The Security Mentor

We don't know yet, of course. It's not finished. Microsoft could change features before it actually ships. But there are some encouraging signs in the sneak previews.

Michael Desmond writes in PC World about important features of Vista.

The top item as I see it is one that may sound obscure at first. It's called User Account Protection, and it means that you're not always running with the ability to screw up your entire computer. If bad software gets installed it will be easier to clean it up. Some old programs will stop working until they're rewritten, but that's a good thing.

Microsoft has improved their backup software to match today's world of huge cheap hard disks. Yes, backups are a security measure.

You'll be able to install security updates without having to use Internet Explorer! This is supposed to make the experience smoother and faster. It also allows you to run a tighter security policy.