Optimize Computer Security Through Windows Settings

There are a number of steps you can take to make your computer and online experience more secure. Your computer comes equipped with certain settings that allow you to optimize security.

Security engineer and tech expert “Sam,” who wishes to remain anonymous because of his job, offers examples of security settings options:

--Enabling/disabling Windows firewalls
--Turn on/off UAC (User Account Control)
--Internet security settings (e.g., Internet Explorer)

“These settings allow a user to control how much security they wish to have on their computer. As a security professional, I would recommend keeping the Windows firewall and UAC on,” he explains.

Enabling Windows firewalls: A firewall allows certain communications to get through while preventing others. As Sam explains, “A firewall is like a doorman who stands outside your home (computer). It prevents unwanted users from just walking in to your home, and (with Windows 7 and Vista) checks that strangers that snuck into your home are allowed to leave.”

To make sure your firewall is on in Windows XP, for example: Go to Start, then click the Control Panel and Security Center. Click on the firewall button and if the box is checked, then it’s on.

Turn on UAC: The good thing about Windows is that while you’re busy installing certain software or making changes to your system, the UAC will ask you for permission before it carries out the task you intended. The User Account Control basically serves as a cautionary reminder when you are making changes to your system.

 If you are performing a particular activity such as installing a program, for example, it may first ask for an administrator password before it completes the application. According to Microsoft.com, UAC does not make “unauthorized changes”. As a result, “UAC can help prevent malicious software (malware) and spyware from installing or making changes to your computer without permission,” Microsoft explains.

For maximum security, apply the “always notify” setting. Windows.Microsoft.com offers instructions for turning on UAC in Vista, for example: Go to the Start button, Control Panel, User Accounts, Turn User Accounts on or off, then make sure the box is checked in User Account Control (UAC) to help protect your computer.

According to Sam, however, “With the advent of Windows Vista and Windows 7, Microsoft has enhanced security and made it an integral part of Windows. As such, as long as a user keeps the default settings for UAC and the Firewall…the settings shouldn't have to be changed.”

Internet Explorer settings: Internet Explorer already comes equipped with various security features, such as pop-up blockers and phishing filters. In Windows XP, for example, you can view security settings in IE by clicking Tools, then Internet Options, and Security. This then shows you the various security zones – Internet, Local Intranet, Trusted Sites, and Restricted Sites, which you can adjust accordingly. By clicking on Tools in Internet Explorer, you also have the option to delete browsing history, set up your pop-up blocker or manage add-ons.

Another security tip for keeping Windows system secure is to create a separate, non-administrator account for daily use. A non-administrator account cannot install software, so viruses and malware cannot easily be installed.

Programs like Computer Checkup also scan and fix various security flaws, remove spyware, and help identify system settings that can boost system security.