Vista - Security for 64 bit Vista Laptop

I just picked up a laptop and am finishing the setup phase. I'll be
installing Avast Anti-Virus, as I know it supports 64 bit and works
reasonably well. Windows Defender is enabled, as is Windows firewall. Now
I'd like to address strong security.

This laptop will be used for business (and play as well, I suppose,
especially during hurricane evacs). One concern I have are for those times
when I must download banking transactions into Quicken and Quickbooks. I'd
like to be sure that my passwords and the sensitive data I'll be downloading
is not accessible to anyone else. These downloads might take place via a
hotel network or via a Sprint (or similar) broadband device.

Although my office is behind a hardware firewall, I really have no
experience when it comes to 'on the road security'. Is it feasible to bring
a router with a firewall to place between my laptop and the hotel network,
or should it all be handled by software (as I assume the case will be for
the Sprint broadband).

I know that I am asking for more information than is probably practically
posted here, but any information (including links) is greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
James

Hi,

Browse through the articles here

PC World - Security Topic Center

Hope that helps

SIW2

Install Windows OneCare, and you'll not have to
worry about those issues. You can try it FREE
for ninety (90) days. This is a brand new version
and is very robust! Uses very little system resources!
http://onecare.live.com/standard/en-us/default.htm

With the excellent Windows OneCare package, there is
no need to install a multitude of different security software.

OneCare includes:

-- An excellent antivirus application
-- An excellent firewall application
-- An excellent antispyware application
-- Automatic system tune-ups
-- Automatic hard drive defrag
-- Checks for updates to be sure they are installed
-- Schedules automatic backups of important files
-- New version 2.5 just released - designed to work
exceptionally well with Windows Vista & XP.
-- All-in-one convenient, easy to install application


--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows Desktop Experience -
Windows Vista Enthusiast

---------------------------------------------------------------

"James Colbert" <jc2567@xxxxxx> wrote in message news:urEhbw6EJHA.1280@xxxxxx
I just picked up a laptop and am finishing the setup phase. I'll be
installing Avast Anti-Virus, as I know it supports 64 bit and works
reasonably well. Windows Defender is enabled, as is Windows firewall. Now
I'd like to address strong security.

This laptop will be used for business (and play as well, I suppose,
especially during hurricane evacs). One concern I have are for those times
when I must download banking transactions into Quicken and Quickbooks. I'd
like to be sure that my passwords and the sensitive data I'll be downloading
is not accessible to anyone else. These downloads might take place via a
hotel network or via a Sprint (or similar) broadband device.

Although my office is behind a hardware firewall, I really have no
experience when it comes to 'on the road security'. Is it feasible to bring
a router with a firewall to place between my laptop and the hotel network,
or should it all be handled by software (as I assume the case will be for
the Sprint broadband).

I know that I am asking for more information than is probably practically
posted here, but any information (including links) is greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
James

Thanks, SIW2.

"SIW2" <guest@xxxxxx-email.com> wrote in message
news:b0aa07fdf72900fd690b6f3756168609@xxxxxx-gateway.com...

"Carey Frisch [MVP]" <cnfrisch@xxxxxx> wrote in message
news:e7JnrR7EJHA.4460@xxxxxxThanks for your response, Carey. I'll check it out.

On Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:58:20 -0500, James Colbert wrote:
The in-build 'defragger' is working fine and is adequate. If you're in the
spending mood go for a good back-up program like Acronis.

Good luck

"Kayman" <kaymanDeleteThis@xxxxxx> wrote in message
news:%23zGNfiGFJHA.768@xxxxxxYes, I agree. I've used Acronis TI and DD for years.

Thanks again for your information.

James

On Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:39:10 -0500, James Colbert wrote:
James,

It's been suggested using Windows Live OneCare which is trial/payware.
The OneCare package includes various additional software and it is
suggested that there is no need to install a multitude of different
security software. At first glance this seems to be fair enough.

