PC Magazine Windows XP Security Solutions

I am a novice at internet security, and never realized my computer was of interest to anyone other than myself. I was one of the 90% infested with everything imaginable. Thanks to the Author this is no longer the case. Flo Vergeer

This is an excellent book on quality security, let there be no doubt. But what it didn't provide to me was an ability to reel that security back to something manageable for myself. There is information on all of the security threats we face. And it's all arranged in bulleted lists. But there is no prioritization in it. No sense of; we would do this first, or these three things are critical and the rest are nice to have.

Securing your PC is not an option any more... it's a "must do" task. And while Windows XP has gotten marginally better in securing your environment by default, it's still not adequate. You need to take additional steps, and it's really not as hard as you might think. I recently got a review copy of PC Magazine Windows XP Security Solutions by Dan DiNicolo, and I'm impressed... Contents: Part 1 - Getting Down to the Business of Securing Windows XP: Implementing User Accounts, Groups, and Logon Security; Implementing Password Security; Using Built-In Tools and Settings to Improve Windows XP Security Part 2 - Making Surfing Safer: Securing Your Web Browser; Restricting Access to the Internet Part 3 - Protecting Windows XP Against Internet Threats: Protecting Windows XP with a Firewall; Keeping Windows XP Patched and Protected; Protecting Against Viruses; Fighting Malware: Protecting Against Spyware, Adware, and Browser Hijacks Part 4 - Messaging Your Way to E-Mail Security: The Dark Side of Spam; Securing E-Mail Messages Using Encryption and Digital Signatures Part 5 - Protecting Your Files: Controlling Access to Your Personal Files; Improving File Security Using Encryption; Erasing File and Hard Drives Securely Part 6 - Securing Your Home Network: Securing Shared Folders and Printers; Securing Windows XP on Wireless Networks Appendixes: Reinstalling Windows XP; Helpful Windows XP Security Web Sites; Catalog of Handy Windows XP Security Utilities; Index DiNicolo is very comprehensive in his coverage of all the areas that need to be taken into consideration. You can't just stop at virus scanners and think you have it covered. The writing is at a level that most PC users can follow without getting totally lost, while not talking down to people who have been using computers for years. Add in a number of screen shots and such, and you have a great guide to implementing security in all the areas that are waiting to be exploited. I appreciated his effort to look at both built-in and 3rd party tools in his analysis. For instance, XP has a firewall, but there are also various 3rd party firewall packages that are very solid (and free for personal use). He also highlights utilities that can be used to scan your system for weaknesses that could bite you. For instance, he shows how the TweakUI utility can be used to make your logon screen more secure than it is by default. It's a security opening I hadn't thought of. Or there's IE-SPYAD2, a tool that adds dangerous sites to your IE Restricted zone setting to make sure you don't get clobbered by visiting a site that can harm your system. I definitely learned a few things that I need to implement on my systems to make them more secure. Obviously, I'm not going to tell you what they are. :) But suffice it to say that most everyone who reads this book will come away with a to-do list for hardening their systems. A very good book...

This is a fabulous book! As tech support for an ISP, I see my customers struggle every day with the issues dealt with in PC Magazine Windows XP Security Solutions. I am glad to be able to recommend a book that is written clearly and correctly, that any of my customers can use without difficulty.

Most PC security books are dry difficult reading, an introduction to hacking, or worse, provide glib and superficial coverage of limited topics. This is an easy to read, effective and wide ranging guide to XP Security. I work full time in IT Security and frequently encounter problems that could easily have been prevented. Key topics covered include: Securing XP by using effective settings (Accounts, Passwords); Patching XP and keeping up with updates; Firewalls; SPAM and Virus Control; Encryption; File Security and Encryption; and, Networks (for example, wireless network threats and easy to implement action to address major risks is provided). Basics of security that are easy to overlook are effectively addressed: the importance of backing up important files, erasing and cleaning hard disks before disposing of a PC (would you mind giving away your tax return or other private files?). Viruses, WORMS,SPAM and attacks that target home users are increasing and becoming more damaging. This book helps the reader to understand the risks and take action. If your computer is central to your work or contains important personal data ("just" a family PC is an unsafe assumption)read this cover to cover. And retain as a reference.