Re: xp security vulnerabilities?

From: Bruce Chambers (bchambers_at_nospamcableone.net)
Date: 02/21/04 

Date: Sat, 21 Feb 2004 09:38:48 -0700

Greetings --

    Actually, there is no such thing as WinXP "Corporate Edition."
That is a term applied exclusively to pirated (iow, stolen) copies of
the Volume Licensed WinXP Pro by the "warez" aficionados. I trust
this is not what you're really using.

    Even with all of its "holes," WinXP is far and away more secure
than Win98 ever could be. But it's not perfect, so you're wise to
ask.

    There are several _essential_ components to computer security: a
knowledgeable and pro-active user, strong physical security of the
computer, a properly configured firewall, reliable and up-to-date
antivirus software, and the prompt repair (via patches, hotfixes, or
service packs) of any known vulnerabilities.

    Perhaps you should hear what computer security specialists have to
say about Steve Gibson's "security" expertise. You can start here:
http://www.grcsucks.com/

Bruce Chambers 

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"joe" <joe@hotmail.com> wrote in message 
news:c16m36$svj$0@pita.alt.net...
> OK - please don't flame me for a newbie dumbass question but I have 
> been
> searching the net for a while now without finding a clear answer to 
> the
> following, and I am hoping you can help.
> I have recently changed from Win98SE to WinXP corp pro, running 
> Norton
> Internet Security 2003. Under Win98 I had Atguard and BlackIce 
> running in
> addition to NIS and I came up undetected at every security test site 
> I could
> find. I understand that WinXP has some (many?) holes and was 
> wondering:
> 1. How important is it to install the SP's from MS, and what 
> "surprises"
> should I expect from them?
> 2. What additional software should I have and/or what settings 
> should I
> change in WinXP to be invisible on the net?
> 3. Does Steve Gibson know what he's talking about or not?
>
> I have also recently changed from dial-up to DSL, hence my increased
> concern.
>
> TIA
>
>

Relevant Pages

  • Re: xp security vulnerabilities?
    ... > I have recently changed from Win98SE to WinXP corp pro, ... You'll want to keep some kind of firewall ... site is helpful to beginners perhaps but I don't know anyone in the security ... If you intend to be connected for long periods of time I'd suggest getting a DSL router/modem that includes a built in firewalling facility of some kind. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.security_admin)
  • Re: activex and winxp sp2
    ... Use Security and Privacy Features in Internet Explorer 6 (WinXP) ... Working with Internet Explorer 6 Security Settings ... John P. wrote: ...
    (microsoft.public.windows.inetexplorer.ie6.browser)
  • Re: damn red xs again
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    (microsoft.public.windows.inetexplorer.ie6.browser)
  • Re: Windows XP Professional or Home version?
    ... WinXP Pro allows up to 10 simultaneous inbound network connections ... Windows XP Home Edition vs. Professional Edition ... WinXP Pro's more granular security controls may make it easier for you ... stand-alone or peer-to-peer networking scenario than WinXP Home would ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)
  • Re: Using only XPs firewall saves resources
    ... >>could be due to your ISP's security policies and practices. ... > No, I have tried also without firewalls, then are most ports only ... Well that doesn't agree with PC Magazine and other magazine's tests of winXP ... average home user usually doen't know much if anything about security, ...
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