Security Features

User Account Control (UAC)

UAC is one of the ways Microsoft is combatting viruses and malware. Through UAC every program has only standard user privileges at start and should it need higher level privileges, it must ask for approval first. This means that no program can install or change system settings without the user(s) being fully aware of it. In addition, it gives a second line of defense to accidently clicking on a compromised link or program.

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Windows Security Center

Windows Security Center is found in the Windows Vista control panel and is the central location to manage security settings for your computer. It is here where you can manage the Windows Vista Firewall, Windows Defender, and your antivirus protection of choice.

Windows Defender

Windows Defender is Microsoft's new anti-spyware and malware program. It runs like an antivirus program in the background of your computer, constantly scanning for known malware. Windows Defender will notify you if it finds any malicious software attempting to run on your system and give you the option to block it.

Although still in the Beta* stage it is planned to be ready for the release of Vista.

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*Beta is a programming term to signify a public testing of the product.

Windows Firewall

The Windows Vista firewall is largely the same as the firewall found in Windows XP with Service Pack 2. The main difference is the ability of Windows Vista's firewall to also block outgoing traffic from your computer. Windows Vista also improves the interface for creating or maintaining firewall exceptions.

For more information, please visit here.

*Packets are bits of information sent through a network

Internet Explorer 7.0 Protected Mode

Protected Mode is closely tied to User Account Control . It contains the same processes to protect the user from inadvertantly installing malicious software onto their computer. It allows Internet Explorer to run separately from the operating system so that any web-based malicious software attacks do not gain access to the operating system.

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Anti-Phishing in Internet Explorer 7.0

The anti-phishing in Internet Explorer 7 is meant to warn you when a site you are about to visit might be impersonating a trusted site. For instance, if a site is pretending to be eBay then Internet Explorer 7 will warn you about this before you enter the site. This helps protect the user from entering important personal information to malicious sites.

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Anti-Phishing in Windows Mail

The anti-phishing in Windows Mail works much the same as in Internet Explorer 7. It warns you about suspicious sites and helps keep your personal information protected.

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Windows Update

The new Windows Update allows for more flexibility on when and how you download and install updates for your computer. It also lets programs restart themselves back to their old state after an update, instead of requiring a restart of the computer. While still requiring some computer restarts, the ability to postpone it until you are finished working has been added.

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Windows BitLocker Encryption

Windows BitLocker Encryption is a way to secure the data on your hard drive in the case of theft. It works by not only using a password protected encryption but also checks the boot record of your machine to ensure it has not been tampered with. You can choose to encrypt via a PIN (similiar to an ATM PIN) or via an external USB drive. This means that even in the event of a theft, your data is secured from someone viewing it.

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Parental Controls

The new Windows Vista Parental Controls offer a variety of tools for the parent to use in securing their machine for their child. It enables them to control what websites they have access to, what programs they can run (including what games), set a time limit on usage, and view a detailed activity report of their usage. This gives the parent the knowledge to raise their child in a technologically secure environment.

For more information, please visit here.

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