Microsoft

Manage Vista safeguards from the Windows Security Center

By // December 13, 2006, 3:09 AM PST // billdetwiler

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  • Windows Security Center

    The Security Center in Windows Vista lets you view the current security status of your computer and access important security settings. It gives you quick and easy access to important security information and settings through a single window.

    The four main security essentials are: Firewall, Automatic Updating, Malware Protection and Other Security Settings.

    Credit: Diana Huggins

  • Windows Firewall

    The Firewall component protects your computer from attackers when connected to a network. The Security Center will tell you whether or not the Firewall is enabled. As you can see in the exhibit, the Firewall is actively protecting the computer.

    Credit: Diana Huggins

  • Automatic Updates

    Automatic Updates protects your computer by installing security and other updates as they become available. The Security Center will indicate whether or not Automatic Updates settings have been configured on the computer.

    Credit: Diana Huggins

  • Malware protection

    Malware protection includes Windows Defender and anti-virus software. Here, within the Security Center, you can see that the Malware Protection settings require your attention. It indicates that there is no anti-virus software installed on this computer and that Windows Defender is out of date.

    Note: Windows Vista does not include virus protection software.

    Credit: Diana Huggins

  • Internet Security Settings

    The Security Center provides status information about Internet Security Settings and User Access Control.

    Credit: Diana Huggins

  • Windows Update settings

    The Security Center provides a single point of access to important security settings including: Windows Update, Windows Firewall, Windows Defender and Internet Options.

    Select Windows Update to access the respective settings. You can manually check for updates and change the settings.

    Credit: Diana Huggins

  • Windows Firewall settings

    You can quickly access firewall settings by selecting Windows Firewall from within the Security Center. The Windows Firewall window will open where you can enable/disable the firewall and create exceptions for programs.

    Credit: Diana Huggins

  • Windows Defender

    Windows Defender checks for harmful or unwanted software. You can manually check for new definitions by selecting the Windows Defender link within the Security Center.

    Credit: Diana Huggins

  • Internet Explorer 7 security settings

    Internet Explorer has specific security settings designed to protect your computer. These settings are quickly accessible through the Security Center by selecting the Internet Options link.

    Credit: Diana Huggins

  • Alerts

    You can change the way that the Security Center alerts you when it detects that your computer may be at risk.

    Credit: Diana Huggins

Related Topics:

Microsoft Enterprise Software Software Collaboration Mobility Cloud Hardware

Windows Security Center

The Security Center in Windows Vista lets you view the current security status of your computer and access important security settings. It gives you quick and easy access to important security information and settings through a single window.

The four main security essentials are: Firewall, Automatic Updating, Malware Protection and Other Security Settings.

Credit: Diana Huggins

About Bill Detwiler

Bill Detwiler is Managing Editor of TechRepublic and Tech Pro Research and the host of Cracking Open, CNET and TechRepublic's popular online show. Prior to joining TechRepublic in 2000, Bill was an IT manager, database administrator, and desktop supp...

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