We often store sensitive and private information on PCs, so it’s important to keep them secure from prying eyes. Here’s a simple look at some security features you can enjoy in the coming Windows 8.
1. Windows Defender
Windows Defender is Microsoft’s very own anti-malware client and its updated version in Windows 8 includes traditional antivirus functions in addition to the spyware protection and other security features. It will protect computer against viruses and spyware, and provide real-time detection. Also, it will let you scan your computer and any attached devices any time you want, too.
2. Picture Password
Unlike the previous versions of Windows, Windows 8 comes with picture password in addition to the text password that we’ve used for years. According to Microsoft, the picture password is designed as a supplement to the conventional text password. It allows you to create a password by drawing three gestures (a combination of circles, straight lines, or taps/clicks) in different places on a photo or image. Compared with the text password, the picture password is easier for you to remember.
3. Refresh and Reset
With Refresh and Reset options in Windows 8, you will get the computer fixed easily and will not have to format the computer any more. The Refresh option refreshes your Windows 8 to factory default but retains your files, photos, music and applications (Desktop and Metro. While the Reset option resets your Windows 8 and wipes all the applications, files, music, photographs as if you have had a fresh installation.
4. Secure Boot
Microsoft promotes a new type of boot method called UEFI in Windows 8 to improve and replace the archaic BIOS boot system that most PCs have been using for decades. The UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) can make sure everything that’s pre-loading actually has a right to do so, by verifying its security certificates. In short, the new boot system brings better security, faster startup times, and more.
5. SmartScreen
The upated SmartScreen Filter of Internet Explorer 9 can help you detect and block unknown and potentially malicious programs that you download. And from Windows 8, the program-monitoring portion of the SmartScreen Filter will be built into Windows itself, and it will work whether you’re using IE, Firefox, Chrome, or any other browser.