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Most of us love to spend time on internet browsing. But ironically, there is a fear with respect to online shopping. A recent survey has cited that about 25% of the internet users have stopped online shopping and even internet banking activities. This is totally due to the fear of security attacks caused by spyware, adware, viruses, and other malicious programs that infect your windows XP computer.
This security attack is something like theft done at our house. As we close the doors and lock it while going out, the same practice is to be followed with our computer. You need to take some precautions so as to fight against the online security attacks.
Checklist to Protect Your Windows XP PC from Malicious Programs:
1. Update Windows XP Operating System:
Install a genuine operating system and make sure you get the automatic updates for it. This will ensure that your PC gets maximum protection against viruses, pop-ups and other malicious programs.
2. Turn On The Firewall:
Your Windows XP PC will get an inbuilt Firewall. Just turn on and rest will be taken care by it automatically.
3. Download Anti Virus Software:
Viruses are the most dreadful programs on the net. They can get into your PC through many ways and multiply later in your PC. So you need to Download Anti Virus Software so as to catch the viruses even before it hits into your PC.
4. Download Anti Spyware:
Spyware attacks your PC without your knowledge. Starting from identity theft to sluggish performance, spyware makes your PC unusable. So, you need to be very cautious while browsing internet and downloading the media files. A good Anti Spyware will give you a real online protection against the malicious programs including spyware, adware etc.
5. Do Not Open Suspicious Files:
Download the files when you are sure about its source, otherwise simply leave it. Do not even try to open it. These days hackers are using novel methods such as email attachments with subjects like Paris Hilton, Britney Spears names to spread viruses. Stay away from such nasty emails and other file downloads.
6. Download Only Reputed Software’s:
Do not be the first person to download the software. Always look for review in prestigious sites. Then confirm about the trustworthiness of the vendor before you download anything.
7. Don’t Store Information On Net:
Most of us store vital information such as credit card numbers, internet banking passwords, membership details etc on internet connected PC’s. It’s bad practice. If you really want to store such valuable data, then store it in CD’s or any personal diaries.
8. Don’t Use Same Passwords:
Never use the same password for all your memberships, bank accounts, logins etc. Moreover do not share them with any other persons unless you are sure about their secrecy. Do not use your names as passwords. Use stronger passwords for security purposes.
9. Back Up The Data Regularly:
Make sure that you always take back up of the data regularly. If at all any virus corrupts your hard drive, then you can recover the data instantly. Download a good Registry Cleaner and run it regularly so as to make sure that you run Windows XP without any registry errors.
10. Turn PC Off:
If you are not using your PC, then turn it off completely. This is to be strictly followed if you are using a cable internet connection. It not only saves your electricity bills but also protects the PC from security attacks.