quantum

Author: DiNicolo, Dan
Isbn 13: 9780471754787
ISBN: 0471754781
Pub Date: Nov 11, 2005
Publisher: Wiley
Shipping Weight: 1.40 pounds
Status: Ships 1-5 days rush ship avail

List Price: $29.99
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While the rising number of security threats to Windows XP users is clearly a cause for concern, the average user has little idea of the severity of these issues, or how they impact their personal privacy. Compounding the problem are the scores of web sites and online advertisements that put more effort into trying to sell users software to 'solve' these issues, rather than educate them on the simple steps they can take to mitigate potential threats to their computers in the first place. This book provides the step- by-step instructions that any Windows XP user can easily follow to virtually eliminate these threats. This book is not intended for advanced 'power users,' security experts, or system administrators, nor is its intention to dissect the nature of the threats for technical analysis. Instead, it's goal is to give its readers the power to ensure that their Windows XP system is secured, and will remain that way - without the need to become a computer expert in the process. The list below outlines some of the key topics and issues that every Windows XP user must address in order ensure that their computer is secure, and that their privacy is not at risk. *Viruses. While viruses have always been a threat that most users are aware of, a majority of users either have no antivirus software installed, or haven't bothered to update their related service subscription - effectively being left with no protection whatsoever. *Spyware programs. Spyware (sometimes referred to as Adware or Malware) is a fairly recent phenomenon that has quickly become the single greatest threat to computer security and user privacy. Because these harmful programs can be installed by actions as innocent as browsing to a web site, most users have no idea their PC is infected until well after the fact. Industry experts estimate that anywhere between 70 and 80% of all home user computers are currently infected with Spyware. *Firewalls. Every user connected to the Internet needs a firewall, regardless of whether they are connecting via high-speed broadband or dial-up. *Browser security Most users mistakenly believe that surfing the Internet is in and of itself a safe activity. Unfortunately, a wide number of Windows XP vulnerabilities have been used to infect computers doing nothing more than visiting a web site. *Windows XP updates While Microsoft typically releases updates for known security issues in Windows XP within days of the exploit coming to lights, tens of thousands of systems continue to be infected by viruses and spyware threats that take advantage of unpatched systems. Simply put, many users either have no idea that critical security updates exist, never bother to download them, or believe that their computer is not at risk. *Password management Many users continue to use the same password for everything from their online banking activities to accessing an online email account, even though they are aware that it represents a security risk. *Data protection Windows XP includes a number of facilities for improving the security of user documents and data files, but still lacks the tools needed to ensure complete protection. *Network security When Windows XP is used on a wired or wireless network, a number of potential security threats need to be considered. This is especially true of wireless networks, which are always unsecured by default.
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