I want to be able to independently control notifications for firewall,
malware, updating and etc. You could do this in XP and I don't see
why it should be difficult to arrange in Vista. I want notification
but don't want to see the Security Alert Icon in my tray unless there
is a problem. PLEASE FIX THIS MICROSOFT.

<whew... that feels better>

yeah me too
after installing and restarting my computer, i get back the red X balloon tips at the taskbar tray.
at first, before i was using Service Pack 1 (i just downloaded & installed it 10 minutes ago) i managed to 'disable' this balloon tips --> i renamed the three file relating to security center:
wscapi.dll
wscsvc.dll
wscui.cpl


also..i'm looking for alternatives besides renaming these 3 files in order to disable/hide the red X balloon at the taskbar tray...

TIA,
shenli