Windows Security Center
The Security Center is command central for all things security according to Microsoft. Within this tool you will have the capability to configure Windows Firewall, Automatic Updates, Virus Protection, and Internet Explorer security settings. Even though it would be nice if the Security Center also provided immediate access to the Local Group Policy and Local Security Policy, it does not at this time.
To access the Security Center, go to Start, Control Panel, Security Center. When you open up the Security Center, you will see an interface that looks like Figure 3.8.
Figure 3.8 Security Center for Windows XP SP2 computers.
One more feature that the Security Center provides is integration with a virus-checking program. If there isn’t an antivirus application installed, the Security Center provides an interface for you to install one, either for a trial period or for purchase. You can also disable the Security Center from monitoring for any antivirus applications if you want to monitor that manually.