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Web Design, Web Hosting, Search Engine Optimization, Computer Support, Computer Repair, Technology, Technical Education, Computer Sales, Computer Software Sales, Computer Installation, Computer Design, Network Installation, Network Support, Operating Systems. Ecommerce and the Internet.

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The Compufix Professionals Team
Compufix Professionals, Inc.

Protecting Your PC

How seriously are you taking your own PC security? If even the government and corporations can't keep themselves from being hacked, how can we PC-users protect ourselves?

1. Patch and update.
Software companies are finding holes in their systems all the time -- sometimes because a hacker pointed them out. Make sure you get all the appropriate patches that your operating system needs. If you're a Microsoft Windows user, get your monthly updates at www.Microsoft.com/security. If you use a Mac, check out updates at www.Mac.com/support.

In addition, you need anti-virus software to fight the viruses and worms that come creeping in off the Internet and a firewall to keep out the spyware. "The number one security you can put up is a firewall. There are hardware and software firewalls on the market today. A lot of people don't realize that they can have one on their PC, they think they are only for businesses. That's not true," says Michelle Petrovich at the Department of Homeland Security.

For a free trial of a firewall, check out download.McAfee.com or www.Symantec.com/downloads. McAfee and Symantec also offer anti-virus and/or anti spyware software.

You can also prevent hacking by increasing the security settings on your Web browser, says Petrovich. It may limit some functions on Web sites, but it can protect your computer from being hacked. To up the security setting on Internet Explorer, for example, check out the TOOLS menu, select Internet Options, Security, and then Custom Level. For other browsers, check their help menu.

2. Watch your wi-fi.
You may have heard about the "evil twins" that often attack over wi-fi. If not, here's how it works. "Basically, an evil twin is someone who masquerades as a hot spot. They send out a stronger signal, so instead of connecting to the Internet via the hot spot, your computer connects to the evil twin. He can take all your information directly," says Richard Rushing, chief security officer at AirDefense, a wireless security software company. In other words, it's not always the best idea to take your show on the road. Avoid using your laptop in public places where it may be easy for an evil twin to attack and steal passwords and other personal information saved on your computer.

3. Back that up.
You've got a virus, your computer crashes, and your whole wedding album is gone. Don't go there. Back up your computer files. These days we're keeping everything on our computers, especially as we link them to our iPods and Blackberries: addresses, resumes, journal entries, music, movies, and priceless photos. Don't risk losing it all. Experts recommend you buy an external hard drive and some automated backup software to copy the data from your computer regularly.

4. Be suspicious.
Viruses and worms are hiding even in the friendliest of places: e-mails, instant messages, and pop-up adds. The Department of Homeland Security recommends computer users, "Don't download, install or run a program unless you know it's been written by a person or company that you trust." Be wary of opening any unexpected attachments in e-mail and clicking on any URLs in instant messages. If you have children using your computer, make sure they understand these guidelines.

5. Don't share.
File-sharing is not just for teenagers. People of all ages are swapping music, movie and other entertainment files over the internet. Aside from being illegal most of the time, file-sharing also puts you in hacker harm's way. "Using this technology makes you susceptible to risks such as infection, attack, or exposure of personal information," DHS advises. There is really no way to know whether the individual you are sharing files with is trustworthy. File-sharers might tack spyware, viruses, and worms onto the files without your knowing. You're best off avoiding the practice altogether. For more on keeping your data secure, contact Compufix Professionals.

Windows XP Service Pack 2

Windows XP Service Pack 2
About once a year, Microsoft releases an update to Windows XP. These updates contain all the fixes and enhancements which have been made available in the previous year. The updates (called Service Packs) provide convenient, all-in-one access to the most up-to-date drivers, tools, security updates, patches, and customer-requested product changes.

The latest Service Pack for Windows XP—Service Pack 2 (SP2)—is all about security, and it’s one of the most important service packs ever released. It provides better protection against viruses, hackers, and worms, and includes Windows Firewall, Pop-up Blocker for Internet Explorer, and the new Windows Security Center.

Note: See the System Requirements page for which versions of Windows you can update with SP2.

With Windows XP SP2, you get safer browsing and communication, powerful security tools, and improved experiences.

• Learn about SP2

Find out the top reasons to install, see features at a glance, and read the SP2 overviews.

• What to know before you download and install

Learn the steps you need to take before installing SP2.

• Update your computer in 2 simple steps

Download, then install Microsoft updates.


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After you install
Learn to use the new features of SP2 and get help if you need it.

• Windows security center

Manage your computer's security settings in one place.

• Pop-up blocker

Block pop-up windows with Internet Explorer.

• New Windows Firewall

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

• More how-to articles for SP2

Get Windows XP Service Pack 2
• Download SP2 from Microsoft Update

• Order the CD

If you cannot download SP2 via Microsoft Update, you can order it on CD.


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Get help if you need it
• Windows XP SP2 support center


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Related links
• Information for IT professionals on Microsoft TechNet

• Information for developers on MSDN

• Information from PC manufacturers

• Guide to securing Windows XP SP2 in small and medium businesses

• Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 2 EULA

• Windows XP Professional Edition Service Pack 2 EULA

Technical Support Specialists
http://www.compufixpro.com

Problems with Computer Doing a Software/APM PC Shutdown?

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop
Edit the key PowerOffActive and give it a value of 1
You can do the same in HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop

For Further Assistance Please Visit: http://www.compufixpro.com

Windows XP Authenticity Key Checker

Download the Authenticity Key Program

For Further Assistance Please Visit: http://www.compufixprofessionals.com

Convert FAT32 / NTFS Without Losing Data (Windows XP Pro)

(Use This Command At Your Own Risk)

The Convert Command is not the same as the Format Command.

To Convert your Hard Drive from The Fat 32 Format to NTFS,

Run: CONVERT C: /FS:NTFS

As a general rule, always execute a Full Backup prior to performing

such tasks.

For Further Assistance Please Visit: http://www.compufixpro.com

HouseCall Trend Micro Hijack / Spyware On-Line Scanner

House Call Trend Micro On-Line Scanner. Utilize this on-line scanner if the virus or hijack is blocking, closing or rebooting your computer to prevent cleaning.

For Further Assistance Please Visit: http://www.compufixpro.com

Registry Mechanic

Download Free Version of Registry Mechanic

For Further Assistance Please Visit: http://www.compufixprofessionals.com

Windows 2000 Startup Programs

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \SOFTWARE \Microsoft \Windows \CurrentVersion \Run
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \SOFTWARE \Microsoft \Windows \CurrentVersion \RunOnce
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \Software \Microsoft \Windows \CurrentVersion \Run
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \Software \Microsoft \Windows \CurrentVersion \Runonce

Free Spyware Removal - Level 3 (General Public)

Compufix Professionals, Inc.

Adware 6 Download
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/support/download/