My (very) small office has two desktops running XP Pro (SP3), that are networked using a cable. They also share a DSL internet connection, which can also be accessed wirelessly via our Linksys router.
The internet connection isn't password protected, which is nice in that it allows people who visit to have an easy time getting online. However, I'm pretty sure that free and easy access to wireless network=anyone can access our shared folders on those two desktops. Clearly, this is bad, but I'm not sure what to do. Please explain a fix to me like I'm five. Thanks. [more inside]
posted on Jun 26, 2008 - 12 answers
My co-worker asked me to help her secure her home Windows Laptop. She recently had a virus that made the computer unusable. As someone who has been using primarily OSX at home for the past year I'm behind the times in terms of Windows security. I formatted the drive and re-installed windows XP for her. I've recommended getting Firefox and AVG, but aside from that: what should she do to make her computer more resistant to viruses and spyware? [more inside]
posted on May 7, 2008 - 16 answers 
What software (or combination of software) are you using to keep your computer internet-secure these days? [more inside]
posted on Mar 12, 2008 - 13 answers
In Windows, how can I set up a group that has permission to create/edit/delete user accounts? [more inside]
posted on Jan 2, 2008 - 7 answers
In Windows XP, is there a way to see the password that is stored in the system to log into a wireless network? [more inside]
posted on Oct 24, 2007 - 6 answers
Maybe obvious backup question: I want to achieve: an external hard drive with an exact copy of my main drive's contents that can, in the event of my main internal drive's failure, be swapped into the machine for instant everything-as-it-was. I also want incremental backup, so that I can keep this drive constantly up to date with a daily backup process. This is a Windows XP ThinkPad laptop; I've got the external backup drive in its little case already. [more inside]
posted on Aug 20, 2007 - 35 answers
A little over a year ago, DuckFOO asked essentially the exact same question I'd like to ask now - I'm a Mac geek and will be setting up a Windows Vista Basic computer for my computer novice mother, and am freaked about security. I'm doing the re-ask because many of the articles and ideas that came in responses to the original question are MIA or too old to necessarily apply to Vista, and because the original poster took some things for granted, like turning off unnecessary services, that I'm nowhere as familiar with. Obviously, many a result comes up with any search for Vista security - I need a reliable, Ask Mefi-approved, novice level guide.
posted on Jul 19, 2007 - 18 answers
Looking for a secure Windows XP Roaming Profile alternative. What do you suggest? [more inside]
posted on Dec 14, 2006 - 7 answers
How can I transfer a large file from a secure Windows XP computer? [more inside]
posted on Sep 24, 2006 - 21 answers
"I want to come with you to Redmond and learn the ways of the Registry. I want to be Teh Haxorz, like my father before me." [more inside]
posted on Aug 11, 2006 - 15 answers
What did I do to gain Administrator privileges to install software and how can I do it again? [more inside]
posted on Jul 19, 2006 - 18 answers
I cannot remember my windows XP Pro password. I am an administrator. Need to install software and change to a dynamic ip address. [more inside]
posted on Jun 21, 2006 - 9 answers
I have a desktop that is located in a semi-public place. I have a bios password and a windows password on it. Sometimes I leave it logged out of windows so that I can leave in the middle of a project without restarting everything again. I was wondering how hard it would be to get my data? Short of stealing the actual hardware, is there a way to get past a bios password and access my data without me knowing? (From what I understand, resetting the cmos would clear the password so I would know if someone got in.) Also, is it possible to get in if I leave it logged out of windows with a password? How safe is my data?
posted on Jun 5, 2006 - 28 answers
I am a Mac Geek and will be setting up a Windows XP Pro computer for my computer novice mother, but I am concerned about XP security. [more inside]
posted on May 14, 2006 - 19 answers
I have a client who has a Windows 2000 server and a LAN consisting of a whopping 3 other computers.
He would like a program that lets him know when employees have logged onto the network...preferably by email notification. He doesn't care for anything as machine-centric or intrusive as Spectorsoft, but would like a small utility that does it's small job well for a small cost.
All suggestions are appreciated.
posted on Apr 4, 2006 - 4 answers
How can I track the source of a file? [more inside]
posted on Feb 9, 2006 - 3 answers
Adobe PDFMaker and its attendant Word toolbars only work on an Administrator Account. Is there a way to make it work on a Limited User account? I'm on Windows XP. [more inside]
posted on Jan 30, 2006 - 5 answers
What are my options for installing a home security system? [more inside]
posted on Oct 31, 2005 - 10 answers
I have problems sharing new folders on my home LAN. I have an XP pro box, my wife has a WinME laptop. [more inside]
posted on Mar 30, 2005 - 4 answers
Is there some way within Windows XP or using 3rd party software that I can password protect individual folders on my pcs so that you cant see or get access to what is in them with out entering a password? Just to be super clear, I want to do this one folder at a time not as a general login.
posted on Feb 25, 2005 - 8 answers
I live in a sorta gritty urban area in a ground-floor apartment that has semi-burglar-accessible windows that have no bars or gates. (The landlord is a cheap slum-owning pig, no help.) What should I install myself for serious home security that'll still let me enjoy a nice breeze and also peace of mind and body? Alarms? Internal bars? Any fave products? Money is almost no object, but I'd really rather not have to use a hammer drill on the exterior brick. (Question anonymous for ParanoiaFilter because my name is in my profile and also in the phone book with my address, and I'm a terribly sensible gal.)
posted on Jan 21, 2005 - 13 answers
WindowsXPSecurityFilter: How do I help my mother-in-law?
posted on Nov 20, 2004 - 12 answers
i have some of my remote users in the office connect to our fileserver using webdav as a means to quickly (though admittadly not-securely) access and change documents, etc. it seems though, that since using windows xp SP2 it's been dirt slow. my user will click on a directory, and it will take no less than 10 seconds for the directory to be highlighted. that's not even attempting to open the directory - that'll take another two minutes or so. i'm trying to figure out what's exactly going on here. ideally i'll be switching to VPN soon, but in the meantime, i need to get this working properly again.
thanks!
posted on Sep 28, 2004 - 2 answers
WindowsXP, 250 gig shared backup hard drive, and a lab full of people with sensitive information that needs to be backed up on said drive but shouldn't be accessible by anyone other than the user who put it there. Security is giving me fits and I'd appreciate some helpful advice. [more gory details inside]
posted on Sep 13, 2004 - 6 answers
Windows XP firewall + Zone Alarm = problem?
I've just upgraded to Windows XP and I have three questions (so far...).
posted on Jun 7, 2004 - 9 answers
Virus Question: I have something nasty. It closes any type of anti-virus application I install, closes regedit if I try to get in there, prevents access to anti-virus websites, and yes, there's [more inside].
posted on Apr 28, 2004 - 15 answers
The company I work for is setting up a new office. Our external IT people are advising against installing a wireless computer network, but I have the distinct impression this is because they don't have the expertise to install one themselves. I need help to build a convincing case to the contrary (assuming I'm right about this).
posted on Apr 1, 2004 - 14 answers
