| The Windows XP Security Center is not a well-known | | | | How to Disable Security Center Alerts |
| feature of the operating system. The security center | | | | If you're running Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) |
| was introduced as part of the Service Pack 2 release. | | | | Windows Security Center will tell you the status of |
| Some people like it and some people don't like it at all. If | | | | your antivirus software, firewall, and automatic updates. |
| you don't have the service pack 2 already installed, | | | | The Security Center will alert you if your antivirus is out |
| you need to do that now by updating your Windows | | | | of date or turned off, firewall is turned off, or if |
| XP. You can do this using the update feature of XP or | | | | Automatic Update is not turned on. |
| simply go to the Microsoft website and search for | | | | If you have received multiple alerts and would like to |
| SP2. Here is a link to the Microsoft site if you need | | | | turn notifications off, you can disable the antivirus, |
| more information-- | | | | firewall, or automatic update alerts. |
| To access the Security Center, you go to the Start | | | | Turning off these alerts could be dangerous because |
| button, All Programs, Accessories, then System Tools. | | | | you won't know if your system is vulnerable. But if you |
| Click on the Security Center and it will bring up a | | | | are an experienced user, then you most likely have a |
| window with the current system status. To view the | | | | strategy and tactic for checking your system. |
| Virus Protection recommendations, click the | | | | To turn off Security Center alerts |
| Recommendations button under this option. You will | | | | 1. Click Start and then click Control Panel. |
| see the recommendations based on your current | | | | 2. Double-click Security Center. |
| system. | | | | 3. In the Security Center, under Resources, click |
| You can get information on how antivirus programs | | | | Change the way Security Center alerts me. |
| work as well as information on different types of | | | | 4. In the Alert Settings dialog box, clear the Firewall, |
| viruses by clicking on How Does Antivirus Software | | | | Automatic Updates, or Virus Protection check boxes, |
| Protect My System help topic link in the Windows | | | | and then click OK. |
| Security Center. | | | | |