Using the Windows Security Center


Windows XP provides the Windows Control Panel to help you monitor your system's online security. (This is new in SP2, by the way.) As you can see in Figure 11.1, the Security Center displays the current status of three key functions: your system's firewall, virus protection, and Windows' automatic updates. These functions are important for the following reasons:

  • You use a firewall to block outside attackers from accessing your computer or wireless network.

  • You use an antivirus program to protect your PC against computer viruses.

  • You use Windows' automatic updates (discussed in Chapter 23, "Updating Windows") to keep Windows up-to-date with the latest security patches and bug fixes.

Figure 11.1. Use Windows XP's new Security Center to monitor key system security functions.


To access the Security Center, open the Windows Control Panel and select Security Center.



Microsoft Windows XP for Home Users Service Pack
Windows XP for Home Users, Service Pack 2 Edition
ISBN: 0321369890
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2003
Pages: 270

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