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Thread: Yes another Win security tute for beginners.....

  1. #1

    Yes another Win security tute for beginners.....

    Hi All,
    This is my first mediocre attempt at a tutorial so please keep the comments civilised.
    This is aimed primarily at all the home users out there who have no idea what security is or
    how it relates to their computer - yes, you lot, the AO lurkers who never post!

    This is not a tutorial as much as a guide, bringing together various pieces of information
    that i did NOT write.

    Anyway, lets get to it :-

    I realise a lot of people have very little (technical) experience with computers,
    if this is you please find someone to help you if you attempt the following steps.

    Step One: Harden your operating system.
    Best done from scratch, i.e backup your data and perform a new installation.
    For those on 95/98/ME you need to remove MS Network services - "Start" > "Settings" >
    "Control Panel" > "Network", remove "Netbeui" and "File and Printer Sharing". If
    you are on NTWS or Win2K and would like to go berserk here are some guides:

    http://secinf.net/info/nt/hard/hard.html
    http://www.systemexperts.com/win2k/HardenWin2K.html
    http://www.giac.org/practical/Dean_Farrington_GCNT.doc


    Step Two: Install Antivirus software.
    You really do need antivirus software, get some, even if you have to go out and buy it.
    Install then update to the latest virus definitions. (Update once a week)
    Links:
    http://www.nai.com
    http://www.sophos.com
    http://www.symantec.com/
    etc, etc... the list is endless


    Step Three: Update Windows.
    Open Internet Explorer, click on "Tools" > "Windows Update". Install all critical
    updates. On subsequent visits (yes, every week) you will need to click on the
    "Product Updates" link as it will not load automatically after your first visit.



    Step Four: Install a personal firewall.
    There a several personal firewalls available, some of the free ones are -

    Tiny - www.tinysoftware.com/pwall.php
    Sygate - http://www.sygate.com/swat/default.htm
    Zone Alarm - http://www.zonelabs.com/

    If you would prefer to pay for one try this -
    http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q...l+%2B+firewall

    Get one and install it, don't forget to read the manual, firewalls can be tricky.



    So thats it.

    In summary, update virus definitions and check for windows updates at least once a week,
    these steps will reduce the chances of **** happening to you.
    As in all things, you can go as extreme as you want but this is for those of you who just
    want to get on with things, not become a security expert.

    Krang
    .....Brain Failure....dumping core.... z z z

  2. #2
    Fastest Thing Alive s0nIc's Avatar
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    hahah kewl.. nice post, considering we always get newbies askin "where do i start?" so yeah.. hehe next time, ill juz give them the link to your posts..

  3. #3
    Senior Member
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    hey well done ..this is a very good post from a newbie well u should get the
    credit for this ... good job done keep up the good work..

    intruder...
    A laptop, internet connection and beer.

  4. #4
    Junior Member
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    Question in regards to step one -

    remove "Netbeui" and "File and Printer Sharing"

    What do these settings affect? Will removing these disable any file sharing software I have installed? (IMESH, etc.)
    ~~ Mindy...HERE

    \"It works on MY computer!\"

  5. #5
    AO French Antique News Whore
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    Netbeui is Microsoft protocol for talking on a network. If you're stand-alone computer, you can disable it or un-installing it. If you're in a network, I suggest you leave it like that. File and Printer Sharing allow you share file and printer. Again, if you're in a stand-alone computer, you can disable it. If you want other people to access your file or printer, you need option install.
    -Simon \"SDK\"

  6. #6
    Junior Member
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    Thanks for your reply!
    ~~ Mindy...HERE

    \"It works on MY computer!\"

  7. #7
    Junior Member
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    establish your system password might help too.another option is to secure the basic and important files by encrypting them.Just dont do this with a weak encryption program or in a way that may impossibilitate the os to use these files.Anyway i liked your tutorial.Simple but good.The way i like it.keep it up.

  8. #8
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    As far as firewalls go, users using windows xp with broadband internet can also implement the built in firewall by going to My Network Places -> View network Connections and right-clicking on their network card, going to the "advanced" tab, and checking the checkbox next to the firewall options.

  9. #9
    Senior Member
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    hello??? any one notice that this thread is almost 2 years old?
    \"Look, Doc, I spent last Tuesday watching fibers on my carpet. And the whole time I was watching my carpet, I was worrying that I, I might vomit. And the whole time, I was thinking, \"I\'m a grown man. I should know what goes on my head.\" And the more I thought about it... the more I realized that I should just blow my brains out and end it all. But then I thought, well, if I thought more about blowing my brains out... I start worrying about what that was going to do to my goddamn carpet. Okay, so, ah-he, that was a GOOD day, Doc. And, and I just want you to give me some pills and let me get on with my life. \" -Roy Waller

  10. #10
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    LOL, no I didn't. Sorry about that, I just saw it on the first page of posts and assumed it was recent. I'll be more careful next time .

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