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    Is my Computer Secure? (Vista Home Premium)

    Discussion in 'Security and Anti-Virus Software' started by kentl901, Mar 12, 2008.

  1. kentl901

    kentl901 Notebook Consultant

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    Hey all,

    After using my laptop for a few month, I'm still trying to figure out if my computer is actually secure or are the security softwares that I have not detecting stuff?

    For instance, when I ran XP on my old computer, I would run Adaware and Spybot every now and then. Each time I run those program they would find "junk" in my computer.

    However, on my Vista machine, I have yet to encounter any "junk" after running those scans. The only security software I have is Symantec AntiVirus 10.2, Windows Firefall, Adaware, and Spybot. I'm running the latest version for those free software.

    Anyway, any ideas?
     
    kentl901, Mar 12, 2008
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  2. R4000

    R4000 Notebook Virtuoso

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    What type of "junk" was it finding? AdAware and Spybot also pick up cookies, which they would find after nearly every internet session. Perhaps Windows Defender is blocking some cookies from being written to the temp files in Vista?
     
    R4000, Mar 12, 2008
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  3. kentl901

    kentl901 Notebook Consultant

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    I do a full system scan using those software.

    Regarding Windows defender, it has been disabled. I'm going to turn it on and run a scan. Lets see what turns up.

    Thanks!
     
    kentl901, Mar 12, 2008
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  4. bmwrob

    bmwrob Notebook Virtuoso

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    Could be that your machine is just plain clean. I rarely find anything on my Windows machine either.

    I think that the apps you're using are ok. Everyone has a different opinion on what's best, but as long as you're running something, and are careful about surfing in general, I think you're probably ok.

    FWIW: if I were you (discounting my own malware protection preferences LOL), I think you might want to consider adding ThreatFire, or Spyware Blaster to your arsenal - even though what you already use is apparently working well.
     
    bmwrob, Mar 12, 2008
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  5. Bunnywinkles

    Bunnywinkles Notebook Geek

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    to answer your question, your computer will never really be "secure". there is always a way in. All you can do id do your best to keep yourself protected. anti virus helps with most maleware. I also have couple of firewalls (modem, router, hardware firewall) and im willing to bet someone could still get into my network and onto my computers. If you want to be completely secure, shut off your wireless card, unplug your ethernet, have a real good password, and never let your laptop out of your site xD
     
    Bunnywinkles, Mar 12, 2008
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