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| you don't have the service pack 2 already | | | | out of date or turned off, firewall is turned |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