geeks on call pc security and privacy

[...]... folders, and programs you are using, so save your work first For Windows XP Home Edition and XP Professional Edition 1 Click the Start button in the lower-left corner of Windows 2 3 Click the Log Off button A window opens containing another Log Off button Click it Prevent a screensaver hack (Windows XP Pro and Windows 2000 only) Rename the administrator account (Windows XP Pro and Windows 2000 only) Disable... critical update Automatically Update Windows (XP Home/Pro only) To guarantee that your computer is always updated with the most recent Windows security patches, updates, and service packs, turn on automatic updates Windows XP gives you three options: automatic download/install, download only, and notify only Here’s how to do it: 1 Right-click the My Computer icon on your desktop If this icon is not available,... 149 150 150 Contents How to Safely Sell or Donate Your Computer How to Wipe Your Computer Properly Disposing of a Hard Drive Properly Disposing of CDs, DVDs, Floppy Disks, and Zip Disks Chapter 18: Data Encryption Deadbolt Your Data Encryption Software Windows Encryption (XP Pro and Windows 2000 only) Encrypt a File Encrypt a Folder Give Encryption Permission (Windows XP Pro only) Encryption Tips (Windows... the Log Off button Click the Switch User button To return to Windows, click your username and then type your password Prevent a Screensaver Hack (Windows XP Pro and Windows 2000 only) Windows XP Professional Edition and Windows 2000 contain a vulnerability in one of their screensavers that could allow a criminal to hack into your system If the Windows login screen has been on your monitor for more... the Start button in the lower-left corner of Windows Click the Control Panel (If you don’t see this option, then your Start menu is in classic mode In that case, click Settings, and then select the Control Panel.) 18 Part I • Windows Security 3 If the Control Panel is in category view, click the Performance and Maintenance category, and then click the Administrative Tools icon If the Control Panel is... limited access and privileges, it still has enough functionality to give hackers a field day For this reason, you should consider disabling the Guest account For Windows XP Professional Edition and Windows 2000 1 2 Click the Start button in the lower-left corner of Windows Click the Control Panel (If you don’t see this option, then your start menu is in classic mode In that case, click Settings, and then... dial-up Internet connection If you have a high-speed Internet connection, the process should take only a few minutes 11 12 Part I • Windows Security 15 When the installation of the service pack begins, you probably will be asked to insert your Office CD-ROM into your computer’s CD drive Do so, and then click OK (see Figure 1-14) The installation will continue Figure 1-14 16 When the installation is finished,... 2000 1 Click the Start button in the lower-left corner of Windows 2 3 Click Shut Down In the drop-down menu, select Log Off Unhide file extensions Unhide special extensions Disable VBScripts Disable Messenger (Windows XP Home/Pro and Windows 2000) 14 Part I • Windows Security Alternate Shortcut for Windows XP Professional Edition and Windows 2000 For Windows XP Professional Edition, you must disable the... Practice Safe Instant Messaging Part V: Data Security Chapter 16: Passwords and Privacy Disable the Welcome Screen (Windows XP Home/Pro only) Require Secure Logon (Windows XP Pro and Windows 2000 only) Create Passwords for Windows Accounts (XP Home/Pro and 2000 only) Require a Password for Screensavers Create a BIOS Password Change Passwords for Other Hardware Use Strong Passwords Passwords to Avoid Web Site... Forgotten (XP Home/Pro only) If You Forget Your Windows Password (XP Home/Pro only) If You Forget Your Primary Windows Password and Don’t Have a Password-Reset Disk (XP Home/Pro only) Remove the “Password Is About to Expire” Notice (Windows XP Pro and Windows 2000 only) Make Folders Private Chapter 17: Data Deletion Data Afterlife What Happens When the Recycle Bin Is Emptied? Delete Data Once and for All Wiping .