Videos, how-to topics, and more

Walk through important Windows XP SP2 settings and how to manage them with these 5-minutes-or-less videos. Get more information and step-by-step directions for configuring and setting up SP2 with these frequently-requested articles.

• Video: How to configure Internet Explorer Pop-up Blocker
  This short video walks you through configuring the Internet Explorer Pop-up Blocker.
• Video: Using Outlook Express to fight SPAM
  Video: How to use new security features in Outlook Express to help block SPAM This short video describes how to configure Outlook Express to help block unwanted junk mail.
• Video: How to use the Windows Security Center to help protect your computer and keep it updated
  This short video walks you through configuring the new Windows Security Center feature in Windows XP SP2.
• Video: How to manually add programs or services to the Windows Firewall exception list
  This short video walks you through manually adding programs or services to the Windows Firewall exception list so that your programs can communicate successfully over a computer network or the Internet.
• Manage Your Computer's Security Settings in One Place: Make Automatic Updates Work for You
  Windows Security Center allows you to easily manage security settings for Automatic Updates. When you turn on Automatic Updates, Windows routinely checks the Windows Update Web site for high-priority updates that can help protect your computer against attacks. High-priority updates include security updates, critical updates, and service packs.
• Manage Your Computer's Security Settings in One Place: Monitor Your Firewall and Antivirus Software
  If you connect your computer to the Internet, you can be vulnerable to viruses, worms, hackers, and other Internet intruders. To help protect your computer against viruses and other security threats, you need to have a firewall and updated antivirus software running at all times. But you don't want to waste time always checking to make sure those programs are doing their job. With the Windows Security Center, you don't have to.
• Use the New Security Improvements in Outlook Express Control Internet Explorer Add-ons with Add-on Manager Control Internet Explorer Add-ons with Add-on Manager
  If you use Outlook Express, the e-mail program that comes with Windows XP, you might notice that some settings have changed after you install Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2). The new default settings are designed to help protect your computer against viruses and worms and help reduce the amount of spam e-mail you receive.
• Understanding Windows Firewall: Adjust Your Firewall Settings
  If you're running SP2 the new Windows Firewall is turned on by default. To help protect your computer against viruses or security threats, we recommend that you keep Windows Firewall on. However, you might need to adjust settings for some programs that prefer an open connection.
• Control Internet Explorer Add-ons with Add-on Manager Control Internet Explorer Add-ons with Add-on Manager Control Internet Explorer Add-ons with Add-on Manager
  Add-ons are typically fine to use, but sometimes they slow down your computer or force Internet Explorer to shut down unexpectedly. This can happen if the add-on was poorly built or created for an earlier version of Internet Explorer. SP2 you can use the new Internet Explorer Add-on Manager to help make the add-ons that you do want function properly and to easily get rid of the ones you don't want.
• Block Pop-up Windows with Internet Explorer
  Many legitimate advertisers on the Internet use windows that pop up in the middle of your screen to display a message. They might also open when you click a link or button on a Web site, and they might open either over or under the window you wish to view. Some pop-ups are helpful. For example, if you click an image to see a larger version, it might open in a pop-up window. Unfortunately, some pop-up windows can contain inappropriate content or can be a way for you to accidentally download dangerous software (called spyware or adware) onto your computer.
• How to Disable Antivirus Alerts
  If you're running SP2, Windows Security Center should tell you the status of your antivirus software and display an alert if it stops working. However, if you use an antivirus program that Windows doesn't recognize, you may want to disable the antivirus Security Center alerts.
• How to Disable Firewall Alerts
  Windows Firewall will automatically be enabled in SP2 and Windows Security Center will tell you the status of the firewall and display an alert if it stops working. If you install and run another firewall, you should turn off Windows Firewall.
• Use the Internet Explorer Information Bar
  SP2 includes many additional features that allow you to take control of your security when you surf the Web. Internet Explorer now displays an Information Bar (just below the address bar) where you can see information about downloads, blocked pop-up windows, potential security risks, and other activities. This information helps you to avoid potentially harmful files you might otherwise accept from the Internet.
• Understanding Windows Firewall: Using the Exceptions Tab
  If you're running SP2 the Windows Firewall is turned on by default. This means that most programs will not be allowed to accept unsolicited communications from the Internet unless you choose to list those programs as exceptions. Because firewalls restrict communication between your computer and the Internet, you might need to adjust settings for some other programs that prefer an open connection.
• How to configure, use, and troubleshoot add-on management
  This article describes how to use and troubleshoot the Manage Add-ons feature in Internet Explorer.
• How to configure automatic download prompts
  With SP2, a new visual feature called the Information Bar is added to Internet Explorer. You may notice the Information Bar alerts you to files that are blocked from being downloaded when you visit a Web site. This article explains how to configure Internet Explorer to prompt you about downloading the files.