Test Windows Vista - part 2

Anti-spywares

Vista has an anti-spyware tool integrated allowing you to fight against software spies, that is directly accessible from the Security Centre. This software allows you to see if you use a particular program.

Named Windows Defender, this software is already freely available in beta format for Windows XP, called Microsoft Antispyware. This version goes further then that of Windows XP offering real time protection and a greater list of undesirable software, detecting and eradicating malicious software such as rootkits or keystroke loggers. These programs allow the recording and saving the history of all keystrokes on your computer, making secret usernames and passwords findable. The benefit of the antispyware being integrated into the heart of the system is in its memory use, being loaded before any spyware can be executed. But your decision to use the tool of your choice is still available if you wish, although the previous version of the Microsoft antispyware rated in the top three on the internet for efficiency.

Windows Defender

To finish with this type of software, Microsoft has indicated that Vista could include an antivirus system (although it was not seen in this version). Microsoft has in the last few months purchased multiple security companies that specialize in this domain, to be able to offer a standalone payable antivirus service (OneCare). Not only that but to possibly offer a version with reduced functions to be integrated into Vista. More information will become available in the next few weeks!

Other then these programs that are designed to protect our computers, we can also cite other programs that are offered with the goal of security in mind.

True innovation; this makes it possible for parents to control and limit accessibility of content to their children. This filter is available in the security centre, or in the Internet Explorer 7 web browser allowing you to block access to certain games or sites. It is possible to configure rules on each individual user meaning you can forbid a user from playing a game, or define the management rights to different age groups. You will also have the choice between the two most common game classification systems available today; the ESRB (Entertainment Software Ratings Board) and the PEGI (Pan-European Game Information). The only inconvenience being that once a system has been chosen then it will be applied to all accounts on the computer. This system, already integrated into the Xbox 360, relies on the use of three age groups for the users of the PEGI system (3 years and up, 7 years and up, 12 years and up).

Remaining time for a restricted user

You will also have the access to management reports based on a users activity, allowing you to consult the performed actions of your offspring, or the possibility of fixing a time limit to the access of the computer.

    
Selection of a restricted account                        View of all applied settings



    
    Selection of possible restrictions               Allowed access times for computer use



    
    Allowed to play games or not                   Authorization based on the ESRB criteria

Choice and game permissions assigned to a user