TABLE OF CONTENTS The majority of home computers use some version of Microsoft Windows as the operating system. Most of those users, either by purchasing a new computer system in the past couple of years or by upgrading, rely on a version of Windows XP.
Before we go on to the rest of this book and explore how to use different applications securely, such as Web browsers or e-mail clients, you need to understand the fundamental security of the operating system itself.This chapter will explain the following:
Basic risks of computer use
Accessing Windows
User accounts and Security Groups
File and folder security
Protecting Windows services
Dangers of hidden file extensions
Screen savers as security tools
Do you want your computer to be absolutely, positively, 100-percent secure against all vulnerabilities and exploits, not only those known now, but those yet to be discovered? It s simple: leave your computer in the box, because once you turn the computer on, you begin to walk a tightrope between functionality (or convenience) and security. Unfortunately, many of the features that make your computer easier to use also create various security issues as well.
Some people appreciate that their printer is able to communicate with the computer and alert them with messages when the...
