don't forget to occasionally update them too, with recent patches downloadable from the developers' websites. Certain bugs and security holes can be eliminated easily that way.
Read next:
Continue to Part II
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