The Windows XP family of operating systems is the most sophisticated member of the Microsoft Windows family. As such, it is very stable and compatible with a wide variety of software and hardware. When your XP system becomes unstable or starts to slow down, it is usually NOT a fault of the operating system. It is usually because of the security holes in XP that are exploited by Viruses, Trojan Horses, and Spyware. There is currently an epidemic of these evil little pieces of code, and protecting yourself is not an option, it's an absolute necessity. To properly secure your computer will cost you about $200 in software and hardware, and between 4 and 8 hours in time to set it up properly.
it is ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL that you install and maintain the following:
Anti-virus software — we recommend Trendmicro's PC-Cillin or PC Tools Anti-Virus for the home user. You can download a 30-day free trial.
Spyware removal software — we recommend PC Tools Spyware Doctor. You can download a 30-day free trial.
For cleaning up your registry and optimizing it we also recommend PC Tools Registry Mechanic. You can download a 30-day free trial.
Make sure you run Microsoft Update. Microsoft releases regular security updates which are essential in keeping your system from malware that may comprimize its integrity.
It's more essential than ever to have a high-speed connection for updates. If you don't have a high speed connection (e.g., cable/sattelite/dsl) you'll spend most of your computer time downloading updates.
When looking at email NEVER click or preview a graphic from a person that you don't know.
NEVER reply to an email from anyone you don't know.
NEVER send anything in an email that you wouldn't want your mother to read.
NEVER send any confidential information in an email (note: this does NOT apply to on-line shopping where the site has a secure connection)
NEVER connect directly to the Internet through a high speed cable or DSL modem. Get a router with a firewall and place that between your computer and the high speed modem.
NEVER
Order CD's from TrendMicro and PC Tools, or buy them at your local computer store. Run and install the cds. Make sure you run Windows Update until you don't need to update anymore. You will have to restart MANY times. That process can take up to 4 hours.
This section applies to Windows XP Systems running XP Home or XP Professional
We make extensive use of keyboard symbols, here the ones you need to know:
⇥ - Tab
⏎ - Return
⇤ - Enter
⏏ - Eject
⇧ - Shift
⇪ - Caps Lock
⌥ - Alt
⌅ - Control
⎋ - Escape
⌽ - Power
⌫ - Delete Key
⌦ - Delete Forward Key
⌔ - Mouse Button Down
⎈ - Windows Key