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Securing Your Windows Computer PDF Print E-mail

For Windows 2000 / XP / Vista Computer

If you believe your PC is currently infected, before following directions on tis page, please follow the directions for Dealing with Computers.

 Before starting this guide, make sure ALL other programs are closed.

Configure Automatic Windows Updates on Windows 2000 / XP / Vista

Windows 2000/XP

  1. Click Start
  2. Right-Click My Computer
  3. Click Properties
  4. Click the tab Automatic Updates
  5. Make sure there is a check in the box Keep my computer up to date...
  6. *See Note. Under Settings choose the 3rd option--Automatically download the updates and install them on the schedule that I specify.
  7. Just below, select Everyday from the drop down box. In the box to the right, enter a time each day that your PC will be on.
  8. Click Ok

 

Windows Vista

  1. Click Start
  2. Click Control Panel
  3. Click the Security section
  4. Under the Windows Update section, click Turn automatic updating on or off
  5. *See Note. Ensure Install updates automatically is selected and a schedule is set for Every day at an hour of your choosing
  6. Ensure that Include recommended updates when downloading, installing, or notifying me about updates is checked.
  7. Click Ok
* This step may cause your computer to automatically reboot after the updates are installed. If you have any unsaved, open files, they may be lossed. You can choose the second option in the list if you wish to be notified of updates ready to be installed. This second option will not reboot your PC without your concent, but you will have to approve each and every update on your PC before they take affect. If you ignore the notices that show up on your desktop, your PC not be patched and may become infected with viruses.

Updating Windows

  1. Click Start -> All Programs -> Windows Update
  2. Click Scan for updates
  3. If you get the message There are no critical updates available at this time, skip to next section.
  4. Click Review and Install updates.
  5. Click Install Now.
  6. Follow all the directions that show up on screen. If asked to reboot, do so and then repeat this section.

Set Passwords on Windows 2000 / XP / Vista

Windows XP

  1. Click Start -> Control Panel
  2. Double-Click User Accounts
  3. Do the follow steps for each account that is not Password Protected
    • Double-click an account's icon
    • Click Create a password
    • Fill in the form
    • Click Create Password
    • If it asks you to make files private, you should allow it to do so. System may appear to hang while it protects your files.
    • Click Back at the top of the screen.
  4. Click the X at the top right corner of the window to close the users area.
  5. Click the X at the top right corner of the window to close the Control Panel.

Windows Vista

  1. Click Start -> Control Panel
  2. Click User Accounts
  3. Click Change your Windows password under the User Accounts section
  4. Click Create a password for your account
  5. Type in your password twice for confirmation and then an optional password hint
  6. Click the Create password button

Windows 2000

  1. Click Start -> Settings -> Control Panel
  2. Double-Click Users and Passwords
  3. Do the following steps for each account
    • Single-click an account
    • Click Set Password
    • Fill in the form
    • Click Ok
  4. Click Ok

Windows XP / Vista only: Enable firewalls

This is a highly recommended section. However, enabling your firewall may cause problems with some features in communications programs. An example is: Direct Connect in AIM

Windows XP

  1. Click Start -> Control Panel
  2. Double-Click Network Connections
  3. Do the follow steps for each Local Area Connection and each Wireless Connection
    • Double-Click the connection icon
    • Click the button Properties
    • Click the tab Advanced
    • Under the section Internet Connection Firewall, put a check next to Protect my computer and network...
    • Click Ok or Close
    • Click Close once more
  4. Click the X at the top right corner of the window to close Network Connections.

Install an Anti-Virus program

  1. *See note. If you have already installed a current anti-virus program and it is configured to automatically download updates, then you are finished.
  2. Download and install Symantec Virus Protection. Symantec is free for USF students and staff.
  3. Configure Symantec to update its virus signature from USF. Initiate a Symantec update. 
* The USF Security Team recommends removing existing anti-virus software and installing Symantec anti-virus. This is because USF has a site license for Symantec that will allow for updates as long as your PC is affiliated with USF. If you have Norton, then your updates will cease after the first year of service.

Install an Anti-Spyware program

The USF Security Team recommends the usage of Microsoft Antispyware for the removal and prevention of adware/spyware.
  1. Download Microsoft Antispyware from here.
  2. Double-Click the downloaded file "MicrosoftAntiSpywareInstall.exe".
  3. Once installed, follow the prompts on the screen making sure that you choose to automatically update.
  4. After the software is configured choose the option to run a quick scan.
  5. Choose to remove any listed spyware.