What does Security Center do? Does it conflict with Verizon Security Suite?
What is Security Center?
Windows Security Center is a tool that is located in the Control Panel of your computer, usually with an icon also located in the computer’s system tray (near the clock). Within the Security Center, you will find links to various security-related tools as well as notifications that provide you with a snapshot of your computer’s security settings.
Security Center Tools
In the left side pane of Windows Vista Security Center you will find links to: Windows Update, Windows Firewall, Windows Defender, Internet Options, “Get latest security and virus information from Windows online,” and “Change the way Security Center alerts me.” Clicking on any of these links, launches the corresponding tool. For example if you want to run a spyware scan on your computer, launching the Security Center and then clicking the Windows Defender link is one way to accomplish this.
In the middle section you will see four security categories: Firewall, Automatic Updating, Malware Protection, and Other Security Settings. Each category is color coded and is expandable. If the category is green, then the security settings are at acceptable levels. A red category needs attention.
Compatibility with Verizon’s Security Suite
As long as Verizon Security Suite is compatible with your version of Windows, you shouldn’t have any problems with Security Center and your 3rd party computer security software. Security Center is simply a collection of Windows components and alerts, not a standalone software application. It makes it easy for users to access the security-related tools.
Fake Security Center
However, before you get too comfortable with Security Center, be aware that malware developers and advertisers have created popup windows that look extremely similar to Security Center. The difference is that these windows contain so-called security alerts that prompt you to download and install a specific product. If a Security Center alert suddenly popups on your computer, be safe by going into the Control Panel and launching the real Security Center to make sure that you are looking at the real thing and not malware or an advertisement.
