Vista x64: Do I need spyware/adware programs?

[matsuya]

Or is NOD32 and Windows Defender good enough for Vista x64?

Also with XP I used CCleaner, do I need to use that with Vista x64?

 

[Sphere]

I'm paranoid.... I use CC and Spybot with my security suite on HP 64

 

[matsuya]

I'm paranoid.... I use CC and Spybot with my security suite on HP 64

Does Spybot catch a lot of stuff? What browser are you using?

 

[Maxx]

The combination of Vista's x64's natural defenses (make sure to configure the firewall for outbound), Windows Defender, and NOD32 should be sufficient in most cases, especially if you utilize UAC.

I tested CCleaner and many registry cleaners on Vista and most caused more harm than good. CCleaner is useful for clearing temporary data, although Windows has Disk Cleanup, but overall I do not see maintenance software as necessary.

 

[Catweazle]

Question has basically been answered here:

http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1213288


If you're the sort of goose who installs and uninstalls every random freebie program you ever come across I's suggest adding a registry cleaner to the arsenal, but if you're sensible and selective about what you have installed on the rig that shouldn't be necessary.

 

[matsuya]

Question has basically been answered here:

http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1213288


If you're the sort of goose who installs and uninstalls every random freebie program you ever come across I's suggest adding a registry cleaner to the arsenal, but if you're sensible and selective about what you have installed on the rig that shouldn't be necessary.

I'm a minimalist and I hardly install anything unless I absolutely need to use it.

 

[matsuya]

The combination of Vista's x64's natural defenses (make sure to configure the firewall for outbound), Windows Defender, and NOD32 should be sufficient in most cases, especially if you utilize UAC.

I tested CCleaner and many registry cleaners on Vista and most caused more harm than good. CCleaner is useful for clearing temporary data, although Windows has Disk Cleanup, but overall I do not see maintenance software as necessary.

What do you mean exactly by "make sure to configure the firewall for outbound"?

 

[Maxx]

What do you mean exactly by "make sure to configure the firewall for outbound"?

Windows key + R (or "run"), then type in secpol.msc (security policy, MS console) and go.

There is a folder to the left that says "Windows Firewall with Advanced Security." If you go inside that, you find you can set rules for inbound/outbound for any type of network connection as well as universally. There is also a freeware program called Vista Firewall Control:

http://www.majorgeeks.com/Vista_Firewall_Control_64-bit_d5577.html

 

[matsuya]

Windows key + R (or "run"), then type in secpol.msc (security policy, MS console) and go.

There is a folder to the left that says "Windows Firewall with Advanced Security." If you go inside that, you find you can set rules for inbound/outbound for any type of network connection as well as universally. There is also a freeware program called Vista Firewall Control:

http://www.majorgeeks.com/Vista_Firewall_Control_64-bit_d5577.html

There are no rules set for outbound, is there anything you recommend? Sorry, I don't know much about Network stuff.

 

[Maxx]

There are no rules set for outbound, is there anything you recommend? Sorry, I don't know much about Network stuff.

I actually made a mistake, you want to run wf.msc (windows firewall, MS console) for direct access to the controls.

 

[matsuya]

I actually made a mistake, you want to run wf.msc (windows firewall, MS console) for direct access to the controls.

Ok, there's a list of outbound rules. Is there anything I need to disable or enable?

 

[Maxx]

http://www.vistaforums.com/Forum/FindPost9740.aspx

 

[matsuya]

http://www.vistaforums.com/Forum/FindPost9740.aspx

Cool, thanks for your help.