Vista - Backup files with Windows defender or Norton??

Hello, am I right in saying windows defender can back up your files, at the
moment I have the norton control for backup files as "off", do I need both of
them for this purpose or will they conflict??
--
andy t

"andy t" <andyt@xxxxxx> wrote in message
news:680E89E6-B7F2-425C-996C-8AA762DB62B0@xxxxxx
Windows defender is NOT a backup utility.

"Gordon" <gordonbparker@xxxxxx> wrote:
It is an anti-spyware program. Still, Windows Vista has a built in Backup
and Restore Center which you can use if you do not fancy the Norton
application.

Windows Vista - Backup and Restore FAQ:
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Win...4460a1033.mspx

Using Windows Defender:
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Win...48a151033.mspx

Charlie42

Windows Defender is not a backup application, it is simply an
anti-spyware/malware application.

--

--
John Barnett MVP
Associate Expert
Windows Desktop Experience

Web: http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org
Web: http://vistasupport.mvps.org

The information in this mail/post is supplied "as is". No warranty of any
kind, either expressed or implied, is made in relation to the accuracy,
reliability or content of this mail/post. The Author shall not be liable for
any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages arising out of the
use of, or inability to use, information or opinions expressed in this
mail/post..


"andy t" <andyt@xxxxxx> wrote in message
news:680E89E6-B7F2-425C-996C-8AA762DB62B0@xxxxxx

Thanks for your replies guys, as I said, my Norton settings are showing that
my "backup files" setting, is set to off. What is your advice on this,
should I back them up? And if I do, will it slow down the workings of my PC?

Thanks again
--
andy t


"John MVP" wrote:

"andy t" <andyt@xxxxxx> wrote:
You should *always* back up. Schedule regular backups of your files.
Consider making disk image backups as well (backup the entire disk so that
it can be restored in case of a disk crash or a malware infestation).

As for what backup tool to use, it is for you to decide. Norton will backup
up things just fine, and so will Vista. The disk imaging part depends on
what Vista edition or Norton program you have. Vista Business and Ultimate
can do it.
Sorry to say, but yes. Backups involve a lot of disk reading, writing and
caching, and it will keep your system busy. Schedule backups to run at
night, or some other time when you do not use the computer.

In my experience, Norton products are worse in this respect than Vista
itself or other products, but that is just a general remark. You may not
notice any difference between them.

Charlie42

andy t wrote:
Andy,
if you are referring to *SCANNING* backup archives, you can enable both
apps to scan. There are drawbacks to this, such as scanning speed, etc.
Whether or not backups need to be scanned is another question.

--
Dave T.

I've learned that whatever hits the fan will not be evenly distributed.

I am beginning to understand now, I accidentally clicked on something
recently, so I went to "system restore" went back a couple of days, and it
restored the problem. I think I am I right in saying that it backs up files
for so many days, and automatically terminates the old ones so as to free up
disk space, perhaps you can confirm this to me Guy's.

I have Windows Vista Home Premium and Norton 360 version 2.O. What are "disk
image backups" and how do you perform them? My Norton shows that it is
disabled and say's "your scheduled automatic backups are currently turned
off".

As I said, my scheduled automatic backups are working anyway, and if I open
the Norton backup as well, will this not clog up the system more? I know
when opening it, it will show me a list of the files to be backed up, and as
you said, scan everything.

Finally, you mentioned that the "Norton antivirus" package is one of the
worst, why is it? And what would be a more suitable replacement?
--
andy t


"Charlie42" wrote:

"andy t" <andyt@xxxxxx> wrote:
System restore points are created regularly + when you install software or
updates. Old restore points are not overwritten until the disk space used by
System Restore is full. Be aware that System Restore does *not* back up your
personal files and folders. You must use the Backup and Restore Center for
that.

What is System Restore?
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Win...e79e51033.mspx
They are backups of entire hard drives; operative system, bootloader, user
files & all. Like I said, a crashed or compromised hard drive can be
restored with such backups. System Restore is *not* a disk imaging utility,
neither is Norton 360. Search Google for more information.
One backup system is sufficient. If you do not need Norton to back up your
files, you can ignore the "disabled" warning.
The main issue with Norton products is their massive use of system
resources. There are security products on the market that will protect you
equally well or better, with smaller footprints. By exchanging Norton for a
different program, you can free up resources you would rather spend on being
productive.
I recommend NOD32 for antivirus. Use it along with Windows Firewall and
Windows Defender, and you should be well protected.

If you are looking for a security suite, try Eset Smart Security (by the
makers of NOD32) or Kaspersky Internet Security. In my opinion, suites are
not the best solution though. They will protect you, but they usually come
bundled with programs and features you really do not need.

Some of the free solutions will also provide decent security. AVG and Avast!
are two popular, and good, programs. For a free firewall, I would go with
Comodo, but again: Windows Firewall will suffice for most home users. Run an
additional spyware scanner now and again, like Spybot or Superantispyware.

http://www.eset.com/
http://www.kaspersky.com/
http://free.avg.com/
http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html
http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/

Charlie42

Thank you very much Charlie42 for all the information and the other guys out
there. Did you say that there is free antivirus software? I had no idea
that you could get free protection software programmes, silly question, but
why are they free?

I have another question perhaps you might be able to help me. Do any of you
guys know anything about the new speech recognition program in vista?
--
andy t


"Charlie42" wrote: