• Windows 7 Security Essentials helps to protect against virusesvirus alert image by Pontus Edenberg from Fotolia.com
  
  Windows 7 was released in 2009 and was seen by many as a significant improvement over the previous version of Microsoft's operating system software, Windows Vista. One of the significant changes was increased security measures. In addition to many features that can run in the background, Windows 7 provides access to security features for the user.
  
  

BitLocker Drive Encryption

• Hard drive encryption prevents unauthorized users from accessing your files. The BitLocker Drive Encryption feature included in Windows 7 allows a USB drive to be used as a password or security card to unlock the data.
  
  

Microsoft Security Essentials

• A free download for Windows 7, Microsft Security Essentials is an all-in-one security suite. It protects against viruses, malware, adware and worms. This software runs in the background, actively protecting your computer, but the status center can be accessed at any time.
  
  

User Account Control

• User Account Control has been improved since Windows Vista, making it easier use the computer with a standard account instead of an administrator account. Enabling User Account Control makes it harder for unwanted software to install itself or make changes to your system settings.
  
  

Action Center

• The Action Center is a one-stop location for identifying potential security risks to your computer. For example, if your antivirus definitions are out of date or your firewall is not running, the Action Center will notify you. Access the Action Center by clicking on the flag icon in your taskbar.