Thread: Internal Tweaking

Enabling or disabling certain Windows features can also strengthen the security of your Pc. Here are some common techniques.

Use a limited user account

Most viruses that get installed under an admin account have access to enable/disable many internal configuration settings. For example, if you accidentally download a virus while you are logged in through the admin account (that has full rights enabled), the virus can disable AV and firewall on its own. To avoid this kind of a complication, you should do your day to day work from a limited user account. This type of a user account has limited privileges, and therefore, restricts even what malware can do. However, the downside is that it is slightly inconvenient to use. To set up a limited user account go the Control Panel, select User Accounts and create a new user account as a limited user.

Disable file sharing

If you're using Windows XP SP 2, click Start > Control Panel. Click Security Center > Windows Firewall. Click the Exceptions tab. Under Programs and Services, uncheck the box next to File and Printer Sharing. Click OK. This will disable your files from being shared over any network.