Stay more secure on the Internet

Learn how to better protect your computer and information when you are online.

Before you explore the articles and tips below, follow these steps to help make your computer more secure.

•	Manage your computer's security settings in one place The new Windows Security Center lets you manage your firewall, antivirus, and automatic updates software settings; find information about the latest virus or other security threat; or to get support for a security-related issue from Microsoft.

•	Understanding Windows Firewall Learn the basics about the new Windows Firewall, plus find out hot to adjust your firewall settings if you need to.

•	Windows XP Service Pack 2 features for Internet Explorer Get an overview of the Information Bar, Pop-up Blocker, and Add-on Manager.

•	Use the Internet Explorer Information Bar Learn to use the Information Bar to help you to avoid potentially harmful files that you might otherwise accept from the Internet.

•	Block pop-up windows with Internet Explorer Prevent most pop-up windows from appearing over pages you want to view while you’re using the Internet.

•	Control Internet Explorer add-ons with Add-on Manager Help make the add-ons that you do want function properly and easily get rid of the ones you don’t want.

•	Use the new security features in Outlook Express If you use Outlook Express for e-mail, new settings help you avoid viewing offensive content in an e-mail, reduce the amount of junk mail you receive, and lessen the risk of receiving dangerous content through an e-mail.

•	Improve your home network security Learn about how your new or existing home network will be protected with Windows XP Service Pack 2.

•	Disabling antivirus alerts If you use an antivirus program that Windows doesn't recognize, you may want to disable the antivirus Security Center alerts.

•	Disabling firewall alerts If you use another software firewall that Windows doesn't recognize, you may want to disable the firewall Security Center alerts.

•	Stay up-to-date automatically Use Automatic Updates in Windows XP to help keep your computer secure.

•	Online safety Microsoft MVP Barb Bowman shows you how to apply computer settings and employ practices that protect privacy and safety when using the Internet.

•	Use security and privacy features in Internet Explorer 6 Find out how Internet Explorer 6 in Windows XP helps protect your privacy on the Web by giving you more control over cookies and more information on a Web site's privacy policy.

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Disabling Messenger Service in Windows XP

If advertisements are opening on your computer in a window titled Messenger Service, it may indicate that your system is not secure. Learn how to disable the Messenger Service in Windows XP to help protect your computer from unwanted spam and other potential threats.

•	Stop getting tricked into running viruses Learn how to show hidden file name extensions so that all file name extensions are visible to help users avoid inadvertently running virus infected attachments.

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