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    Opinions on my Windows-7 security strategy

    Discussion in 'Security and Anti-Virus Software' started by techman41973, Feb 16, 2010.

  1. techman41973

    techman41973 Notebook Consultant

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    I'm about to order the new HP 8440w business laptop (personal business not corporate business use).
    Here is my strategy for keeping my laptop secure (physical security excluded)
    Please suggest improvements or additional issues or settings I should consider

    HP protect tools with fingerprint reader login authorization & disk encryption
    Automatic Windows updates
    Avast Antivirus (Notebookreview top pick)
    Spamfighter (it's been great with my old machine)
    Windows Defender (for spyware)
    Windows 7 built in firewall
    I've read that this is sufficient for protection at a WIFI hotspot
    Foxit PDF reader (with Java disabled)
    known to be safer than Acrobat
    Sticking just with Firefox browser (avoiding IE and Google Chrome)
    Carbonite online backup for data protection
     
    techman41973, Feb 16, 2010
    #1
  2. Angelic

    Angelic Kickin' back :3

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    Just make sure you use noscript with Firefox. Other than that, looks *very* secure. You're being a lot more careful than me, all I use is MSE.
     
    Angelic, Feb 16, 2010
    #2
  3. Gregory

    Gregory disassemble?

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    Create a full system image with periodic updates as well. Have an external hard drive dedicated to backing up your images and other important data. Then if you ever fear a virus you can just revert to your previous image and be pretty sure you're safe with no hassle whatsoever.

    Sandboxie is a neat program. Do all your web browsing within the sandbox and you'll reduce your chances of getting malware.
     
    Gregory, Feb 16, 2010
    #3
  4. Rodster

    Rodster Merica

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    Good strategy OP. I've switched from Avast and Avira to MSE and haven't looked back. It's awesome and it's free as well.
     
    Rodster, Feb 16, 2010
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  5. Matt is Pro

    Matt is Pro I'm a PC, so?

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    Looks like you've got it down. Sounds complicated though.

    I simply have NIS 2010 installed, make sure all updates are installed (Windows and Norton), and do periodic back-ups of all my data.
     
    Matt is Pro, Feb 17, 2010
    #5
  6. Baserk

    Baserk Notebook user

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    +1. Both are recommended
     
    Baserk, Feb 17, 2010
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  7. yejun

    yejun Notebook Deity

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    I have tried NIS 2010 recently. It missed 2 files out of 4 files I randomly tested. Norton insight even show one file as good. MSE catched all of them. I didn't run them, so I am not sure whether norton sona2 will catch them or not. But so far sona2 only gives me a few false positives. And norton firewall also interfere with one windows upgrade for some reason, reinstall fixed it.
     
    yejun, Feb 17, 2010
    #7