 This checklist quickly covers critical steps for protecting Windows operating system. Following these steps will help secure your computer and data. Basic Security Steps  Windows Update is enabled. How do I enable Windows Update? Antivirus software is installed and running. What antivirus software should I use? Windows Firewall is turned on. How do I turn on Windows Firewall? The software on my computer is up to date. How do I update my software? Strong passwords are always used. How can I test the strength of my password? Passwords are not shared or written down. A password is required to access my computer. How do I password protect my computer? Unused programs are removed. How do I uninstall programs? My home wireless network is secured. How do I secure my home wireless network? My important data is regularly backed up. How do I back up my data? I use caution when I browse the Internet. I log off the computer when I'm not using it. My web browser does not store or remember my passwords. Temporary Internet files are periodically removed. How do I remove my temporary Internet files? Additional/Advanced Security Steps I am running under a non-administrator account (standard). How do I change my account type? Guest account is disabled. How do I disable the Guest account? Unnecessary web browser plug-ins are disabled. File sharing on my system is disabled. How do I disable file sharing? A BIOS password is set to prevent alterations to the system. How do I access BIOS settings? Unneeded Windows services are disabled. Which services can I disable? |