System Evaluation

Introduation :

I purchased a new Dell personal desktop computer three weeks ago. I would like to review and test the new system on the computer for this assignment. Below is some general system information of my computer:

· Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.0 GHz;
· 640 MB of RAM;
· 60 GB IDE Hard Disk;
· DVD-ROM and CD-RW;
· BCM V.92 56K modem;
· Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Version 2002, Service pack 1.

As all the other personal computer owners, I use my computer to execute ordinary tasks, such as to install softwares, use these softwares, write course assignments, access the Internet, transfer files online, and so on. I have complete access to my computer and am able to test it by all means.

Test Criteria, Results, and Recommendations:

1. Hardware security:

Provide physical security for the machine is critical for a personal computer. It may seem basic, but we do not want to overlook the obvious. The simple fact is that most security breaches in corporate environments occur from the inside. Therefore, I try my best to keep the workstation in a safe room that locks. It is recommended that computer owners should install a lock on the CPU case, keep it locked, and store the key safely away from the computer at a secure location. I didn’t do so because the community I live is comparatively safe and I always keep the door locked when I am out. So the physical safety of my computer is fine at present.

2. Software security:

Window XP is stricter with the software installation. I tried to install the driving program for my MP3 player named “mpman: MP-F55”, which is supported by Windows 98, Windows ME, and Windows 2000. I hesitated for a while since it was not for Windows XP and the computer gave a message: “ the program will cause your system unstable. Would you install it anyway?” I decided to have a try and installed it. However, after I installed the program and restarted the computer, the system slowed down to a terrible level: it was even slower than my first Pentium 1computer and the CPU usage kept 100% all the time. Therefore, I had to uninstall it to get the normal performance back. Same thing happened for four of other “old” softwares, which worked well on my previous computer. So I had to give up to install them on my computer.

In my point of view, it is not a good function to forbid installation of “old” softwares. Since there are always updated versions of these softwares online available, the computer can give the user a message for downloading new versions or automatically download new versions while the system is connected to the Internet. Causing the system slow down definitely make the users afraid to install any software that “will cause the system unstable” and bring much inconvenience to the users.

3. Document recovery:

Is the system able to retrieve data after 3 major types of system failure?

I was able to recover data from three failure types on the Windows XP Home and Office 2000 test system within 66 minutes. This recovery time was longer than Windows XP Professional / Office XP system which required 31 minutes to recover the latest documents. Although my system is much slower than the Window XP Professional system, the ability of recovering data is good for users when encountering failures or problems.

4. Anti-virus program:

As a primary gateway to our life and study, desktops are susceptible to major security threats. From viruses, Trojan horses, and worms, to the unintentional release or loss of valuable and proprietary information to downtime of systems and operational functions, to disruption of customer service and stranded mobile workers, there are many types of problem that can impair your system and files. Therefore, an anti-virus program is required for every system. I installed Norton AntiVirus 2003 on my computer. I used 2002 version of Norton AntiVirus before on my previous computer, which word well then and made me trust Norton product. So this time I still select Norton as my anti-virus program.



There's a lot to love in Norton AntiVirus 2003. Its interface is simple enough for beginners yet offers plenty of flexibility for discerning geeks. It scans and cleans attachments from popular instant messengers--a first for Norton AntiVirus (NAV)--and automatically repairs infected files without troubling users. Plus, its script- and worm-blocking technologies stop e-mail viruses, including SirCam and Klez.

The good: Scans and cleans instant-messenger attachments; includes helpful wizards for novices; interface is easy to use; solid track record against viruses; automatically download latest version of the product.

The bad: Makes only minor improvements over 2002 version; scans ZIP files after they download; provides limited protection for AOL users. Therefore, my recommendation is to scan the zipped files before they are unzipped.

There is another common problem that Norton AntiVirus 2003 slows down the computer. After installing it, some users complained that when they try to access the page it feels like they are using a 386. Such problem does not occur on my computer, but it is wise for me to get a backup ready by hand. If I also encounter this problem, I will install another anti-virus software named “McAfee”.

5. Firewall:

If we are connected to the Internet, there is no such thing as security. IT is called controlled access. If we control the access, everything should be fine. However, if we list control of the access, that is there are problems. Currently there is no firewall installed by me on my computer system. However, XP ships with the embedded firewall, called Internet Connection Firewall, set at the highest security setting to deny executables. And the firewall hides the IP address of the machine. In addition, once XP is installed, users can drop administrative privileges by selecting the “limited account” feature in the Control Panel. I even did not know it exists before reading an Article “Window XP: is it safe” (Radcliff, 2001) This firewall is not easy to find and use, it also lacks outbound filtering capability, so I am not satisfactory with this firewall.

"The perfect personal firewall would be inexpensive and easy to install and use, would offer clearly explained configuration options, would hide all ports to make your PC invisible to scans, would protect your system from all attacks, would track all potential and actual threats, would immediately alert you to serious attacks, and would ensure nothing unauthorized entered or left your PC." This great definition is quoted from Make Your PC Hacker Proof, Jeff Sengstack, PC World, July 21, 2000. According to this definition, I would like to choose a new firewall for my system as soon as possible.

No one can predict what new types of exploits might crop up in the months and years after XP ships. In addition, I am not so familiar with my new XP system yet. There are lots of researches need to be done for my system security issue.