Summary

This chapter was all about making what Microsoft is calling "the most secure operating system ever released" even more secure. First, I talked about ways to actively protect your computer by keeping up on the latest news and trends and making sure that your computer is up-to-date on the latest security patches. Then, I showed you how to configure User Account Control in a way that balanced both usability and security by creating a separate configuration administration account while running as a standard user the majority of the time. Finally, I covered the two different types of encryption available in Windows Vista: file level and drive level with BitLocker Drive Encryption.

The next chapter builds on the secure foundation this chapter created by securing your computer from attackers getting in from over the Internet. I will show you how you can configure hidden firewall settings to turn on the two-way firewall that is normally turned off. Then I will go over the latest tools to fight spyware and viruses.