Monitoring Your Security Settings

Although there are many different high-security settings in Windows Vista, there are six big ones: Windows Firewall, Automatic Updating, Virus Protection, Spyware And Other Malware Protection, Internet Security Settings, and User Account Control. In the Windows Security Center, you can easily monitor your settings and can adjust them as needed. All the items shown in the Windows Security Center are part of Windows Vista except for Virus Protection, which you have to obtain separately.

Check Your Settings

Click the Start button, choose Control Panel from the Start menu, and, in the Security section, click Check This Computer's Security Status to display the Windows Security Center window.

Check the status of the security features and settings.

Click the down arrow next to an active feature to see detailed information about the feature.

If you don't have a virus-protection program, click the Find A Program button to go to a Microsoft Web site that features information and links to virus-protection software providers.

If any other item shown in the Windows Security Center is turned off or is not configured, click the appropriate link, and follow any instructions.

Tip

Windows Defender is a built-in spyware- and malware-protection program. It doesn't, however, protect your computer from viruses.