Did you know that using and upgrading certain software packages can help improve the security of your PC? Here are three steps you can take today to begin improving the security of your computer.

Step 1: Use an Internet Firewall

An Internet firewall can help prevent outsiders from getting to your computer through the Internet. If you use Microsoft Windows® XP, enable the built-in firewall.

1.                  Make sure that you are running Windows XP. To do this, click Start, and then click Run; in the Run dialog box, type winver. Click OK. This will tell you which version of Windows you are using.

Click Start, and then click Control Panel.

2.                  Click Network and Internet Connections, and then click Network Connections.

Tip: If the Network and Internet Connections category is not visible, click Switch to Category View on the upper left of the window.

3.                  Under the Dial-Up or LAN or High Speed Internet category, click the icon to select the connection that you want to help protect.

4.                  In the task pane on the left, under Network Tasks, click Change settings of this connection (or right-click the connection you want to help protect, and then click Properties).

5.                  On the Advanced tab, under Internet Connection Firewall, check the box next to Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet.

6.                  If you have more than one connection to the Internet, such as broadband and a dial-up connection, then repeat steps 5 through 7 for each connection.

Step 2: Update Your Computer

Your Windows XP operating system includes the Automatic Updates feature which can automatically download the latest Microsoft security updates while your computer is on and connected to the Internet. To get the most out of Automatic Updates, run a Windows Update scan on your computer first.

1.                  Click Start, click All Programs, and then click Windows Update.

2.                  Follow the directions on your screen. Windows Update will scan your computer and give you a pre-selected list of critical updates.

Tip: To reduce download times, run Windows Update when you will not be using your computer for other tasks. Your download times will vary depending on how long it has been since you last updated, the number and size of files being downloaded, and your modem speed.

Slower modems may take several hours to download all recommended updates the first time you use Windows Update.

3.        Install the updates.
Now that your Windows XP is up to date, establish a regular maintenance schedule with Automatic Updates.

1.                  Click Start, and then click Control Panel.

2.                  Click Performance and Maintenance.

Tip: If the Performance and Maintenance category is not visible, click Switch to Category View on the upper left of the window.

3.                  Click System to open the System Properties dialog box.

4.                  On the Automatic Updates tab, check the box next to Keep my computer up to date.

5.                  Choose a setting. CSS strongly recommends choosing Automatically download the updates, and install them on the schedule that I specify.

6.         If you choose the option to automatically download and install the updates, you must then select a day and time for your computer to install the downloaded updates. With this option, updates are downloaded in the background when your computer is connected to the Internet.

Tip: Be sure to pick a day and time when your computer will be turned on. We recommend a daily update. Always save your work before leaving your computer, because some downloads require your computer to reboot.

Using these instructions will help ensure your computer downloads and installs updates.

Step 3: Use Up-to-Date Antivirus Software

An antivirus software program will help protect your computer against most viruses, worms, Trojan horses, and other malicious code. Many new computers come with antivirus software already installed. However, antivirus software requires a subscription to stay up to date. If you don't have a current subscription for these updates, your computer is likely to be vulnerable to new threats.