Windows Vista Security

Preventing Malware, Spyware and Viruses in Microsoft Vista is greatly improved over previous versions of Windows. While XP Service Pack 2 was a major improvement because it turned on the firewall and gave users the ability to run automatic updates, Vista takes it few steps father by including Windows Defender and the Malicious Software Removal Tool. So the plan for Vista is to provide automation in security, and automation means scans will be performed routinely and your system will be updated with the latest security patches.

User Accounts

People have been able to use User Accounts to provide administrative rights to users for several years, but Vista is streamlining the process of creating and switching between user accounts. Why would you want different user accounts? Aside from personal settings, creating a limited user account means that viruses and maleware that rely on administrative privileges will not be able to execute under an account with limited access. So your PC is safer, already.

Windows Defender

Windows Defender is available for download for previous versions of Windows, but it will be included in Vista by default. You can also get it bundled with Windows Live OneCare. Defender is a Maleware scanner and pop-up blocker that gives you real-time protection.

Malicious Software Removal Tool

The MSRT is a powerful tool that will routinely scan your PC to make sure no malicious software is running. It is not a virus scanner, rather a tool that will be updated with the Microsoft Updates and check your PC for dangerous code running on your system.

While there are third-party application available to provide security, Microsoft seems to be doing a great job with Windows security in Vista, and even users that are not proactive against Maleware will benefit from the protection added to the Vista Operating System.

If you have any other questions about Vista, please be sure to visit our forums.