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Protecting Windows
Cleaning Windows
Protecting Windows

  1. Be Wary, Be Vigilant. - This is by far the most important step you can take to protect your Windows PC. For example,

  2. Check Security Center Weekly. - Microsoft's Security Center provides a good overview of your PC's current security and tells you how to correct problems. There are slight differences between the Vista and XP versions.

    All Green is Good

  3. Use a Firewall. The firewall provided by Windows XP Service Pack 2 isn't very good and should be replaced if possible. Both ZoneAlarm and Comodo provide "free-for-personal use" versions. The firewall for Vista is better than than of XP, but still no match for the other two.

    Firewalls for XP, Vista

  4. Use an Antivirus. Almost all Windows PCs have some form of antivirus installed, but these products are only as effective as their last update. You must make sure the the virus definitions are updated. For home PCs, I prefer to use AntiVir or AVG.

  5. Use Multiple AntiSpyware Programs. Windows Defender, which is standard on Vista and available for XP, is the bare minimum protection you should be using. Home users should routinely scan PCs using AdAware and SpyBot. I would also recommend monthly scans using Ewido and Xcleaner. Another good "free-for-home-use" product is Spycatcher Express, but if you want the best you'll have to pay for SpySweeper.

    More Green is Good

  6. Patch Windows. Almost all Windows PCs are set to automatically update themselves, but their users ignore the warnings issued by Windows. After an update is downloaded, Windows has to install it and then (frequently) be rebooted. All Windows users should visit Microsoft Update manually once per month to insure a fully patched system. You will have to use Internet Explorer when visiting Microsoft Update.

    No Updates Needed.

  7. Use a Better Browser. If you have a choice, you should useFirefox to surf the Web. Preferably with NoScript installed. If your still using XP, you should upgrade to Internet Explorer 7. Opera is also a good choice for securely surfing the Web.

  8. Backup Your Data. Another frequently ignored security precaution. I suggest you buy an external drive. Vista comes with a decent backup program called Backup and Restore Center. XP users might want to look at Cobain Backup.

    Vista Backup.

    All images are from Microsoft, Wikipedia, or screen captures.