Windows 7 features, or freeware? | Gen-Tech

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Windows 7 features, or freeware?

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February 18, 2010
3:30 PM

Wheezer

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When I first found dotTech, Ashraf was kind enough to point out that in XP the windows firewall blocked only incoming bad stuff, but wouldn't block outgoing stuff. I found that to be very good information and installed Outpost Firewall Free.

Now with my new computer and Windows 7, 64-bit, I've found out that Outpost free is for 32-bit systems only.

So I took a look at the Windows firewall and see that it now blocks outgoing stuff too. My question is: is the Windows firewall in Windows 7 good enough to provide the protection I need or should I continue looking for a free version of something else to have adequate protection?

My question has grown to include other things included with Windows 7 too. Such as the automatic file backup and drive imaging features. Do these features adequately replace programs like Macrium, Paragon backup, Easus?

What-cha-tink?

wheezertech.forumotion.com

February 18, 2010
4:27 PM

Locutus

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I'm running Windows 7 and the only extra security app I run is MSE.

Oh, the site that was :(

February 18, 2010
4:43 PM

sean

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I've got the same problem as you with commodo, but I don't know what to do about a firewall yet. wait for a freebie probibly XD

but I have every program in the list of 9 best programs except for the firewall. It's amazing what some programs try to do when you install them, I never worried about it before. now if it even makes a pass at my registy, it's blocked 'till I figure out what it's changing.

February 18, 2010
4:59 PM

karen

Washington, DC Metro Area

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I only run the Windows 7 firewall and Avira with occasional on-demand MalwareBytes scans.

The Windows 7 firewall definitely does block in and out going. Click Start button and type firewall into the search box and you will see an entry for "Firewall with Advanced Features" or something like that. Opening it will show you all the firewall rules that you have (some programs will add firewall rules for you when you install them-uTorrent for instance although it is polite enough to ask if you want the installer to do that).

I haven't tried the built-in file or image backup because I have a copy of Acronis (which incidentally will let you convert an Acronis image to a Windows backup image). I also run Memeo because it came with my NAS drive for real-time file level backups.

February 18, 2010
5:03 PM

Wheezer

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Locutus said:I'm running Windows 7 and the only extra security app I run is MSE.

I put MSE on right away too. Altho I don't really like how much CPU the program uses, according to AnVir Task Manager anyway.

wheezertech.forumotion.com

February 18, 2010
5:44 PM

Locutus

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@Wheezer: 0% for me, antimalware service and GUI combined.

Oh, the site that was :(

February 18, 2010
5:49 PM

Ozzie

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There is a prog called "Windows 7 Firewall Control" from Sphinx software that you might want to take a look at as well. It was basically designed to fill in the gaps left by the in-built Windows firewall, and there is a 64-bit version available. It's not the be-all-and-end-all, but it is very light on resources. I always use it for an added layer of protection. Also, you can adjust the settings so it doesn't give you the balloon info on what it is monitoring (which will come up when, and if, you install it). You can get it from http://www.sphinx-soft.com/Vis…..order.html

Hi-diddly-ho, Ozzie must go … See you round, dotTechies!

February 18, 2010
5:58 PM

Refpeuk

Young Fart

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Is MSE really that great? I've never liked much Microsoft software. I like Windows and Microsoft Word, but that's it.

Any comments? Questions? Outbursts?

February 18, 2010
6:02 PM

Ozzie

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Refpeuk said:

Is MSE really that great? I've never liked much Microsoft software. I like Windows and Microsoft Word, but that's it.

*Rubbing eyes* Must have been working until too late last night – I'm seeing double!

Hi-diddly-ho, Ozzie must go … See you round, dotTechies!

February 18, 2010
6:04 PM

Ashraf

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Ozzie said:

Refpeuk said:

Is MSE really that great? I've never liked much Microsoft software. I like Windows and Microsoft Word, but that's it.

*Rubbing eyes* Must have been working until too late last night – I'm seeing double!

Fixed.

February 18, 2010
6:04 PM

Refpeuk

Young Fart

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I don't know why that happened.

Must be a problem with Opera Beta. it's never happened before though.

Any comments? Questions? Outbursts?

February 18, 2010
6:29 PM

Wheezer

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Refpeuk said:

Is MSE really that great? I've never liked much Microsoft software. I like Windows and Microsoft Word, but that's it.

I'm not sure if it's that great. But I've read about all, and tried some of the antivirus programs I've seen on discussed dotTech. MSE just seems to be the most painless program.

Locutus: 0%? I show big jumps from 2 or 3% up to 50+% for short amounts of time. Altho that was on my old XP computer. I'll have to start monitoring it on Windows 7 more.

I'm also not too thrilled that we're required to participate in the Microsoft Spynet program, even if it is at the basic level. I don't like giving them any information unless I want to.

Ozzie: Thanks for that link, I'll check it out.

Well, I gotta run. A friend just showed up to shoot guns for a while. Let the fun begin! Smile Cool Smile