Best method to secure Windows XP

Hi there, once there is a password set for a windows xp account, from what I understand its quite simple for someone to bypass that password...I am trying to find out how I can completely secure windows xp and make it as difficult as possible for someone to hack into, or bypass the password.

Anyone have any knowledge on this?

 

Are you talking about protection via the internet or from people physically tampering with your system?

 

Physically tampering with my system - is there much that can be done?

 

For all around security:

- use a regular account for everyday use, admin account for system admin
- Maintain an anti-virus, firewall, and anti-spyware program at all times
- Install Firefox, and install associated virus-scanning add-ons for your downloads
- Connect to the internet through a router
- Use a wired connections for your network if you can help it. The next best thing is to use WPA-PSK (AES encryption, very nice ), refrain from SSID broadcasting, and setting up MAC filtering
- Use long passwords with non-alphabetic characters and bits of gibberish.

Lastly, user habits play the biggest role by far. Don't click on adds (install Flash-Block on Firefox, in fact), don't download just anything, and don't install crap on the computer (ex, Limewire, unless you're running Linux ).

 

Restricting physical access to the computer with locks is the most obvious measure. Setting a BIOS password so the computer can't be booted without a password... I believe the hard drive wouldn't be interchangeable either.

 

You can set a password in your Bios and purchase a security software that puts a password on your folders (see link here)
You can also encrypt individual files for add security here

 

Beyond the BIOS password, if you have a webcam, you can use it to take snapshots and send it somewhere. This way you can see who's using your laptop. Lastly, I think you can also make your computer only start up, or at least for a person to have access to certain files, only if they have a particular USB flash drive.

Edit: Oh yeah, you could lock your laptop away in a case. Just as an example: http://www.slashgear.com/otterbox-rugged-laptop-case-video-review-08838.php

 

Some good advice here, gives me something to think about.

 

I am interesting about this. If you don't mind, can you elaborate a bit more on how to do it?

 

Have you thought of purchasing PGP Encryption for your hard disk?