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.

STEP 2 – Post Installation System Settings Cleanup

The tool that will be utilized in configuring a home XP or Windows 2000 computer is built into the operating system.

STEP 1 – Operating System Installation

Assuming you are installing your operating system from scratch, here are some items to pay attention to;

NYXEM/BLACKWORM/KAMASUTRA - WORM REMOVAL AND PROTECTION INSTRUCTIONS - CLICK HERE

Regularly backing up important files on your PC is always necessary.  With the Nyxem (Kama Sutra, Blackmal, Grew, or whatever it is being called today...) virus getting ready to delete PDF, Powerpoint, Word, Excel and Access files, it becomes critical to take the time to make a backup of your files asap and turn this into a regular habit. Burn a cd for example.