first time here. thinking of setting a concrete win2000 security strategy.. help! thx

[muDz]

hi there
I'm muDz from italy..
first time here.. I was searching for a valid connection security forum and this seems to be what I was loking for. loads of knowledged people, I hopo you could help me..

Here I go: in a few I will re-install all the stuff on my pc, and I want to set up a valid, concrete, no-joke internet security strategy..

I'll install win2000 professional english version.. I am also looking for the most-recommended service packs and security uploads.. suggestions?
I am looking for the best (or the one which could bestly suit my needs, I'll give you my pc config too later, so you can see)

-antivirus (and if it is really necessary)

-firewall (really important?)

-win2000, ie5.5, outlook express security tweaks

-internet connection speed tweaks, I got a 256k/128k ADSL connection..


I highly use icq and napster, so the firewall must be able to allow me to do so further..

I primarily use my pc to do intensive graphics work, so all this stuff shouldn't be too much memory-sucker.

my config is:
dual p3 500
512M ram
18G ultra-scsi2 IBM HD
3com etherlink xl 10/100 ethernet adapter
alcatel speed touch home ethernet adsl modem

I really hope you can help me to set this security program on my pc, I am sure many of you have the knowledge to help me
for now, really thanx to all, I am very curious to hear from you!
Thanx and greetings from italy!

muDz

[KSJNX]

Hi there here are some very good programs to help you out:

Antivirus: http://www.antivirus.ca.com has an antivirus program called Inoculate it pe that you can get for free. It's Just as good as norton and most other big av programs.

Firewall: The best firewall has to be Tiny personal firewall (it's free) http://www.tinysoftware.com It offers alot of config options but you have to know a bit about firewalls,tcp/ip and your dns and dhcp server or servers (witch you can find out what they are by opening run and typing winipcfg for win 98 and me any way and click on more info). it may sound reely confusing but it's not to hard. If you want a good firewall that is reely easy to config (but isn't in my opinion and most ranking reviewers better than tpf) goto http://www.zonelabs.com

msie 5.5: goto http://www.doshelp.com/dostest.htm and click on quick inspector for a good ie security test. there are also some good settings to screw with that it doesn't tell you to so mess around. if you want a good proxy that hides your ip,disables java ,cookies(these are optional) and encrypts your browser on every page you surf goto http://www.safeweb.com

Modemtweaks: As far as this goes it reely depends on your isp nic card modem ect i have tried alot and i mean alot of them and i havent seen any improvment (i have @home) except for geting a better nic card.

hope this helps.

[muDz]

you great guys, thanx :)

[g-c0de]

well the most harm a hacker can do to a windows 2000 system is just sending you a trojan, and doing a dos attack on you (which is pretty lame).the best is probably getting norton antivirus 2001 or mcafee virusScan 5.x, and if you want the best firewall you should probably settle with a hardware firewall(too expensive), other than that zonealarm pro retail

[g-c0de]

well trying to give you answers:

-antivirus software(really important)
mcafee virusscan or norton antivirus (check for updates daily)

-firewall (really important)
zonealarm or zonealarm pro

-windows200, just download all the updates from the microsoft update website

-internet tweaks- speedguide.net speed tweaks (it wont work if your isp capped your download speed, call your isp if you are capped or not, if you are than you dont need the speed tweaks)

outlook express- dont save your password, type in your password every time you want to log on (for security reasons)

note* scan every file or program you download with a virusScanner