Also, I read somewhere:

[quote]
What makes OneCare unique is that it essentially provides many of the
centrally-managed IT administrative functionality one might expect in a
corporate environment, but to home users. But instead of providing a human
administrator, Microsoft provides an Internet-based service that works
continually and automatically and is always up to date. You only deal with
OneCare, per se, when something goes wrong. And if something really goes
wrong, Microsoft is providing support via phone, email, or Web chat.
[unquote]

I am not sure if this represents is real value as assistance, troubleshoot
advice can be obtained freely from various newsgroups and/or fora and good
quality freeware can be configured to update automatically.

So, let's examine this package more closely from a (non-expert) users
point-of-view and if Windows Live OneCare represents real dollar value for
the average homeuser.

Windows Live OneCare includes:

-- An excellent antivirus application --.

Many experts used to suggest that Windows Live OneCare is on the bottom of
the list as far as finding viruses\malware\trojans.
However, I understand that the new version of this (OneCare) AV application
has changed for the better and the virus catchrate has improved
significantly.
It is debatable however if OneCare AV is significantly better compared to
good quality free-ware application such as Avira AntiVir® Personal or
avast! 4 Home Edition. Even if OneCare is an equally good AV application,
you'd still have to fork out dollars.
So, as far as performance is concerned why would anybody considering
purchasing OneCare?

-- An excellent firewall application --.

An excellent firewall application is already included in both WinXP and
Vista operating systems.

Managing the Windows Vista Firewall
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/m.../cc510323.aspx

So, why would anybody want to pay for something which comes free in the
first place?

-- An excellent antispyware application --.

An antispyware (A-S) application (WindowsDefender) is already included in
Vista OS and can be freely downloaded for WinXP. Add SuperAntispyware Free
Edition and you're as good as gold.
So, why would anybody want to pay for something which comes free in the
first place?

-- Automatic system tune-ups --.

Why I donÿt use registry cleaners!
http://www.edbott.com/weblog/archives/000643.html

IMO, a safer option is to use CCleaner ignoring the registry
scanning/fixing option followed by using NTREGOPT (all freely available).

So, why would anybody jeopardize proper functioning of their OS?

-- Automatic hard drive defrag --.

A HDD defragmentation utility is already included in both WinXP and Windows
Vista which can be scheduled to scan at predetermined times.

Schedule a weekly defragmentation
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u...ps/defrag.mspx

Features of the Windows Vista hard disk defragmentation utility
Scheduled defragmentation
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/942092

Also, there are a few freeware defrag tools available which, the best to my
knowledge, outperform the in-build version.
So, why would anybody want to pay for something which comes free in the
first place?

-- Checks for updates to be sure they are installed --.

Aside from Using the free Windows Update function in both WinXP and Windows
Vista, Secunia Personal Software Inspector, Belarc and M/S Security
Baseline Analyzer can assist also.
So, why would anybody want to pay for something which comes free in the
first place?

-- Schedules automatic backups of important files --.

Backup and Restore Center is an in-build version and comes free with both
WinXP and Vista operating system.

Windows XP Backup Made Easy
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u..._03july14.mspx
Windows Backup and Restore Center
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/win...es/backup.aspx

So, why would one want to pay for something which comes free in the first
place?

BTW, some users are impressed with Cobian Backup-Free.

-- New version 2.5 just released - designed to work exceptionally well with
Windows Vista & XP --.

One would hope that this is the case, after all, it's a MSFT product!
Selective, good-quality freeware applications are working like a charm as
well in both WinXP and Vista operating systems!

-- All-in-one convenient, easy to install application --.

So are selective, good-quality freeware applications/utilities.

-- On sale at Newegg for only $19.99 --

If I were in the spending mood and were looking for a worthwhile addition
to my Operating System I'd find another $30.- and purchase Acronis Back-Up
package.

Well, considering the above, I haven't got the foggiest idea what the hype
about Windows Live OneCare package is all about!

