Qualitative study on cognition and interaction of users, of security and privacy features in Windows XP and Windows Vista.

Abstract

Security and Privacy are important aspects of everyday computing, especially when malicious software can be spread easily through the Internet medium. With the propagation of malicious software gone undetected, important information could be spied on, stolen or even destroyed. Widely used operating systems such as Microsoft Windows XP SP2 and Microsoft Windows Vista play a crucial role in securing information. Users need to know how to easily interact with the systems' interfaces to ensure their workstations are free of malicious software. In order to do so, Security and Privacy features in these operating systems should have a set of usable and effective interfaces for users to carry out deterrence and detection action.