For many of us, when it comes to thinking about PC protection we think about two things: protecting the stuff on the PC and protecting the people who use the PC. Windows Vista helps with both.

Top three things you can do:

• Manage your PC

• Backup your pictures and files

• Keep your children safer

Protecting your system

Your computer should be like your home: Only the people you invite can come in. Windows Security Center provides round-the-clock monitoring of your system, and sends you alerts about possible security breaches. It also lets you know when your security software is out of date or when you should tighten up your security settings. Plus, the Security Center displays your firewall settings and tells you whether your PC is set up to receive automatic software updates from Microsoft.

Keep an eye on security settings without a lot of fuss.

Built in backup

You have insurance for your house, your car, and even your health, but what about your data? Well here are two "policies." First, Backup in Windows Vista makes a backup of your favorite memories and critical documents, should something ever happen to your PC. Second, Windows Live SkyDrive offers a free online "vault" for storing up to 25 gigabytes (GB) in a password-protected spot. You can decide who can use the files, and you can get at them from pretty much anywhere you've got an Internet connection. On to protecting the people…

Backup demystified with one spot to do it all.

Keeping your children safer

Like a babysitter who never sleeps, Windows Vista can enforce parent-guided restrictions to help keep kids safer. The Parental Controls feature built into Windows Vista (all editions except Business and Enterprise) helps you manage how your kids use the PC. You can oversee the games they play, right down to which types of games each person can play by rating, content, or title. You can also control the applications they can use, and the websites they can visit—and when. You can even set up specific times your kids can use the computer and Windows Vista will enforce those restrictions.

Control kid's activities without watching them every second.