PC World Community: What Security Applications Should I Use ...

Magazine

Subscribe & Get
a Bonus CD

Customer Service

Up to Discussions in Privacy & Security

This Question is Answered

6 Replies Last post: Jul 8, 2008 10:02 PM by Unluky

Unluky

43 posts since
Jul 15, 2007

Jul 8, 2008 6:14 PM

What Security Applications Should I Use with Windows Vista

Hello, I have recently purchased a Vista computer just couple of days ago, and i wanted some information on security on Vista.

Well, on Windows XP, we required an extra firewall since the XP firewall was not enough, however, does Vista require one? From what I hear, Vista has over - security programs, and we do not require any.

also, what kind of virus/spyware scanners work best with Vista? I have been using spybot search & Destroy with Super Anti-spyware on XP but I am not sure if I should use them on Vista as well. Currently, my vista has McAfee (came free with the computer, and this program called "AlYack" which is a korean anti-spyware program. (yes , I have purchased the computer from Samsung so it came with it , haha)

please, give me some advice and recommendations, any comments are appreciated.

thank you,

piyushsingh

2,964 posts since
Jul 21, 2007

1. Jul 8, 2008 6:39 PM

in response to: Unluky

Re: What Security Applications Should I Use with Windows Vista

Hi Unluky

Almost every regular member here uses a layered security approach rather than a single security application for protection. To know more about this layered approach , you may read these two docs :
Individual Programs ( "Layered" ) Approach to Security
Using the Tiered (or Layered) Approached to Protecting Your Computer .

Above two should clear it out the need for multiple security applications, keeping in mind that only one should work in realtime and rest only for standalone scanning that can be scanned with on a weekly basis.

And yes, default firewall in vista is sufficient as it has both inbound and outbound protection and much better than xp. But if you want, then there are other free ones available than you can use. Ok, read the above two docs and if you have any questions, feel free to ask.

SpiritWind

1,722 posts since
Aug 19, 2006

2. Jul 8, 2008 8:39 PM

in response to: Unluky

Re: What Security Applications Should I Use with Windows Vista

http://forums.pcworld.com/images/emoticons/grin.gif

Hi :

Usually the Best Security programs work with BOTH Win XP and Vista Operating Systems,

although I would NOT have Spybot on my computer . Although the Built-In Vista OS firewall

is half-way decent, I have heard it is "Rules-based" . Most people prefer the easier-to-

operate "Application-based" firewall, and the One I recommend is PC Tools Firewall

Plus, available at http://www.pctools.com/firewall/.

Would recommend you uninstall the security programs that came with the computer ;

in the case of McAfee, you should follow THEIR Advise at

http://service.mcafee.com/FAQDocument.aspx?id=107083&lc=1033 .

For the BEST in what COUNTS in LIFE : http://www.tacf.org

lilxkid24

1,936 posts since
Jul 8, 2007

3. Jul 8, 2008 9:35 PM

in response to: Unluky

Re: What Security Applications Should I Use with Windows Vista

Hey unluky haven't seen you for a long time lol seems lke your always on this issue of antivirus antispware etc etc so have you finally quit ms?

For antivirus i suggest avast always since its free and its the best free thing out there

For antispyware i recommend combination of superantispyware and spybot serach and destroy.

Im lenient on firewall and usually i just run windows firewall, i see no point for an external firewall that much so either go with the windows firewall

I would also recommend spywareblaster for preventing spyware to get on your computer.

All these runs on vista fine and work fine.

AMD Athlon 64x2 4400 2.3ghz..... 2Gigs DDR2 240-pin DIMM.....BFG Nvidia 9800 GT 512MB.....320GB Seagate HDD.....Corsair VX 450w PSU.....Dell 20" E207WFP 1680x1050 resolution.....Windows XP Pro SP3 x86.....Windows 7 Ultimate x64

Unluky

43 posts since
Jul 15, 2007

4. Jul 8, 2008 9:49 PM

in response to: lilxkid24

Re: What Security Applications Should I Use with Windows Vista

ohh I see, so these programs on fine on Vista

thank you all!

Ahh one more question though!

is it wise to have two real time protection or should there be only one? because i already have this korean program as real time protection but im not sure if it is a good one or not, also, I have a teatime protection....

ahah yea, i visit PC World for security informations, i find the members here very informative and helpful! :P

yep, i quit MS a long time ago, but I have moved to differnet country just 5 days ago and I have been busy lately. pluss im trying to get into this private highschool so i will be even more busy but I will still visit PC World quite often (at lesat try to )

lilxkid24

1,936 posts since
Jul 8, 2007

5. Jul 8, 2008 9:56 PM

in response to: Unluky

Re: What Security Applications Should I Use with Windows Vista

Only have one antivirus one antispyware one firewall running at startup. Each program varies at how many real time protection shields there are. Avast has like 7 and its ok. If your antivirus and antispyware programs have realtime protection enabled its ok. oh so you moved to korea now? o why?

Unluky

43 posts since
Jul 15, 2007

6. Jul 8, 2008 10:02 PM

in response to: lilxkid24

Re: What Security Applications Should I Use with Windows Vista

ah okay, the korean real time program turned out to be anti-virus so I guess I am fine

hm well, my parents want me to go to private highschool in korea, which are for korean kids with excessive english abilities. and the school is reallya amazing supposedly. a lot of kids from the school go to top univerisites in USA. so, yep, trying to do that as well :P

Go to original post

QUICK LINKS: cheap laptops cell phones laser printers HDTV reviews LCD TV Plasmas digital cameras laptop reviews security antivirus windows vista reviews digital camera reviews inexpensive desktop LCD wide screen monitors

tech news tech blogs community & forums laptop prices software reviews downloads

About Us Contact Us Advertise ASME Guidelines Newsletters FAQ IDG International Magazine Customer Service

RSS Feeds

Visit other IDG sites:

Magazine

This Question is Answered

Jul 8, 2008 6:14 PM

What Security Applications Should I Use with Windows Vista

Actions

More Like This