Christopher Ross said:
Does anyone have any internet security recommendations for Vista machines?
I'm mainly looking for firewall and virus protection. I was thinking about
getting Bit Defender.
If I were you, I would consider putting together a security "package" for
yourself. Suites are really not the best solution. While one or two of their
components might be good, other bundled programs are often sub standard, and
may not even be needed. Also, these bundled suites tend to be bloated
resource hogs.
What you need is an anti virus, two or more anti spywares and a firewall.
Windows Defender is an anti spyware, get another scanner in addition.
Vista's firewall will serve most home and small business user's needs just
fine.
Keep your system patched at all times with Automatic updates, use Standard
User accounts for daily use, and enable the built in Parental Controls
should you need it. Most modern DSL and WiFi modems come with a hardware
firewall, enable yours - it is an excellent first line of defense.
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/default.mspx
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/about/overview.mspx
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/security.mspx
http://www.firewallguide.com/
http://www.av-comparatives.org/
Also, do many internet security programs work on multiple machines with
one license?
Obviously, the free ones does. As for the commercial ones, a few do and most
don't. ISP's often offer security software included in the subscription, and
they can have multi computer licenses. Take a look at your ISP's support
pages.
Charlie42
