Backup and Security Settings in Windows XP

Windows XP has been the mainstream operating system for years and is still used quite frequently in today’s workflow. However, all things must come to an end and the time for Windows XP is evaporating quickly. With this in mind, I thought I would rehash on a topic that has been discussed. This topic is backup and security settings in Microsoft Windows XP.


In this day and age with all the hacker, cyberthreats, viruses, malware, rootkits, adware doing a regular backup is always a good practice. Windows XP comes with a backup utility that usually is sufficient for most users. Some prefer third party backup solutions that offer more robust options in sophistication and flexibility, but the native backup utility is fairly sound and does a good job. A few notes with the backup utility to be aware of and take advantage of is the type of backups, using the wizards and using the advanced options. There are several types of backups to choose from and these include normal, copy, incremental, differential and daily. Choose one that best suits your needs. Incremental should be your ideal backup as it backups files only if they were created or modified since the last backup operation completed and marks them as backed up. Another good tool is using the wizard to accomplish your backup task. The wizard makes the complex tasks into a simpler task going through step by step so you don't oversee a key setting. Last there is the advanced options to consider. These include important settings such as do you want the backup to append or replace older backups and whether a backup is scheduled to run on a regular basis.

Security settings are very important with such such an older operating system and with Windows XP almost on it's way out you better make sure everything is in order. Some of these settings include account types, passwords, firewalls, antivirus software and software patches. This isn't just a Windows XP setting, but goes for all Windows operating systems, is to make normal users have basic rights and not have administrator rights. Also USE PASSWORDS to log into a computer and have your screensaver password protected as well. Passwords are key and make them complex. Passwords that originate from words should not be used and use combinations of numbers, upper case letters, lower case letters, and special characters to help lessen hackers cracking your passwords. Another way to make you computer more secure is to keep you computer updated and patched through Windows Update. As new vulnerabilities arise, Microsoft pushes out updates and ready for you to install. Also employ a firewall and antivirus as a way to mitigate threats. Windows XP offers a free antivirus program with Microsoft Essentials and a firewall is built in on Windows XP. However do your homework and compare antivirus programs. There some better than others so choose wisely if you want to keep Windows XP running flawlessly.

These are just a few tips on the backup utility and security settings Windows XP has to offer. Spend some time and make your computer more secure. It will save you in the long run. However, my advice is spend some money and upgrade to at least Windows 7. Windows 7 offers a solid operating system with tons of features and is more secure.