Re: Microsoft Firewall vs ????

On Mon, 24 Mar 2008 23:35:12 -0600 (MDT), quodnomentibi@xxxxxxxxxxx wrote:

I just got a new laptop a few days ago, running Vista Home Premium. I am
in the midst of "customizing" it. Presently, I am running the Microsoft
Firewall. Is this an act of blind faith on my part. In the last few
months of life of my last laptop, I ran Comodo Pro and was satisfied.

I'd prefer to run a free firewall, if that is prudent.

Any suggestions?

The best defenses are:
1. Do not work in elevated level; Day-to-day work should be
performed while the User Account Control (UAC) is enabled. Turning
off UAC reduces the security of your computer and may expose you to
increased risk from malicious software.
2. Familiarize yourself with "Services Hardening in Windows Vista".
3. Keep your operating (OS) system (and all software on it)
updated/patched.
4. Reconsider the usage of IE.
5. Review your installed 3rd party software applications/utilities;
Remove clutter.
6. Don't expose services to public networks.
7. Activate the build-in firewall and tack together its advanced
configuration settings.
7a.If on high-speed internet use a router as well.
8. Routinely practice safe-hex.
9. Regularly back-up data/files.
10.Familiarize yourself with crash recovery tools and with
re-installing your operating system (OS).
11.Utilize a real-time anti-virus application and vital system
monitoring utilities/applications.
12.Keep abreast of the latest developments - Sh!t happens...you know.

The least preferred defenses are:
Myriads of popular anti-whatever applications and staying ignorant.

Peez of pith, really :-)
.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: multiple windows opening
    ... When you install OneCare, it will automatically ... I have had windows live one care from the first setup of this laptop. ... I open it, it shows that the firewall is on, the virus thing is ...
    (microsoft.public.security)
  • Re: New Printer problem--Help please!
    ... I was able to successfully turn off all firewalls on the laptop, and I believe I also was successful with turning off all firewalls, virus protection, etc on the desktop. ... I have re-set up the network using the home network wizard. ... Following the suggestion I found elsewhere, I set up the network "wrong" (chose incorrect connection method), then set it up again "right". ... the presence of the Symantec VPN driver raises the possibility that the laptop has a Symantec firewall installed. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.print_fax)
  • Re: multiple windows opening
    ... When you install OneCare, ... Windows Firewall and Defender on its own. ... I have had windows live one care from the first setup of this laptop. ...
    (microsoft.public.security)
  • Re: multiple windows opening
    ... After uninstalling, one must download/run a removal tool to rid the machines of the "leftovers" and then reboot, preferably *before* installing another anti-virus application or security suite (e.g., OneCare). ... run Windows Update manually to make sure the machine's fully patched. ... Windows Firewall and Defender on its own. ... I have had windows live one care from the first setup of this laptop. ...
    (microsoft.public.security)
  • Re: Unable to open *View Workgroup Computers* nor access workgroup
    ... Do you mean a personal firewall that is *in addition* to the Windows ... reconfiguring the Norton Antivirus ... I have a PC and a laptop on our previously working home network. ... when I click on View Workgroup Computers it takes ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.network_web)