Brand new pc 1

[PortCityDude]

How do I get started with XP Pro? I'm getting a new PC after 4 years; used to have Windows98. I have also used Windows95 and windows2000.

 

[jfp23]

XP Pro is essentially Windows 2000 with a few enhancements to the gui

 

[linney]

Windows 2000 would be the closest to XP of what you have used.

Virus attacks on new PC
thread779-854688

Set your surfing user up as a Limited User so that any damage to your system is limited to a minute amount as compared to what occurs if you surf as an Administrator.
These following sites are general security sites which will help you with some security ideas.

Depending on what firewall you end up with you may require a third party program to block "pop ups". A separate virus scanner (and Trojan or Worm scanner) will be required as firewalls don't check files on your computer for virus or other infection, they just stop programs from phoning home.

Most nasties enter your computer via email attachments or downloads. A google search will find many possibilities for scanners, again some virus scanners are freeware, many are not.

A couple of good anti spyware programs are advisable.

Spybot

http://security.kolla.de/

Ad-aware

http://www.lavasoft.nu

MicrosoftAntiSpywareInstall.exe

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...a8bd-dbf62eda9671&displaylang=en&Hash=5BMW635

Will check your computer for spyware and adware.




These following sites are general security sites.

Beginners Guides: Spyware Protection and Removal

http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleid=1458&page=1

This is an 8 page article but worth the read.





Some security ideas for you.

XP SP2 has a built in firewall

http://www.firewallguide.com/software.htm#Comparative

http://www.cert.org/homeusers/HomeComputerSecurity

http://www.cnet.com/software/0-6688749-8-7248268-4.html

http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=Markus+Jansson+security

Microsoft TechNet Security - Columns

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/community/columns/default.mspx

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/tr...ecurity/prodtech/Windows/Win2kHG/05SConfg.asp

 

[pcdude1]

Also make sure you immediately take all Windows updates and patches as soon as you get it installed on the Internet. Right of the box, it will still need the latest patches and critical updates. SANS Institute recently published an article warning that a new unpatched Windows pc connected to the Internet will last for only an average of 20 minutes before it's compromised by malware.

 

[jfp23]

also user Firefox and not IE.

 

[aquias]

Eh, be nice jfp!!! I know how hard core some users are of firefox vs IE, but lets let Port get acquainted with XP before tossing all the different browser options at him!!!

 

[jfp23]

That was a security recommendation

 

[jimp56]

I also prefer to set the windows "skin" to windows classic vs. the newer skin so that it appears more like Win2K. Makes it easier to acclimate yourself to it.