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Best Security Defense
Local Security
It is important to understand the need to locally secure your computer. Easy methods to achieve this are locking your computer or logging off before you leave the computer. This will prevent people who do not have an account from logging in. The following graphic demonstrates how to lock your computer in Windows:
Encryption
Encryption is a process that allows you to specify files or folders that become unreadable by anyone else other than yourself. In Windows XP and Windows Vista you can encrypt files or folders on your computer.
Passwords
Having strong passwords on your computer and any online accounts you may have is essential to helping secure your personal information. You can check your password strength using Microsoft’s Password Checker.
Antivirus and Spyware Removal
Having a virus or spyware infected computer is usually the method attackers use to retrieve personal information. To help prevent your computer from becoming infected or to clean up current infections you can install Antivirus and Spyware tools. See the Security Utilities section for a list of tools that will do this for you.
OS Updates
Operating System updates are the most important thing you can do to help keep your computer from becoming vulnerable. Operating System updates typically patch security holes or provide stability and application improvements.
If you are using Windows XP you can learn more about setting up automatic updates by visiting Using Windows Update for Windows XP
If you are using Windows Vista you can learn more about setting up automatic updates by visiting Using Windows Update for Windows Vista
Additional Information
For additional information about protecting your computer visit Microsoft’s Security Website: