Happy Holidays and Protection Thoughts

[Znod]

Hi Gang:

All is great with me, but I did get a tad burned out on Visa ramblings. I'm not back yet (maybe when SP1 comes out), but still think of VB. I have a few developments to share.

Not too long ago I finally received the right computer from Gateway--FX530XT Overclocked--Raid 0--two 10k Raptors. I had some problems right away trying to use a third Raptor 10k. The upshot is that I installed Ultimate 64-bit as a Raid 0. The result was, of course, an even more peppy machine (I typically get 1,680-1,730 or so on the Passmark Performance Test for 64-bit). Overall the machine is great (still have a 10 in reliability).

I am getting a new HP laptop (more info later). And, I started thinking about security again. On my current laptop, I use ZoneAlarm (free--works great) and SpyDoctor (with AV). Anyway, I stared thinking about the safest way to surf, etc. (although I almost never get infected). So, here's what I did on my desktop. Eventually, I disabled all security on the (real) machine, except that I sit behind an apparently impenetrable router firewall and I use UAC (which, at this point, almost never bothers me).

Here's how I am dealing with security. I installed MS Virtual PC 2007 and then Ultimate 32-bit (because I may want to test some programs not good with 64-bit). All I have installed on the 32-bit VM is Firefox, Acrobat Reader, Avast! (home-free), my old version of Ad-Aware (with real-time scanning), and one of our printers. I leave all the protection available from these programs on and all Vista protection, including UAC off. So, everything that gets to my real machine, from online, has to go through all the protection available from my VM first. It all works like a charm. One side effect is that that my first Passmark score after turning everything off became my best--1,734--with many processes running and with "Best Appearance" selected.

I'd love to hear any thoughts on what I am doing security wise and whether you might end up trying the same thing. It's all very easy to do. I'll be checking back.

Happy All Holidays to All,

Znod

[CrowdAds]

[Snuffy]

This I am interested in.. Please keep this thread updated...
1. UAC on in quite mode.
2. FW is thru the Router. Linksys WRT54G. (My ISP said that was all I needed).
3. Avast Free Home
4. Vista Bit Defender on

[ProCookie]

oh my god Znod! How have you been my friend. been along time since i seen you online.

Oh and protection, Windows live onecare. Thats all i need

Update: My username used to be AnthonyCook incase your wonder who i am

[Znod]

Hi Snuffy:

I see below that you are infected. My router is the WRT54G (speedboster version). And, I agree; it is all that is needed for incoming. I don't use Bit Defender so I have no info. I'll be udating this thread.

[Znod]

Hi Ant (LOL):

Yes, its been very long. Good to hear from you. ProCookie, hummm? OK, now you are PC .

[felix8406]

Glad to hear from you Z and happy holidays to you too. Happy Thanksgiving to all from San Antonio, Texas.

[ProCookie]

Yeah Happy Thanks giving everyone! Even though we don't celebrate it for obvious reasons I will wish everyone who does celebrate it a great day.

[felix8406]

It's a great time to take a break and spend time with family. I'm not a religious person, but enjoy the time together with the whole family. Plus in another two hours I will get to enjoy an American football game from my Dallas Cowboys.

[ProCookie]

Go Cowboys! They sound cool Didn't 2 of your American Football teams play at Wemberly, London a few weeks ago?

its funny because England played a English football game last night (and didnt qualify ) and i could still see the markings on the pitch

[felix8406]

I don't know what teams played in London. By the way the England Patriots are playing fantastic football. They are going to walk with the trophy this season for sure, but hopefully they'll be playing the Cowboys. Though as much as I love the Cowboys, I doubt they can beat England.

[Snuffy]

I like several teams ... but I always root for any body who plays against

1. The Patriots
2. The Packers

Gads I'm from Kansas so mostly the Chiefs and Broncos are my teams..

[Znod]

Thanks Felix. You too, and I am glad you still are here.

[Znod]

I am watching AZ state against USC; game just started. AZ state started poorly as usual. We'll see. They don't look like they want win yet. I am a cowboy fan too, but I sort of lost some interest in the Barry Switzer (sp?) era. I was born in San Antone, and grew up in Houston and Austin.

Edit: After USC scored easily on the first drive after a long kick off return, AZ state just ran the kickoff back. Maybe both or neither want to win.

[ProCookie]

Football over there seems like a great test of strength am i right? well i would hate to get tackled by one of those burtes thats for sure

We have a TV channel that shows these games late at night so i may watch a few to see what its all about. Im guessing its like rugby but with a bit more action.

Knowing me i will pick a rubbish team to follow 2 and they all have cool names so i guess the one that stands out might get my vote

[Znod]

Our football is more like rugby than anything else I know. Yes, more action in football, and, in football, the hits are so brutal that the players must be heavily padded. Still severe, possibly lifetime debilitating, injuries are very common. I alway thought that rugby would be very rough given no pads.