Configure Windows Vista Security

The Windows Security Center found in Control Panel is the main entry point for configuring, maintaining and troubleshooting security settings for consumer desktop users. Windows Security Center can help enhance your computer's security by checking the status of several security essentials on your computer, including firewall settings, Windows automatic updating, anti-malware software settings, Internet security settings and User Account Control settings.

If Windows detects a problem with any of these security essentials -- for example, if your antivirus software is out of date -- Security Center displays a notification and places a Security Center shield icon in the notification area. Click the notification or double-click the Security Center icon to open Security Center and get information about how to fix the problem.

Exam Tip: Windows Vista can’t detect all types and versions of antivirus software and it may be necessary to configure Vista not to monitor for installed antivirus software if you've already installed and configured correctly.

A firewall can help prevent hackers or malicious software such as worms from gaining access to your computer through a network or the Internet. A firewall can also help stop your computer from sending malicious software to other computers. Windows checks if your computer is protected by a software firewall.
If the firewall is off, Security Center will display a notification and put a Security Center shield icon in the notification area.

Windows can routinely check for updates for your computer and install them automatically. You can use Security Center to make sure Automatic updating is turned on. If updating is turned off, Security Center will display a notification and put a Security Center shield icon in the notification area.

It's important to run anti-spyware software whenever you're using your computer. Spyware and other potentially unwanted software can try to install itself on your computer any time you connect to the Internet. Potentially unwanted or malicious software can also be programmed to run at unexpected times, not just
when it is downloaded or installed. Windows Defender protects against most spyware with its default configuration and automatic updates.

Windows Vista Parental Controls is a new feature that adds control over standard user accounts, such as children who might be using a consumer computer. It provides for control and monitoring of software programs, such as games with ratings, Internet Web sites, and can even control and monitor hours of computer usage. Age ratings for games group content into levels appropriate for different ages, from young children through mature teens and an adults-only category.

Internet Explorer 7 includes new security and privacy features that allow you to
safely browse the Web:
* Phishing Filter can help protect you from phishing attacks, online fraud and
spoofed Web sites.
* Protected mode can help protect your computer from Web sites that try to
install malicious software or to save files on your computer without your
consent.
* Higher security levels can help protect you from hackers and Web attacks.
* The Security Status bar displays the identity of secure Web sites to help you
make informed decisions when using online banking or merchants.
* Internet Explorer's add-on disabled mode lets you start Internet Explorer
without toolbars, ActiveX controls or other add-ons that might slow down your
computer or prevent you from getting online.

Windows Vista includes User Account Control for added security and control; it wasn't originally included with previous versions of Windows. UAC gives standard users the ability to run most programs but not change most system settings. When elevated permissions are required, users are automatically prompted to provide administrator credentials: username and password. UAC can also prevent malicious software or malware and spyware from installing or making changes to your computer without permission.

Exam Tip: Know which level of permission is required for standard users or
administrators to manage other user accounts and for a user to change their own
password.

Windows Vista includes many data security options available in previous versions of Windows and a few new ones. Encrypting File System is used to encrypt files on a computer’s hard disk. Vista also includes a new file encryption for data on the hard disk called BitLocker. It can be used to secure the entire hard disk contents, commonly used with portable computers., Many of the IT professionals Strongly recommend testkingdom.com for best Windows Vista.