Chapter 31: Network and Internet Security

Chapter Introduction

Communication security ensures that the data you transmit and receive through the Internet or an intranet is sent to and received from the actual systems with which you intend to communicate, as opposed to another system impersonating the desired system. It also ensures that messages are sent and received without being intercepted or spied upon.

Chances are, your Windows XP computer is connected to the Internet, and you've probably wondered how safe your computer and your personal information are. This chapter discusses viruses and how to avoid catching them, how to control what Internet Explorer downloads when you browse the Web, browsing secure Web sites, and how to send and receive secure e-mail messages. Windows XP includes an Internet Connection Firewall that you can turn on to protect your computer from malicious Internauts.

User accounts and passwords are described in Chapter 6. If you are also interested in Credential Management, domain accounts, group policy, Active Directory, Security Templates, and other corporate network security systems, check out Windows .NET Server: The Complete Reference by Kathy Ivens, published by Osborne/McGraw-Hill.