STEP 5 – Install Additional PC Security Software

There are numerous choices for PC security software on the internet and many opinions about which software is the best.  There are also choices to be made in regard to using individual PC security products (such as a standalone firewall, standalone antivirus program, standalone antispyware program, etc…) or an internet security suite.

STEP 4 – Update Patch Levels and Configure Windows Update

Go to Start > Control Panel > Automatic Updates and configure the updates however you choose, but keep in mind, if you forget to apply the patches you are vulnerable to exploitation.  Our recommendation is to configure the Automatic Updates to occur nightly and automatically install, that way there are no worries and nothing to forget.

STEP 3 – Secure the Guest Account (especially for Windows XP Home Edition)

Windows XP Home uses the Guest account as an integral part of network file and folder sharing. Using Simple File Sharing, when you share out a file or folder it is accessible to anyone who can "see" your computer. If you don't have other security measures in place such as a firewall that means that users on the public Internet may be able to connect to your share using the Guest account.