Compatible downloads with Windows Vista

Hi

Out of your list only one is not Vista compatible and that is Sygate Personal Firewall, an alternatives are the Built in Vista Firewall, its ok, or Comodo Personal Firewall ( Free )


but do make sure you have latest versions of all of the above, all are listed here http://www.majorgeeks.com/ ( search box on left side will help you )

 

I've also heard the SpywareBlaster is not good to put on Vista. Something to do with the extensive database (over 9000 items now) and adding too much to the registry. If I can find the information, I will post the link.

Source: http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm

When asked why this was not recommended for Vista by another MSMVP also in Security, this was his response:

So while good for other OSes, it doesn't seem especially necessary for Vista I guess.

 

Sygate Personal, which is the free one from 2004 is not, but as they are now part of the Symantec group, Sygate and its updates do not exist.


AS for Spywareblaster, I see that point on not needing the layered ActiveX security in Vista, but what happens when many who listen to the pitfalls of UAC, turn it off, and also use an alternative browser as in FF, while it doesnt suffer from ActiveX scripts, it does from other malware injections, BUT also a big problem is how many novice users know when prompted to an install via IE, to click yes or no, many click yes as they have no idea wether its good or bad program.

I do agree with Mike in that Spywareblaster will have 100s+ entries that are invalid and old/non-used and this should be addressed to reduce the amount of entries, but also how often are the HOSTS files checked for similar invalid urls.

But also from the MVPs.org site they offer HOSTS files, this also does similar job to Spywareblaster, but using HOSTS also can be bad for your system, as they also run into many 1000s of entries, and a too large HOSTS file, can slow your browsing down.

Theirs is now at 635KB, I guess swings and roundabouts and don't use both routes, pick one that you think works for you.


In the end your security is in your hands in safe surfing practices, applications can help, but if your surf/download unsafely then no amount of security will help you.

 

Not tried this one as for compatability with Vista as I never thought it was necassary to have while I already have the built in Win Defender and UAC to monitor suspicious .exes etc.

Personally I would opt that you dont really need it, as one thing that will bog down Vista is too many applications starting up and doing the same job.