With malicious software (malware), such as viruses, worms, and Trojan horses on the rise, your PC security is extremely important. Make sure that you take steps to help protect your computer.
Use a firewall
A firewall places a virtual barrier between your computer and hackers who might seek to delete information from your computer, make it crash, or even steal personal information. Using a firewall is the first thing you should do to help protect your computer.
If you’re using Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), the most updated version of Windows XP, you have a firewall built-in and turned on by default. Learn more about firewalls.
Get Service Pack 2
If you’re using Windows XP and don’t have Service Pack 2 yet, your computer could be at risk. SP2 is a free update for Windows XP and can help protect your computer against viruses, hackers, pop-ups, and worms. Learn more about SP2 or download it now from the Microsoft Update site.
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What does it mean?
firewall A security solution which segregates one portion of a network from another, allowing only authorized network traffic to pass through.
virus Code written with the express intention of replicating itself.
Keep your computer up to date
The Microsoft Update site helps you keep your computer current by providing the latest updates for your computer’s operating system, software, and hardware. Microsoft Update scans your computer and provides you with a selection of updates tailored just for you, including the latest updates for Office, Windows, and several other Microsoft applications, all in one place.
Install antivirus software
Antivirus software detects and removes viruses, which attach themselves to a program or file in order to spread from computer to computer. By installing antivirus software and keeping it up to date, you can help keep your computer free from these destructive viruses and avoid spreading them to other computers.
The Windows Live OneCare safety scanner offers a free virus scan, but it doesn’t provide continuous antivirus protection. You’ll want to use Windows Live OneCare or some other antivirus software for continuous virus protection.
Install antispyware software
Spyware refers to software that does things such as tracking your Web browsing habits or making changes to your computer settings without your consent or control. Spyware can significantly slow down your computer, make unwanted changes to critical settings, and be difficult to remove.
Antispyware software helps protect your computer from spyware and other potentially unwanted software by detecting and removing known spyware programs. It can be scheduled to scan your computer at times that are convenient for you.
The Windows Live OneCare safety scanner detects and helps remove spyware, but it doesn’t provide continuous protection. Get Windows Defender, our new antispyware software, to help protect your PC from spyware and other potentially unwanted software.
Try out Windows Live OneCare
For always-on security service, check out Windows Live OneCare, which provides a two-way firewall, virus protection, and monthly tune-ups for routine maintenance and optimal PC performance.
Windows Live OneCare is subscription-based software that, once installed on your PC, runs continuously in the background and automatically updates itself. It offers persistent, always-on security features that generally don’t require any action on your part.
