After you install service pack 2 for Windows XP, you will see some unfamiliar applets in the Control Panel. One of the new applets is called the Security Center and as the name implies, it’s the place where you can manage the security settings on your computer.

Accessing this new feature is a cinch. Simply click Start, click Control Panel, and open the Security Center applet. The Security Center monitors the status of the three security essentials: Firewall, Automatic Updates, and Virus Protection. For example, if you disable the Windows Firewall component, it will indicate that the status is “OFF” and give you some recommendations that you should follow to increase security on your computer.

From the Security Center, you can also manage the security settings for Internet Options, Automatic Updates, and Windows Firewall. Clicking on any of these three links will bring up the appropriate dialog box.

Along the side of the Windows Security Center dialog box, you will find a list of resources that you can use to stay on top of security.