Computers in power-system control systems cannot control a power system so that it will not become unstable. However, they can provide substantial help to the human who is operating the system. In addition to their contributions to various operational functions, computers assist the operators in preserving the system's security - its freedom from danger or risk. Security functions are now incorporated into computer programs to deal with operating conditions as well as with disturbances that could lead to equipment overloads, voltage degradation, frequency decay, system instability, service interruption, or the ultimate catastrophe of a system shutdown. This article discusses how these functions fit into the overall control structure of a power system, and summarizes the extent to which they have been realized in today's power -system control centers.