But, it is not unusual that in Multi National Organizations such as MSFT
the Section Heads of the Commercial Department and the Program Engineers
(Operating Department), are having conflicting opinions as they work for
different goals.
The Program Engineers are the pragmatic type, they develop things, they
know things. They have to demonstrate high integrity in order to produce
high quality software.
The Advertising People know how to sell and push things. They mostly walk
on a fine line but cross it frequently for the sake of the dollar almighty
and in the name of the share holders. The nature of their job prevents them
to be moral and ethical.
The goals of the Commercial Dept. are not necessarily in the best interest
for the end user.
Would MSFT recommend the use of registry cleaners if Dr. Mark Russinovich
and Ed Bott had a say? I don't think so!
Would MSFT have included these lame additions to their Windows Live OneCare
application if their program engineers had a say? I don't think so!
As usual, Marketing trumps common sense. Let's hope that users pay more
attention to the details instead to the sensational promotion.

Please be guided accordingly!

"Kayman" <kaymanDeleteThis@xxxxxx> wrote in message
news:O1K$RxGFJHA.4304@xxxxxx[quote]
> On Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:39:10 -0500, James Colbert wrote:
>

Quote:

>> "Carey Frisch [MVP]" <cnfrisch@xxxxxx> wrote in message
>> news:e7JnrR7EJHA.4460@xxxxxx

Quote:

>>> Install Windows OneCare, and you'll not have to
>>> worry about those issues. You can try it FREE
>>> for ninety (90) days. This is a brand new version
>>> and is very robust! Uses very little system resources!
>>> http://onecare.live.com/standard/en-us/default.htm
>>>
>>> With the excellent Windows OneCare package, there is
>>> no need to install a multitude of different security software.

>>
>> Thanks for your response, Carey. I'll check it out.

>
> James,
>
> It's been suggested using Windows Live OneCare which is trial/payware.
> The OneCare package includes various additional software and it is
> suggested that there is no need to install a multitude of different
> security software. At first glance this seems to be fair enough.
>
> Also, I read somewhere:
>
>

Quote:

