Windows Vista Security basics - Using Windows Security Center - Malicious software protection

Malicious software (malware) protection can help protect your computer against viruses, spyware, and other security threats. Security Center checks if your computer is using up-to-date antispyware and antivirus software. If your antivirus or antispyware software is turned off or out of date, Security Center will display a notification and put a Security Center icon Picture of the red Security Center shield in the notification area. For more information about how anti-malware software can help protect your computer, see Using anti-malware software to help protect your computer.

To install or update your anti-malware software
1. Open Security Center by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking Security, and then clicking Security Center.
2. Click Malware protection, click the button under Virus protection or Spyware and other malware protection, and then choose the option that you want.
NoteWindows does not detect all antivirus and antispyware software. If you are sure that you have anti-malware software installed, it is turned on, and it is up to date, you can click I have an antivirus program that I'll monitor myself or I have an antisypware program that I'll monitor myself to stop receiving notifications from Security Center about your anti-malware software. If you do this, Windows will not monitor your anti-malware software status or alert you if it is off.