 Wireless security is as important for hardware devices like the Media Center Extender as it is for computers. If you don't secure your network, you provide an entrance point to everything on your network, including personal information. Tip 1: Turn on WEP or WPA.Turn on WEP (wired equivalency privacy) or WPA (Wi-Fi protected access) on all of your devices, including your router, your Media Center Extender, and your Xbox system. To learn more about WEP and WPA, see Improve the security of your wireless home network with Windows XP. Tip 2: Don't let strangers use your network.Use Media Access Control (MAC) addresses to help limit the computers that your access point recognizes. Tip: 3: Use a firewall.Use a firewall on each computer on the network and keep all of them current (note that the latest version of Windows XP features a built-in firewall that is turned on for you). For more information, see How to choose a firewall. You should also make sure your router is configured to allow only the minimum amount of required inbound traffic. Tip 4: Update your software.Visit Microsoft Update and use Automatic Updates to keep Windows and related security tools current. Tip 5: Use antivirus software.You need antivirus technology to help prevent viruses, and you need to keep it regularly updated. Consider a comprehensive service such as Windows Live OneCare, which is free to download for 90 days.
Tip 6: Use antispyware software.
Windows Defender, which is free from Microsoft, can help protect your computer from spyware and other potentially unwanted software. Windows Defender comes with Windows Vista. If you use Windows XP SP2, you can download Windows Defender for no charge.
Tip 7: Limit the amount of private information on your computer.Do not store passwords, social security numbers, or credit card numbers on your computer.
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