When did you buy this computer? Some things (like a trial period on OEM software) might be effected by the purchase date, but things like the firewall aren't.

Follow the steps below to reach two separate functions within the control panel. The first one lets you set the firewall and automatic updates and tell it what antivirus software you're using (have your Windows authentication numbers handy, from that little bandaid-sized Microsoft sticker that should be on your computer somewhere).

START --> CONTROL PANEL --> ADMINISTRATIVE TOOLS --> SECURITY CENTER -->

If you need to set up an administrator account or review what is going on in your computer concerning separate users, follow this set if links:

START --> CONTROL PANEL --> ADMINISTRATIVE TOOLS --> USER ACCOUNTS

Ideally you use the administrator setting when you make changes and use a sub-account setting the rest of the time. This way bad stuff can't write to your registry (no authorization). Alas, most of us work on our computers as administrators. But I never have mine set to just logon automatcially. If my computer is stolen again, they'll have to do some work to figure out what's in there.

SRS