Windows security services
In fairness to Windows, the built-in security provisions have improved enormously since the Vista launch and, while many complain about all the nag screens, the system is a safer bet these days. Then again, there are more proven anti-malware solutions with which to replace some of the Windows security safeguards, regardless of the version.
Here's a comparison of the security features for the commonly used versions:
|
Service |
Function |
XP |
Vista |
7 |
Best of Breed? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Security / Action Center |
Security dashboard |
* |
* |
* |
N/A - it's just a GUI dashboard |
|
Windows Firewall |
Inbound firewall |
* |
Only in a dog show | ||
|
Windows Firewall |
Inbound/outbound firewall |
* |
* |
Still no | |
|
Windows Update |
Security patches |
* |
* |
* |
Yes, no alternative |
|
Internet Options |
Link to IE settings |
* |
* |
* |
Use IE? Then yes |
|
Windows Defender |
Anti-malware software |
* |
* |
No, but a good try | |
|
User Account Control |
Permission policies |
* |
* |
Yes, have a star |
Before we weigh up the best of breed...
