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== Important settings information (especially important for Windows) ==
===Security===

An important part of minimizing maintenance problems and ensuring reliable operation is keeping the computer safe from viruses{{w|Computer virus}} and other security risks. 

If you are using Linux or Apple, your system is relatively secure to start with. However, basic security measures should still be followed. 

Windows machines are prone to security problems, and this must be taken very seriously. It is '''very strongly recommended''' that the system be hardened, i.e. made more secure. 

The most essential steps include:
* Using an up-to-date firewall{{w|Firewall}} when connected to the internet.
* Using an up-to-date anti-virus program when connected to the internet.
* Never operating an account without a password. This default setting of no password is one of the things that makes Windows computers very vulnerable to attacks and consequent problems. 

All these things can be done at zero cost by choosing free software and using free guides where needed. 

This is just a start - see the links below for more info.

More information: 
* Hardening{{w|Hardening}} in Wikipedia.
* [http://winxp.uwaterloo.ca/Documentation/Hardening_WXP.asp Hardening Windows XP Professional] ''this needs to be checked to make sure it's a suitable guide to be linked from here.''
* Do a [[Google:Hardening-Windows-XP|google search for hardening Windows XP]]

===Maximizing performance===

In order to make the most of older equipment, it is valuable to tweak the system, using certain low-risk methods.

One simple method in Windows XP{{w|Windows XP}} is to change the setting

More information: 
* tweaking{{w|Tweaking}} in Wikipedia
* [http://www.tweakhound.com/xp/xptweaks/supertweaks1.htm TweakHound's Super XP Tweaking Guide - SP2 version 2.0 Final] Follow the "All Levels" suggestions for the safest tweaks. ''This needs to be checked to make sure it's a suitable guide to be linked from here.''
* Do a [[Google:supertweaks|google search for supertweaks]]