Is your computer really fully protected

New research shows that one in 10 web sites carry malicious code, so it’s imperative you protect your PC. Windows Security Center can help defend your computer, so here's how to make the most of it and keep your computer free from problems.

1. Security Centre

If you haven’t looked already, check your security status by going to Control Panel > Security > Security Center. The main window shows the current status of your Windows Firewall, Updates and Virus Protection, and any security concerns will be highlighted in red.

2. Update

Go to Windows Update in the Security Center window, to check for essential updates to Windows Vista. You can choose whether you want Windows Vista to automatically download and install updates, or whether you want to search for updates and install them yourself.

3. Firewall

Windows Vista comes with a built-in firewall, to create a barrier between you and online ogres. From the Security Center go to the Windows Firewall option in the top-left of the window. If you have administrator privileges you can change options of your firewall, including editing exceptions or networks.

4. Defend

Windows Defender is an application designed to detect spyware and malware. Clicking this option in Security Center enables you to scan your PC for suspicious programs and set up scan schedules, which will run without affecting your working day, looking for harmful software that can piggyback on other downloads.

5. Properties

Finally, you can go straight to the ever-present and functional Internet Options menu through the Security Center. Here you can make minor adjustments to security levels for internet and intranet services. You can also make other tweaks to your privacy settings, browser history settings and programs associated with Internet Explorer.