Linux and Mac OSX users have ragged and criticized on Windows for years. It appears that in the latest version of Windows, dubbed Vista, the security loop holes may have been rectified. Vista may no longer be the bulls eye for hackers, and virus writers.
• Protected mode Web browsing -- Vista Internet Explorer 7 runs in an isolated area in OS.
• Anti-phishing in IE7 and Windows Mail (Outlook Express) -- There are built in visual warnings for websites attempting to trick users into revealing personal information.
• Outbound and inbound Windows Firewall
The new Windows Firewall adds outbound filtering rules. Although there are better firewalls out there.
• New standard user account functionality -- makes it easier to give up logging in as an administrator all the time.
• Create accounts with administrator privileges without being the admin.
• Significantly revised shell name-space -- protects against program spoofing.
• User Account Control -- protects against scripted and hacking attempts to manipulate OS controls, hence compromising your system.
• Improved network access protection (Windows Server needed) -- requires PC clients to check for updates, and have "security up" before network connection can be completed.
• Windows Defender -- real-time antispyware utility, may put other anti-spyware companies out of business.
Just one facet of Vista's security upgrade, Windows Defender assist in defeating malicious wares.
• Parental controls -- parents can establish user accounts with limitations in websites, hours, and other criteria to control their children's websurfing.
These are just the main points for security. We have yet to consider the other security features. Security is present everywhere in the OS. However, questions still remain? The main one being will Windows Vista be able to withstand the onslaught of hackers, virus writers, and others attempting to crack and compromise the system.
tags: Windows Vista, Internet Explorer 7, Windows Defender, Firewall, software
