XP security tweaks articles?

[Bregor]

I am coming up on a new computer build, and one of the things that I must consider is configuring Windows XP so that it is as secure as possible.

When I did my current install, I followed an excellent article on the web that covered virtually all the tweaks neccessary to secure Windows XP. Unfortunately, I have now lost the link to that article. At first this didn't worry me, because I'm not planning to build my computer until the end of October, giving me plenty of time to hunt it down.

However, my sister recently ordered a Dell, and she has asked me to help her get it set up correctly. I have only a couple of days till I go visit her, and I have had no luck tracking down the article.

I was hoping that perhaps some of the posters on this forum might know of the article of which I speak, or another good one with a collection of XP security tweaks I can refer to. I am primarily concerned with shutting down any unneccessary services / closing ports / etc. (It goes without saying that the first thing I will do is get all the critical updates from MS.)

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[DOSfan]

I do not know about the article, but this site can help you.

Steve Gibson has written some programs to help users disable the more "outside" friendly parts of Win XP.

It at least can get you started, while you look for that article.

 

[Twista]

http://www.tweakxp.com/security_tweaks.aspx

 

[pelikan]

Here's the best XP services guide I know of.
If you are interested in blocking adware/spyware this list will do it.

 

[SoulAssassin]

Good enough for government work