Windows Vista security?

[slofox]

Just taken over a computer. It sports windows vista home edition as its OS.

At present I am allowing the inbuilt antivirus and firewall to do the security patrols. But given Microsoft's reputation I am wondering if this is a wise choice.

In the past I have used freeware on the home computer without problems. I am debating whether I should do this again.

So, technogeeks, what is your sage advice? And if you reckon get out of the windows system, what are good choices from the world of freeware for both AV and Firewall?

Ta.

[Bald Eagle]

Thread title is a contradiction in terms Windows and Security in the same sentence

[p.dath]

The free "Microsoft Security Essentials" works really well. But I don't think it ships in the box. I recommend you download and install it.

http://www.microsoft.com/en-nz/secur...s/default.aspx

[ExpertoCrede]

^^ As he said^^

MSE has good reviews on IT related forums. Some businesses also use it.

If you want to get out of the MS systems you can consider Linux Ubuntu. Heaps of application sw available too.

[slofox]

The free "Microsoft Security Essentials" works really well. But I don't think it ships in the box. I recommend you download and install it.

http://www.microsoft.com/en-nz/secur...s/default.aspx

MSE is what is in there now...

Thanks for the replies...

[slofox]

Thread title is a contradiction in terms Windows and Security in the same sentence

Errr yeah - should change it, eh?

[imdying]

But given Microsoft's reputation I am wondering if this is a wise choice.

Their rep? You mean the rep of the thick wankers who run insecure boxes?

Ring Apple, tell them they have a problem with their OS and you need it patched. They will laugh at you. Microsoft on the other hand provide an 0800 number for you to use.

Use MSE as the others have said... they've been looking after their house well for quite a while now, their game is tight, and they give it all to you for free.

[george formby]

I have MSE on one computer, no problems to date. I also use use Avast & AVG both of which have had the odd problem which is probably less of a reflection on how good they are & more about the toxic memory sticks that my customers stick in them.

Download Malwarebytes & run that now & again as a back up.

http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebyte...ml?tag=mncol;1

[YellowDog]

I hate to say it, but the new SP2 for Vista does seem to address a lot of the performance annoyances. The inbuilt firewall asks too many quateions and doesn't remember the answers howeer it does seem pretty secure. AVG do a reasonably good free anti-virus package