Using the Control Panel Using the Control Panel to improve your computer's security

Windows Vista comes with a selection of tools for protecting your PC, including a built-in firewall, anti-spyware program (Windows Defender) and a number of other parental, internet and general safety features, all of which are available from this section of the Control Panel.

Click the Security Center link and it will tell you in a flash what the security status of your PC is, using a traffic light-style system; green is good, red is bad, amber requires attention. Back in the Security section of the Control Panel, there are a couple of useful quick links to turn on automatic updates and to turn the firewall on and off. 

Turn automatic updates on

Windows updates are vital to keep your PC safe; your PC should be set to download them automatically, but here’s how to check and customise your update schedule.

Turning on automatic updates 

In the Security section of the Control Panel, click the blue text that reads Turn automatic updating on or off.

In the next screen, make sure there’s a check next to one of the options listed under the green shield icon. 

We recommend the top one – Install updates automatically.

Changing the time of updates

The Windows default is to install updates every day at 3am, but if that isn’t convenient for you, then you could change this to a time when your PC is more likely to be switched on and not being used – say 7pm in the evening. 

Select your preferred time from the drop-down menu > click OK.

Click Continue on the User Account Control warning that appears.

Turn Windows firewall on and off

Windows Vista’s firewall is switched on by default, but if you want to check or switch it off for any reason (perhaps you wish to use an alternative firewall, such as Zone Alarm), then here’s how.

In the Security section of the Control Panel, click the blue text that reads ‘Turn Windows Firewall on or off’, then click Continue on the User Account Control warning that appears.

In the Firewall Settings dialogue box that appears, put a check next to On or Off as required > click OK.  

Network and internet

The Network and internet link on the main Control Panel window will lead you to a selection of related tasks, including browser and firewall options. The main attraction here is the Network and Sharing Center – click on the green link to view your network status, wireless signal strength and sharing options as well as access a number of network-related tasks.

Check the left-hand Task panel for useful links – the Diagnose and repair link is the best place to start if you’re troubleshooting.