> What makes OneCare unique is that it essentially provides many of the
> centrally-managed IT administrative functionality one might expect in a
> corporate environment, but to home users. But instead of providing a human
> administrator, Microsoft provides an Internet-based service that works
> continually and automatically and is always up to date. You only deal with
> OneCare, per se, when something goes wrong. And if something really goes
> wrong, Microsoft is providing support via phone, email, or Web chat.
> [unquote]
>
> I am not sure if this represents is real value as assistance, troubleshoot
> advice can be obtained freely from various newsgroups and/or fora and good
> quality freeware can be configured to update automatically.
>
> So, let's examine this package more closely from a (non-expert) users
> point-of-view and if Windows Live OneCare represents real dollar value for
> the average homeuser.
>
> Windows Live OneCare includes:
>
> -- An excellent antivirus application --.
>
> Many experts used to suggest that Windows Live OneCare is on the bottom of
> the list as far as finding viruses\malware\trojans.
> However, I understand that the new version of this (OneCare) AV
> application
> has changed for the better and the virus catchrate has improved
> significantly.
> It is debatable however if OneCare AV is significantly better compared to
> good quality free-ware application such as Avira AntiVir® Personal or
> avast! 4 Home Edition. Even if OneCare is an equally good AV application,
> you'd still have to fork out dollars.
> So, as far as performance is concerned why would anybody considering
> purchasing OneCare?
>
> -- An excellent firewall application --.
>
> An excellent firewall application is already included in both WinXP and
> Vista operating systems.
>
> Managing the Windows Vista Firewall
> http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/m.../cc510323.aspx
>
> So, why would anybody want to pay for something which comes free in the
> first place?
>
> -- An excellent antispyware application --.
>
> An antispyware (A-S) application (WindowsDefender) is already included in
> Vista OS and can be freely downloaded for WinXP. Add SuperAntispyware Free
> Edition and you're as good as gold.
> So, why would anybody want to pay for something which comes free in the
> first place?
>
> -- Automatic system tune-ups --.
>
> Why I donÿt use registry cleaners!
> http://www.edbott.com/weblog/archives/000643.html
>
> IMO, a safer option is to use CCleaner ignoring the registry
> scanning/fixing option followed by using NTREGOPT (all freely available).
>
> So, why would anybody jeopardize proper functioning of their OS?
>
> -- Automatic hard drive defrag --.
>
> A HDD defragmentation utility is already included in both WinXP and
> Windows
> Vista which can be scheduled to scan at predetermined times.
>
> Schedule a weekly defragmentation
> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u...ps/defrag.mspx
>
> Features of the Windows Vista hard disk defragmentation utility
> Scheduled defragmentation
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/942092
>
> Also, there are a few freeware defrag tools available which, the best to
> my
> knowledge, outperform the in-build version.
> So, why would anybody want to pay for something which comes free in the
> first place?
>
> -- Checks for updates to be sure they are installed --.
>
> Aside from Using the free Windows Update function in both WinXP and
> Windows
> Vista, Secunia Personal Software Inspector, Belarc and M/S Security
> Baseline Analyzer can assist also.
> So, why would anybody want to pay for something which comes free in the
> first place?
>
> -- Schedules automatic backups of important files --.
>
> Backup and Restore Center is an in-build version and comes free with both
> WinXP and Vista operating system.
>
> Windows XP Backup Made Easy
> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u..._03july14.mspx
> Windows Backup and Restore Center
> http://www.microsoft.com/windows/win...es/backup.aspx
>
> So, why would one want to pay for something which comes free in the first
> place?
>
> BTW, some users are impressed with Cobian Backup-Free.
>
> -- New version 2.5 just released - designed to work exceptionally well
> with
> Windows Vista & XP --.
>
> One would hope that this is the case, after all, it's a MSFT product!
> Selective, good-quality freeware applications are working like a charm as
> well in both WinXP and Vista operating systems!
>
> -- All-in-one convenient, easy to install application --.
>
> So are selective, good-quality freeware applications/utilities.
>
> -- On sale at Newegg for only $19.99 --
>
> If I were in the spending mood and were looking for a worthwhile addition
> to my Operating System I'd find another $30.- and purchase Acronis Back-Up
> package.
>
> Well, considering the above, I haven't got the foggiest idea what the hype
> about Windows Live OneCare package is all about!
>
> But, it is not unusual that in Multi National Organizations such as MSFT
> the Section Heads of the Commercial Department and the Program Engineers
> (Operating Department), are having conflicting opinions as they work for
> different goals.
> The Program Engineers are the pragmatic type, they develop things, they
> know things. They have to demonstrate high integrity in order to produce
> high quality software.
> The Advertising People know how to sell and push things. They mostly walk
> on a fine line but cross it frequently for the sake of the dollar almighty
> and in the name of the share holders. The nature of their job prevents
> them
> to be moral and ethical.
> The goals of the Commercial Dept. are not necessarily in the best interest
> for the end user.
> Would MSFT recommend the use of registry cleaners if Dr. Mark Russinovich
> and Ed Bott had a say? I don't think so!
> Would MSFT have included these lame additions to their Windows Live
> OneCare
> application if their program engineers had a say? I don't think so!
> As usual, Marketing trumps common sense. Let's hope that users pay more
> attention to the details instead to the sensational promotion.
>
> Please be guided accordingly!

Kayman,

BRILLIANT response and a keeper for me.

--
All the best,
SG

Is your computer system ready for Vista?
https://winqual.microsoft.com/hcl/
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http://news.google.com/nwshp?tab=wn&ned=us&topic=t
Just type in Microsoft

Hi James ,

You may find this useful as well

PC World - Business Center: 25 Best Business Software Tools and Web Services


Hope it helps

SIW2