1. Modifications in UAC (User Access Control): One of the features most criticized by average Vista user was the annoying permission seeking by Vista, whenever you need to do something that requires admin privileges. For instance, every new installation, requires, permissions, even if you are logged in as an administrator. Although they were for your own security, but many average users got irritated with them, and some of them even gone far enough to shut that feature off, exposing them to threats.
But Windows 7, has included a few pre-set security settings in its User Access Control, which will define the level of security you want to have. You can configure it as per your convenience.
2. Action Center: Instead of the Security Center of Windows Vista, Windows 7 has a new interface named as Action Center. Here you not only can configure your security settings, but also tweak other administrative tasks, like Backup, Troubleshooting And Diagnostics, and Windows Update.
3. Improved BitLocker: First Release of Windows Vista allowed you to encrypt your Hard Disk data, in which your OS is loaded. But later on this facility was extended to other drives in your computer, but not to the removable drives like FLASH cards and USB. Windows 7 corrects this and allows you to encrypt data contained in these drives, which are most susceptible to theft and get lost.
4. Biometric Authentication: Biometric authentication, based upon fingertips, DNA and other such methods, is considered to be the most trust-worthy method of authentication. Windows Vista has started supporting these methods, where a third party sensor was required to be attached alongwith its own software.
But Windows 7 has gone ahead and included a Biometric Devices application in its Control Panel, which allows you to connect several biometric devices directly to yoru computer.
5. AppLocker: Windows 7 has included a new utility called AppLocker, whichextends the idea of Software Restriction Policies included in XP and Vista. It allowed Administrators to use Group Policy so as to restrict users from running particular programs that might present a security threat. But it was a bit complex to use them.
The new AppLocker feature gives a lot of flexibility and is user-friendly in the first place.
What’s new Microsoft Office 2007 SP2