Keeping XP safe? Awareness of issues.
(1) You already are using Windows XP. That's a good beginning.
(2) If you haven't done so, get your SP2 updates and or CD (its' free).
I've had far greater stability with SP2 installed.
(3) If you're using Outlook Express or Microsoft Outlook, be sure to remove
settings for displaying email preview pane. Delete any spam or other
unwanted email without viewing it. This is especially necessary due to the
preview pane which activates the HTML content of spam. Since disabling the
preview pane, the amount of spam I receive seems to have decreased quite
substantially.
(4) Use either Windows XP firewall or that provided by a router or both.
Don't leave your PC's files open to remote Internet access.
(5) Don't install anti-spy ware, anti-spam ware, pop-up Ad blockers, etc.
Everything you need to protect your PC is already provided by Windows XP, SP2
and anti-virus software and perhaps a router firewall (for home networks as
well).
I didn't believe in anti-virus software. I still don't believe its' an
absolute necessity, however, we do not live in a perfect world, and I'd have
to be completely blind to not realize the extreme extent to which the
Internet is rampant with dangerous content. While I personally still believe
awareness is 3/4th's of the cure, I do recommend an uptodate anti-virus
program for everyone else.
PC Performance
http://www.quadracalc.com/computers/performance.htm
The above link details how I setup my system (for power users). My system
maintains its' stability much longer because of the approach. I won't claim
the approach works for everybody (there's always non-believers). Even with
the best approach, the Internet Explorer web cache needs periodic flushing.
Failure to do so can leave thousands upon thousands of files accumlate on
your HD. While the Windows XP NTFS can handle the files well, the Internet
Explorer browser cannot.
Staying away from ad-supported so-called free software and spam make the
greatest difference.
Again, as to tools needed to keep XP in prime shape?
Windows XP SP2 updates; Anti-virus software, Firewall (XP's and a Routers
builtin firewall if you have a home network or cable-modem.)
That's all you need.
P.S. Coughing up $35 for an anti-virus software package (and having to do
so every year) might seem like a nuisance, but it is a nuisance which more
than pays for itself in the form of peace of mind and PC stability.
