New Notebook: So Which Applications To Use Or Download

[siam2007]

okay, so suddenly that new notebook showed up, including the unavoidable VISTA.

before I start using it, I would like to hear some views from experts (we do have a lot here, I know that), which applications / programs I should download or buy to make it SAFE.

means, i want a FORT KNOX (at least as much as possible) and protect myself against all those hackers, spammers, spyware, rootkits, BOTs and the like....

so what should I use?

anti-rootkits, firewall, cureit, ad-aware, security-center, reg-cleaners, virus-scanners..... all that....

oh , and: what do you think about NORTON's ANTI-BOT ?

it got some good reviews on several websites....

thanks in advance for taking the time to bring some light ( into my laptop )

[dave_boo]

okay, so suddenly that new notebook showed up, including the unavoidable VISTA.

before I start using it, I would like to hear some views from experts (we do have a lot here, I know that), which applications / programs I should download or buy to make it SAFE.

means, i want a FORT KNOX (at least as much as possible) and protect myself against all those hackers, spammers, spyware, rootkits, BOTs and the like....

so what should I use?

anti-rootkits, firewall, cureit, ad-aware, security-center, reg-cleaners, virus-scanners..... all that....

oh , and: what do you think about NORTON's ANTI-BOT ?

it got some good reviews on several websites....

thanks in advance for taking the time to bring some light ( into my laptop )

If you really want a FORT KNOX, you're going to have to install an *nix (any BSD or Linux distro will do just fine).

On the other hand, if you want to harden a Vista install, you're going to have to do a lot more out of the gate configuring. This would involve using Firefox/Opera instead of Vista, installing a real antivirus (Grisoft's AVG is great--and free!)notice if you're not a cheap charley like me you can pay for an upgrade all in one solution, a real firewall (Kerio's Sunbelt is free also!), and a anti-adware/malware suite (Sybot is also, as you should be able to guess by now free!).

I'm not a big fan of reg cleaners/fixer-uppers. It seems a bit insane to have to use them. In my mind it's like having to constantly take a cocktail of penicillin/anti-AIDS drugs instead of just using a condom. I.E., protect yourself from the route of infection instead of trying to clean up the mess they make.

[Crushdepth]

Just get yourself a decent antivirus (Avira is good), leave the built in firewall and automatic updates turned on and use Firefox browser. Vista comes with an antispyware scanner. Avoid sharing folders or flash drives with anyone and don't open weird email attachments. This is enough to keep you out of trouble.

[dave_boo]

Using the built in firewall is a bad idea. It only blocks outbound traffic. Not that smart unless you want to prevent cruft that's already on your machine from communicating with the outside world. Wouldn't it be better to prevent the stuff from getting in through open ports in the first place?

[Drewcifer]

I would second dave_boo's advice, use a linux variant. Or if you are not linux savvy get a mac. Seeing how you already have the computer, I'd look into something like Ubuntu.

[Crushdepth]

The built in firewall works quite well and has both in and outbound protection. You can set up custom rules etc through the management console (wf.msc at the command prompt or its accessible in the administrative tools section of the control panel somewhere). Changing OS for a slightly better firewall is overkill for a notebook.

Edited April 9, 2008 by Crushdepth

[stumonster]

This would involve using Firefox/Opera instead of Vista

Internet explorer

[Crushdepth]

Some things never change - IE7 is still an awful browser. Yuck!