Seven Improvements in Security in Windows 7

Seven Security Improvements in Window 7

Jayesh Limaye, Nov 08, 2009 1000 hrs IST

Intelligent changes to security in Windows 7

EXPERT REVIEW

Windows 7 does come with a lot of eye-candy, but the beauty is not just skin deep. This new OS has got some enhancements in the security features and here is a list.

Spanking new Action Center

You can access the various security configurations in Vista by opening Security Center in Control Panel, but Windows 7 has done away with this in favour of a new Action Center. Here, you have security configurations as well as options for administrative tasks such as Backup, Troubleshooting And Diagnostics and Windows Update - everything at one place.

UAC with better malware protection

Ever since User Account Control (UAC) introduced in Vista, people have been complaining about how finicky it is because it keeps asking for permissions. UAC was designed to provide better protection from malware. Not just standard users, it bothers even administrator accounts when you need to do something requiring admin privileges. The only solution for users was to turn it off completely, which results in exposure to potential threats.

While UAC is still very much present in Windows 7, it can now be configured by the user at four different levels, which decide how bothersome it would be. The four settings are:

Always notify when programs try to install software or make any changes to computer settings, or if you try to make changes to Windows settings (UAC completely ON).

Notify when programs make changes but not if you make changes to Windows settings (this is the default).

Notify you only when programs make changes but do not dim the desktop (turn off Secure Desktop) while the UAC prompt is displayed. (This would be preferred by most users as it is a good balance of protection and nagging UAC prompts)

Never notify you. (Not recommended, as it is the same as turning UAC completely off.)

These settings can be adjusted by means of a slider.

AppLocker - Control your applications

To prevent people from running certain applications that may pose a security threat, XP and Vista had Software Restriction Policies, which can be configured by the administrator. This was a bit difficult to use for many people and was therefore not used much. Windows 7 comes with a new feature known as AppLocker, which does exactly the same thing, but it is easier to use and is more flexible to control. AppLocker can be used with domain Group Policies or on the local machine with Local Security Policy snap-in. You can see it in the left pane of the Application Control Policies node snap-in. Please note that old Software Restriction Policies is also still supported in Windows 7.

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USER COMMENTS

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by mariyappan, madurai, on Nov 13, 2009 01:22 PM, Report abuse Reply

I'm running Vista 64 bit home premium. If I install Windows 7 will my Vista drivers work or do I have to wait for years (like with Vista) for everybody to catch up to Windows 7?

by Jack Brygidyr, Parksville BC Canada, on Nov 10, 2009 12:04 PM, Report abuse Reply

Some Vista 64 drivers may work with Windows 7 64-bit, but it is recommended that you use proper drivers meant to be used with this OS. If you use Windows Update service of Windows 7, there is a great chance that you will not have to worry about driver issues as most hardware drivers are maintained in the Microsoft repository and the appropriate drivers are downloaded and installed.

by Jayesh Limaye, Tech Labs, on Nov 11, 2009 12:14 AM, Report abuse

how i download windows 7 from internet. can u suggest me some site for downloading full version... Is there is any site for free downloading... thank u...

by Barun Kisku, Pune, on Nov 09, 2009 08:44 PM, Report abuse Reply

Please purchase a licensed Winsows 7 OS instead of going for pirated versions, do not disregard all the developers' hard work that has gone into this OS...... I would be telling u this if MS does not price Windows so high

by Saral, Bangalore, on Nov 09, 2009 09:54 PM, Report abuse