The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    Does Vista have a firewall built in?

    Discussion in 'Security and Anti-Virus Software' started by jooooeee, Jun 16, 2008.

  1. jooooeee

    jooooeee Stealth in disguise

    Reputations:
    737
    Messages:
    1,311
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    I thought it did but I really have no clue and I am trying to get a good security system set up.

    This is what I have so far (all are free editions)

    Ccleaner
    Ad-Aware
    SUPERAntiSpyware
    AVG

    Is that good bad I don't really do much security software stuff so I don't know any suggestions? BTW I am looking for top FREE security even if that means it is resource heavy.

    I should probably mention I have Vista Ultimate 64bit and I use FF3

    Thanks for the help guys!


    Mike
     
  2. KarenA

    KarenA Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    81
    Messages:
    565
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    It has. Windows Firewall is the name. For some people it is enough, but for some others it is not, Comodo Firewall Pro is a free software which does the job well.

    I suggest replacing AVG with Avira AntiVir. Then get rid of Ad-Aware, and get ThreatFire.
     
  3. bmwrob

    bmwrob Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    4,591
    Messages:
    2,128
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    I'm not on a Windows machine, and the only Windows system I have is XP, but think they're similar. Can't you go to the Control Panel, Security Center and then check the status of your firewall? Perhaps not, but I'd have thought the two systems would share this function.
     
  4. Razor2

    Razor2 Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    107
    Messages:
    914
    Likes Received:
    8
    Trophy Points:
    31
    It has one, windows firewall, but it is pretty weak, so you might need some more powerful stuff. As for the security you have, the main question is what do you do with your computer? If you surf sites which are of questionable moral fiber or use a lot of torrents I would advise some bigger guns, if you just surf around, its more than enough.
     
  5. SideSwipe

    SideSwipe Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    756
    Messages:
    2,578
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    I have Vista64 ultimate so i can confirm that it does indeed have Windows Firewall. It isnt as detailed as most firewall applications but it does the job for th average user. It also has Windows Defender which is a sort of anti-spyware type of app
     
  6. jooooeee

    jooooeee Stealth in disguise

    Reputations:
    737
    Messages:
    1,311
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    Okay so I need to change a few things i need Comodo after I download it do I need to disable windows firewall?
     
  7. KarenA

    KarenA Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    81
    Messages:
    565
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Just disable Windows Firewall. You don't need it if you already have CPF.
     
  8. jooooeee

    jooooeee Stealth in disguise

    Reputations:
    737
    Messages:
    1,311
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    Don't exactly know what you mean but I know my roommate has used my computer to surf porn (he dosen't know I can see with FF history) so is that what you mean? I do a lot of surfing just everywhere so I really want some a great security set up.
     
  9. Razor2

    Razor2 Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    107
    Messages:
    914
    Likes Received:
    8
    Trophy Points:
    31
    Yes, thats what I mean.
     
  10. jooooeee

    jooooeee Stealth in disguise

    Reputations:
    737
    Messages:
    1,311
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    Okay so what do I need to keep my baby virus,spyware,malware,and any otherr wares free?

    BTW how do I know Comodo is on and working?
     
  11. bmwrob

    bmwrob Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    4,591
    Messages:
    2,128
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    You'll get continual popups for a couple of days while Comodo is in its "learning" stage. While it adjusts to your preferences - what you do and do not want to allow to connect to the net. As it learns, the popups decrease rapidly. Comodo is an excellent app.
     
  12. jooooeee

    jooooeee Stealth in disguise

    Reputations:
    737
    Messages:
    1,311
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    From the reviews I just read (never heard of it before today) it is the best by far.
     
  13. KarenA

    KarenA Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    81
    Messages:
    565
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Right click on the tray icon. Make sure Firewall Security Level is not set to disabled.
     
  14. booboo12

    booboo12 Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    4,062
    Messages:
    4,272
    Likes Received:
    96
    Trophy Points:
    116
    Change your Windows password, disable the guest account, and lock your system when you step away (Windows Key + L) to keep your roommate from using your lappy when your not there. ;) (If you don't mind him using it then never mind :) )
     
  15. jooooeee

    jooooeee Stealth in disguise

    Reputations:
    737
    Messages:
    1,311
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    How do I disable the guest account?

    Edit: never mind I found the user account controls