Keep your PC safe using Windows Defender and Windows Vista

Windows Vista is the most secure operating system Microsoft has ever produced. It does a lot to counter online menaces through the Windows Firewall and improved prevention of access to the core of the system.

The Security Center has been improved, while User Account Control makes sure it’s you tinkering with your system, rather than a bit of software that has sneaked in unannounced and is trying to reset your home page. And on top of this, Windows Defender helps protect you against pop-ups, slow performance and threats caused by spyware.

Windows Defender protects against spyware threats

There are only two flies in this otherwise soothing ointment. First, as a pop-up window in the corner of your screen will warn you a few minutes after installing Windows Vista, there is no anti-virus software included in these formidable defences – so you need to install extra software to improve the security of your PC. Furthermore, all those security improvements mean that any security package you have already bought for use in Windows XP probably won’t work in your new Windows Vista installation.

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There are a number of software options available, many of which are full-blown security suites encompassing everything from anti-virus to a robust firewall and spam prevention. While the latter are features already provided in Windows Vista, they shouldn’t be overlooked. Third-party software invariably gives far more comprehensive protection, blocking more problems caused by people using your PC – opening infected email, for example.

Alternatively there are more focused packages which cover only one area, such as virus prevention. At around £20, they’re a little cheaper to buy than full suites – integrated products such as McAfee (uk.mcafee.com) and Symantec’s Norton Internet Security Suites (www.symantec.com) cost around £40.

Microsoft has even announced plans to launch its own full security suite, Windows Live OneCare, which will add an extra layer of security to Windows Vista. By the time you read this a 90-day free trial beta should be available for UK users. See get.live.co.uk for the latest details. If you’re not sure which brand to choose, most manufacturers offer free trials, which can be downloaded from their websites

If you’ve already purchased a security package for Windows XP, then all is not lost. Most security packages include a year’s subscription to any updates that become available during that period, so you are probably due a free upgrade to a compatible version. The upgrades will be issued either through regular, routine updates or a specific download from the software. If you are not so blessed, there are free programs available from www.grisoft.com and www.avast.com, although the level of protection they offer isn’t quite as advanced as paid-for products.

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