Point made. As far as UAC goes, I don't think it's an alternative to running a proper firewall, and there isn't a need to run both. It is a step in the right direction though, XP's firewall is a joke and I'm not sure what Vista's built in one is like. Do you guys like Vista over XP, because of those underlying features that Chris pointed out?

Actually XP's firewall is pretty good in terms of security. Basicly it blocks pretty much everything much like a white list.

Vista's advanced firewall is pretty great too. It allows for the creation of access lists to block certain IP ranges or hosts and generally configures itself (prompting you to grant/deny acces to certain application when they first connect to the internet) pretty well too.

The main features I like in Vista are the per application sound adjustment and the fast search in the start bar.

Also with Vista if I'm browsing a large folder (e.g music collection), then go into a sub-folder (e.g an artist), then hit back, it remembers where I was. Real handy when browsing through other peoples music and you want to see if they have an album without having to scroll back to where you were every time. Make sense? Good.

Lol XP's firewall. With incoming traffic it does it's job. But with outgoing traffic, it lets anything out with no questions asked. How is that an effective firewall? And I've read that Vistas firewall is much the same. It can do outbound, but by default everything is allowed out. Forgive me if things are different since the reviews and blogs I've read.
XP remembers where you were too

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-3513_7-5324906-1.html

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-3513_7-6690672-1.html

Quote:As far as UAC goes, I don't think it's an alternative to running a proper firewall, and there isn't a need to run both

Wait, UAC is completely different to a firewall...

A firewall is blocking network traffic based on your criteria for either inbound or outbound connections.

UAC is notifying and requiring administrative access for any system change, registry change, windows directory access etc.


A firewall isn't going to stop a malicious program you downloaded over http from being installed, (and then downloading more malicious software over http)

and UAC isn't going to stop someone connecting to your PC remotely and uploading malicious software to your machine.

Omg i was so happy i finally got a TB of space and then i realized everyone still has more +_=.

Yes because once that malicious software is installed Windows lets it right out into the world no questions asked

How to get Windows 7 legally at a discount or free:

1. Between June 26, 2009 and January 31, 2010, any new computer purchased with Windows Vista will qualify for a free upgrade to Windows 7. So if you've been planning on purchasing a new PC in the near future, you should hold off just a little while longer.

2. Check and see if your school is with the MSDNAA or Microsoft Developers Network Academic Alliance. If they are, check with their specific MSDNAA site when the final version of Windows 7 comes out to see if they distribute it.

3. Check with Microsoft DreamSpark. This is a special site from Microsoft that gives out free software to people who have a valid e-mail address from any of the qualifying schools listed. It's possible they could put Windows 7 up there once it's released.

4. If you're in the US, Canada or Europe, and are in school, there's a site called Journey Ed that gives out software and other kinds of products at a discount. You just need to show them some kind of proof.

For Links to the sites mentioned here is the Neowin article
http://www.neowin.net/news/main/09/04/14...nt-or-free

I wonder what version of 7 you get from that free upgrade. Hopefully you get the same version as your Vista license but I suppose we shall see.
Grumble grumble Microsoft grumble

P4 Wrote:How to get Windows 7 legally at a discount or free:

1. Between June 26, 2009 and January 31, 2010, any new computer purchased with Windows Vista will qualify for a free upgrade to Windows 7. So if you've been planning on purchasing a new PC in the near future, you should hold off just a little while longer.

2. Check and see if your school is with the MSDNAA or Microsoft Developers Network Academic Alliance. If they are, check with their specific MSDNAA site when the final version of Windows 7 comes out to see if they distribute it.

3. Check with Microsoft DreamSpark. This is a special site from Microsoft that gives out free software to people who have a valid e-mail address from any of the qualifying schools listed. It's possible they could put Windows 7 up there once it's released.

4. If you're in the US, Canada or Europe, and are in school, there's a site called Journey Ed that gives out software and other kinds of products at a discount. You just need to show them some kind of proof.

For Links to the sites mentioned here is the Neowin article
http://www.neowin.net/news/main/09/04/14...nt-or-free

I suppose the MSDNAA version will be Windows 7 Professional