| Microsoft Windows XP operating system is one of the | | | | element in prevention of any security issue. Strong |
| most popular operating systems ever. Many people | | | | password should contain at least eight characters and |
| around the world have this operating system installed | | | | should be a mixture of numbers, letters and symbols. In |
| on their computers. Because this operating system is | | | | addition, you need strong password not only for |
| so popular, many cyber criminals are trying to find | | | | Windows XP, but also for any service that is maybe |
| security holes in this system, and to use it for their | | | | at risk, especially if money is involved (like password |
| criminal activities. In addition, many of them are | | | | for your online bank account, email or any other |
| successful, because many Windows XP users do not | | | | commercial account). |
| know how to eliminate all these threats. Therefore, | | | | If your computer is connected to any kind of network, |
| here are several advices on how to improve your | | | | and especially if you have broadband internet |
| computer security, and do not become a victim of | | | | connection, you must use Firewall to monitor incoming |
| these cyber criminals. | | | | and outgoing traffic between your computer and |
| Most important step that you really have to do is to | | | | internet. Windows XP have built in Firewall but it |
| make sure that all of your Microsoft applications are | | | | monitors only incoming traffic and doesn't monitor |
| updated with latest updates. This is your first defense | | | | outgoing traffic, so if you don't have hardware Firewall |
| against all security threats, because Microsoft's | | | | on your router, than you have to consider buying |
| engineers are also aware of all new security threats, | | | | Firewall. Best Firewall on the market at the moment is |
| and they are constantly working to eliminate them. | | | | Zone Alarm, made by company called Zone Labs, and |
| That is why they are making new updates and | | | | you can download free trial from their web site. |
| patches for all Microsoft applications. Make sure to | | | | Next thing that you need is Anti Virus Protection. Even |
| switch on Automatic updates from the Control Panel | | | | if in last couple of years computer viruses threats are |
| of your Windows XP, visit the Microsoft web site from | | | | reduced to minimum, you still need Anti-Virus software |
| time to time, and inform yourself about latest news | | | | to prevent any damage. You should go always for a |
| and updates for your Windows XP. | | | | top brands like Kaspersky Anti-Virus or Avast. They |
| You should set a strong password for your Windows | | | | will provide you with free antivirus updates and all |
| XP. Users of this operating system often overlook the | | | | latest upgrades of Anti-Virus software. |
| importance of having a strong password as a strong | | | | |