Windows XP Article Categories

Disable Java Browser Plugins for Improved Security

Posted in Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows Server by Steve Sinchak

The Java Runtime Environment has become one of the most exploited components of any operating system. Even the US Department of Homeland Security warns users to disable java unless they have a really good reason to use it.  For most of us the days of Web sites requiring you to run Java applets has long passed.  However, there still are a good number of desktop applications written in Java so simply uninstalling it is not practical. Instead, a good way to minimize your risk is to disable the Java browser plugins.  That is the primary attack vector, meaning how Java is exploited, in most cases and closing that door will significantly improve the security of your device. 

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Clean Temporary files on iPhone and iPad

Posted in Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, iOS 7, iOS 6 by Steve Sinchak

Like most operating systems, iOS and the apps that run on the iPhone and the iPad creates temporary files during normal operation. There is nothing wrong with this behavior as it helps the performance of the operating system and the apps.  However, over time these files can add up taking up a significant portion of your storage.  iOS does not have an effective mechanism to clean up these files which result is lost space.  On mobile devise that typically have a limited amount of storage already, every MB of space is important. 

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Improve Security by Updating Third-Party Apps

Posted in Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP by Steve Sinchak

Finding security vulnerabilities in Windows has become more difficult with each release.  The significant improvements Microsoft has implemented along with Windows Update has forced most hackers to attack third-party apps that are often considered easier targets.  Affecting just about every OS including OSX and Linux these third-party apps typically fall in two categories: browser plugins and file viewers.  Both suffer from poor updating mechanisms and often poor programming that results in a high probability an outdated and vulnerable version is installed on your computer. 

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