Microsoft
Security Updates
Summary:
Vital resources for Microsoft™ Windows 7, Vista®-
XP security and updates.
Purpose:
To provide
links to a major software company's security resources.
To provide some helpful Windows
Tips used
in computer security.
Resources
WINDOWS XP Updates:
Single users- Click on Tools- Windows Update in Internet Explorer
Networks
Security
Home page 
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Advice:
Older Operating systems- Seriously consider abandoning
your DOS, 98 & ME
operating systems on individual and networked computers, as soon
as possible. Few new application
software programs provide a secure environment. Your best security alternatives
are CA &
Kaspersky. The
antiquated
file system (FAT) does not allow for security groups, a requirement for password
or
support for an encrypted fie system. The list goes on.
It's
not
you
that
keeps
crashing
ME,
it
is
build-in.
XP & Server(s) are proving to be a major improvement.
An operating system is the same as
a engine in a car. You have no choice but to rely on it to drive everything else.
If the engine is faulty, all of the other components suffer the consequences-
your application software, the integrity of your data, additional hardware components
and accessories. You need to keep them patched and updated.
Vista has
the promise of a renewed effort to secure Windows environments. Windows Defender
is a free- light weight spyware detection program. The company that designed
it
(a 10 person firm called Giant from New York) was acquired by Microsoft about
two years ago. For
the past fours months, we have been running sweeps before our more
mature
spyware
programs. At least, they catch a large number of spyware that Defender misses.
Defender does not seem to have any data in their lookup database when it does
find
something, which would be helpful in deciding whether or not to quarantine.
Sadly, a lot of people are going to be left with a false sense of security,
if
they
rely on Defender to defend their shinny new Windows 7or Vista operating system,
let
alone
XP.
If Microsoft is really serious about listening to their Customer's
number 1 concern- SECURITY- they would have dug a lot deeper in the treasure
chest to acquire
or design their own code. Essentials is very basic and can put your system in danger especially from spy ware. Be wary of Microsoft's Privacy Statement if you are using their Security Essentials as a security package to protect your computer.
MS Essentials will only update daily vs. when needed when a outbreak occurs. It collects a lot of private information to promote their own interests- including emails, what ads appear in your browser based on your surfing habits and software packages you are using.
Turning "Automatic updates" is a wise move. In XP, go to Start> Control
Panel-
click on >
Automatic Updates. Make sure it is set for "Automatic (recommended). When
an
update is available, we like to view Custom to see what we are getting & how
big. If it is a large update, we do a "Restore point"- prior to the
update, just
in case.
See more info on Restore
points.
Many Internet providers are now offering minimal security protection
for
a fee. It feels like we are being sold back protection that should be already
be
part
of their service. For years, the junk has been flowing through their servers,
now they want us to pay for the bill for them to protect themselves. To top it
off, there is more intrusion by software vendors which seems
destined to get even worse and more monolithic. The answer lies in demanding
more privacy from
government & the software and hardware vendors.
We
like Internet Explorer 8 for the simple fact you
have more flexibility in deleting traces of your internet activity
under Tools> Internet Options> Browsing History. The only problem
is that there appears to be no data
destruction capability. It sure
has make a few people unhappy with Adobe Flash applications.
And, Vista?
The release date for business was in late November
2006. Consumer versions became available January 30. 2007.
Now, the service packs are back again, We feel like we are going
through the old horse and
pony show- again. If anything, Vista will be even more proprietary
despite assurances the API will be available to security software
vendors. Our concern is Microsoft is relatively new to
the security software arena. The the
security
features in Vista are an improvement though very basic. Our advice
is to see the real thing in action in the a
real world setting. In particular, the firewall setting turns on
automatically. If you are using another internet security or firewall
product, it can cause a conflict. For example, Norton
360 has a 2 way firewall to protect your system from inbound traffic
and to prevent viruses spreading from your outbound traffic. You
may have to turn off the Norton 360 firewall by clicking on "Tasks
and Settings". Then "Change Advanced Settings" and "Firewall
Protection Settings". Under the General tab, under Firewall-
click "off" then
"Apply" and Close. Be sure your Vista firewall is still "on" and
try your email program, again.
With the new demands Vista is placing
on hardware, we do not suggest using an older computer and trying
to load this new operating system on it. There are significant
overheads associated which this re-make of XP &
2003.
Our advice is to get a new machine with Vista pre-installed & testing/certified
compatible to try it. Some hardware vendors are now promising an update to Vista
on certain
systems. Ask how much? It seems that only Hewlett-Packard has cut a deal with
Microsoft for a free upgrade on certain versions.
We
have been beta testing several of the Live series of
products. Beta means "Being Economically Tested Athwart".
We have found them to be slow, intrusive and buggy. Our advice is to
wait until the are
officially
released. We suspect they are going to be serving up Microsoft content
only- like tuning
into old fashion TV. It is their way of saying "You pay us to get what we
want you to have."
Some of the blame should be placed on the companies and
individuals that show a lack of respect for your privacy- hidden in disclaimers,
user agreements and down right trickery.
And there are some biggies- name brand media giants, stock exchanges, financial
services, etc. - that are patronizing third party intruders to do their dirty
work on your computer. Our advise is- "do not
patronize them."
All
of this leaves us to conclude- "look out for your own best interests-
first."
