Windows ME

Windows ME is basically an updated and slightly reworked version of Windows 98. It is the third attempt by Microsoft at an internet-aware consumer OS and is the first reasonably secure consumer OS from Microsoft.

Windows ME is, in common with Windows 98, safe from the denial-of-service attacks which plagued Windows 95. In addition Windows ME addresses both the File & Printer sharing problems and the netbios issues from which Windows 98 suffered. Windows ME will automatically disable Netbios when you connect to the internet, a considerable improvement over earlier versions of Windows.

In common with Windows 98, ME ships with Windows Update. You should run windows update at least once per month to ensure your system is kept up to date with new issues as they appear. Windows ME ships with Internet Explorer 5 and Outlook Express 5. You should update IE to at least version 5.5 and ideally not use outlook express at all. Outlook Express is insecure even in it's latest version and as there are several free alternatives available it should be avoided if possible.

Personal firewalls are a good addition to Windows ME although you should be careful which one you choose. Windows ME has a different network subsystem from Windows 98 and not all personal firewalls are compatible with it. Again, a NAT router or secure firewall/gateway are an improvement but ME is sufficiently secure when paired with a personal firewall and good anti-virus utility that normal users should be reasonably secure from attack.