Securing Your Windows XP Computer

This document contains the following sections:

• Step 1: Download & Install Symantec AntiVirus for Desktops
• Step 2: Run Microsoft Update
• Step 3: Configure Windows Firewall
• Step 4: Disable Simple File Sharing
• Step 5: Secure Your Accounts and Passwords
• Step 6: Enable a Screen Saver Password
• Step 7: Configure Windows Event Logs
• Step 8: Configure Local Security Auditing Policies
• Other Security Tips
• Advanced Steps

Print all sections in this document [PDF].
See the Printing Tips page for help.

For information related to this topic refer to:

• Security Definitions
  
• Security: General Practices
  
• Symantec Anti-Virus
  
• Using Encrypted Authentication Methods
  
• Managing Your Andrew Password
  
• System Restore
  
• Information Security Office (ISO)
  

Important: If your machine is managed by a Carnegie Mellon departmental administrator, please check with that person before proceeding. Also, make sure you have admin access to the machine you want to secure and login using the admin account for all actions unless otherwise noted.