This Obviously gets asked alot so why not make this something you can print out and use when you reformat your computer, or just want to secure it.
Remember if you format your computer you need to install drivers, manufacturer provides them, I’m not getting into it.
Obviously after your reinstall windows the first thing you are going to want to do is connect to the internet and crank your dick to some porno, or browse this place. Well DON’T CONNECT TO THE INTERNET!
Step 1) Service pack check
For Windows XP you ideally want to have a Windows Xp Service Pack 3 disk/installation. From there you are mildly protected, from windows vulnerabilities. If you have a service pack 1 disk, you are a fucking idiot, at least make sure you have a service pack 2 install.
To tell what you have… go to control panel, then system. A window will pop up and it say what service pack that you have. Again service pack 1, :picard: you are still vulnerable to shit like the Blaster Worm (lol), you really need to get a hold of an SP2 disk and upgrade ASAP,
Windows Vista, I believe there is service pack 1 out, its kind of old, so its not that awesome. finding the service pack version is probably the same way. I don’t have Vista machine available to get the exact steps. But its not rocket science.
If you don’t have the service packs on a disk or on another type of media, well its important but its not going to kill you.
Step 2) Anti Virus and spyware proggies
Anti Virus software this is a very very good idea to have. Real time protection is nice, but not mandatory in my eyes, as it does hog some resources. Suggested software:
Symantec End point protection - UB Students this is free to you
Other can Chime in on what they like to use and why.
Spyware - Spybot and Adaware ? I don’t use them but spybot makes entries into your Hosts file which is nice.
Malwarebytes - Suggested by Ryanmcell
Step 3) Firewall
I prefer the windows firewall honestly, if you are crazy about protecting your machine, you can install a 3rd party firewall, Zone alarm is one that I’ve used in the past. (3 years ago) so you can try it I’m sure others can chime in on what they feel is a good firewall to use.
Things to note 3rd party firewalls can be a pain to use for computer illiterate people, if you are a total moron, use the windows firewall.
Step 4) Strong passwords
The Administrator account needs a strong password. No password is a very bad thing. Control panel > user accounts in windows XP.
Step 5) disable guest account renaming administrator account- windows Xp, vista instructions lol are way different
control panel > administrative tools > Computer management. Click local users and groups. Then the User category you will see the guest account.
right click on it and go to properties, there is a check box to disable it. If you are seeing a million user accounts in here… LOL you already fucked up.
you need to have an Administrator account, but ever dickhead in the world knows its going to be named “Administrator” Step 1 of getting into your computer is complete, now they just need to figure out the password. In the same window where you disabled the guest account, right click on administrator and click rename. good… change the name of it. and you are done
Step 6) Disabling Services. - WINDOW XP
Start, Run, and type services.msc
Here you will see a bunch of “Services” to change the settings on them right click and go to properties. From Default the following should be changed.
Application Layer Gateway - Disable it, if you are using Internet connection sharing. then leave it in manual
Computer Browser - Disable it
Error Reporting service - Disable… its just annoying anyway
Help and Support - Manual
Indexing services - Disable, annoying, and a hog
Netmeeting - Disable
Network provisioning - Disable
QoS RSVP - Disable
Remote desktop help… - Disable
Remote Registry - DISABLE
Secondary Logon - Disable it.
Smart Card - Disable ( really no point for most people)
Telnet - DISABLE
Terminal Services - DISABLE
Universal Plug and play - Disable, if shit stops working, reenable it. Preferably off if you can swing it.
Step 7?) Install Mozilla Firefox.
Have it ready to go, on a flash drive or something … I cringe when people use IE.
Step 8) Plug in to the internet and do windows updates. There are a million ways to do this… others can tell about their experiences I don’t want to type it out.
Step 9) Anti virus definitions updates
Update the virus definitions, same with adaware and spybot or what ever you use using.
Pretty much ready to go
Programs to stay away from… AOL INSTANT MESSENGER, Stop fucking using it. Use pidgeon or something.
Thats all I have for now… I’l make edits on the fly
DAY TO DAY Stuff - Daily Auto updates, you can schedule them in the “control panel > Automatic updates” As for your anti virus software they check out the manufacturer website if you cant figure it out. Again there are way too many to really go through.
As for Java and flash player updates. Java usually pops up something saying you need to update. Its a good idea since viruses like to exploit 3rd party software to get inside. Check the programs them self to see if there is an auto function. I don’t do it… but its a good idea to. I’m just lazy lol. Again if you need instructions how to . I’ll post them here. Its pretty easy