Windows 7 comprehensively improves system security

Last week, I started experimenting with the PreBeta version of Windows 7. At first glance, the build 6801 version of this latest generation operating system is quite similar to Windows Vista, because the look and feel of the operating system is usually enhanced at the end of the development schedule. At this point, the core programming has been fixed, and the security design has changed.

Windows 7 removed the Security Center that was originally introduced with Windows XP SP2 and replaced it with an Action Center. The Action Center contains tips for the top 10 Windows features: Security Center; Issues, Reports and Solutions; Windows Defender; Windows Update; Diagnostics; Network Access Protection; Backup and Restore; Recovery; Account Control (UAC).

Among them, the user account control (UAC) feature changes may be the most eye-catching. This feature is very popular in Windows Vista, but whenever a user tries to install new software, or other factors, a dialog box pops up.

In Windows 7, if the user has administrator rights, you can use the slider controller to adjust the consent prompt. Microsoft said the system will prevent malware even if no alerts are seen. I don't know if this is a bad idea: If the user doesn't see any reminders, they might think that the computer is safe and sound.

The initial release of Windows 7 at the Microsoft PDC 2008 conference last week also introduced a feature called Windows Filtering Platform (WFP), which is designed to allow third-party products to take advantage of Microsoft Windows. Some parts of the firewall. Microsoft said: Third-party products can also choose to turn Windows Firewall on or off locally, let you choose which software firewall you want to use, and coexist with Windows Firewall.

A major security software vendor says it can't imagine its products being used in conjunction with Windows Firewall; and, if Microsoft's firewall contains components that have to be used, they will build their own versions, not Microsoft.

Other security features have also made some changes. For example, the Scrollbars and Software Explorer features in the Settings screen have been removed, and Windows 7 enhances the Instant Protection feature to reduce the impact on overall system performance.

Windows 7 extends BitLocker disk encryption support to removable storage devices such as flash drives and portable hard drives. This means that users can store sensitive data in USB storage devices.

Biometrics enhancements include easier setting up of readers, allowing users to manage fingerprints stored on their computers and control how they log into Windows 7.

A System Restore feature that includes a list of programs that can be removed or added to provide users with more information so they can choose to restore the system to a point in time.

Microsoft final build has not yet been released, and the above information may still change. Microsoft expects to launch Windows 7 within three years of the advent of Windows Vista, which means it may be available before January 2010. (Robert Vamosi )