5 Essential Security Features in Windows 7

February 10, 2009 Windows 7 Tips

Let’s see what changes have taken place.

1. Modifications in UAC (User Access Control):
One of the features most criticized by average Vista user was the irritating permission seeking by Vista, whenever you need to do something that requires admin privileges. For instance, every new installation requires permission, even if you are logged in as an administrator. But Windows 7 has included a few pre-set security settings in its User Access Control, which will define the level of security you want to have.

2. Action Center:
Here you not only can configure your security settings, but also tweak other administrative tasks, like Backup, Troubleshooting and Diagnostics and Windows Update.

3. Improved BitLocker:
First release of Windows Vista allowed you to encrypt your hard drive data, in which your OS is loaded. Later on this facility was extended to other drives in your computer, but not to the removable drives like FLASH cards and USB. Windows 7 corrects this and allows you to encrypt data contained in these drives, which are most susceptible to theft and loss.

4. Biometric Authentication:
Biometric authentication, based upon fingertips, DNA, etc, is considered to be the most trustworthy method of authentication. Windows Vista has started supporting these methods, where a third party sensor was required to be attached along with its own software.

Windows 7 has gone ahead and included a Biometric Devices application in its Control Panel, which allows you to connect several biometric devices directly to your computer.

5. AppLocker:
Windows 7 has included a new utility called AppLocker, which extends the idea of Software Restriction Policies included in XP and Vista. It allowed Administrators to use Group Policy so as to restrict users from running particular programs that might present a security threat.

The new AppLocker feature gives a lot of flexibility and is user-friendly.