Ken;Ken Lang wrote:Wiz. I have an xp computer here that I plan to upgrade the xp stuff before Mar 8. I don't use it, but might as well get it up to the latest xp.
I also have an xp computer in New York that I won't get to till May. Do you know if I can save xp upgrades on a thumb drive to use for that. I don't intend to use any xp computers for internet.
You'll need to go to the Microsoft Download Center, find XP patches and Hotfixes and download as many as possible. Be sure you save Service Pack 3 and any CPU fixes if you have an HP computer with an AMD processor.
Do not assume that you can protect an XP computer that goes online, unless you follow these guidelines.
- Apply all patches that are or were available for XP, Office components, Internet Explorer, etc.
- Apply updated versions of Adobe Reader and Flash. Uninstall all versions of Java, or uninstall anything outdated and disconnect it from your browsers.
- Update any Apple software, like Quicktime, iTunes, etc.
- Login as a Limited User for daily use
- Use Firefox instead of IE. Install and learn to use the NoScript Add-on.
- Do not click on links in email unless you hover over them and verify that the URL is what it claims to be and you have dealings with the sender and expect the message and link. Some of your friends may have compromised email accounts sending spam, exploit, or phishing links.
- Assume that They are out to get you, because They are.
- Be super careful of what you "like" or "share" on Facebook. Some items posted by your friends could be scams they fell for and shared.
- If you use any IM programs, make sure they are up to date.
- If any of your software contains a check for updates link, use it. If you have the option for automatic updates, select it.
- Install a security program that guarantees to support XP and gets at least daily, if not hourly automatic updates.
- Consider adding the paid version of MBAM as a security backup.