Please advise on this setup

[Tu123]

I’ve just come across Wilders and think it’s great. After spending some time researching, this is the setup I have decided on:

PC 1 (Windows XP) – My PC

Real-Time
Antivirus: Nod32 3.0
Firewall: Netgear Router and Comodo 3.0 (Defence+ Disabled)
Antispyware: Superantispyware Pro

On-Demand
HIPS: ProSecurity (Free)

Privacy: R-Wipe and Clean
Browser: IE7
Encryption: TrueCrypt
System Eraser: Secure Erase Command (built into BIOS)
Backup: Acronis True Image 11, FD-ISR (replaces system restore)
Hardening: SpywareBlaster, PeerGuardian 2, SafeXP, IE7 Pro, MVPS Hosts File

Currently Unused Applications
Counterspy 2.5
KAV 7
Outpost Firewal Pro
SandboxIE
Firefox (with various plugins)

PC 2 (Windows Vista) – Family PC

Security: KIS 7,
Hadening: SpywareBlaster, MVPS Hosts File, UAC turned off, IE7 Pro
Browser: IE7
Privacy: Windows Washer
Backup: Acronis True Image 11

Both pc’s run very light and start up very quickly. Both are also fully updated with various registry tweaks and hardening tweaks applied.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can improve either setup? I was thinking of adding my unused KAV 7 to PC 1 setup to use as an on-demand scanner as an additional layer.

[TVH]

Seems great to me. Only thing i would suggest is to use firefox instead of IE.

[subset]

-{ Quote: "
Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can improve either setup? I was thinking of adding my unused KAV 7 to PC 1 setup to use as an on-demand scanner as an additional layer." }-
I was running NOD32 2.7 Real-Time and KAV6 (only Virus Scan modul installed) On-Demand a while ago without any issues.

They were/are both very good AVs, but after some tests I switched back to KAV Real-Time because in my opinion it offers better self protection.
There is a test at anti-malware-test.com about self protection:
http://www.anti-malware-test.com/?q=taxonomy/term/16

Cheers

[the Tester]

-{ Quote: "Seems great to me. Only thing i would suggest is to use firefox instead of IE." }-

I agree.Firefox or Opera depending on which you like better.:thumb:

[Tu123]

Thanks. Guess my system is pretty much secure. I dont really like Firefox so ill probably stick to IE7. Ive also added KAV to run on-demand as an additional layer.

Im now undecided about a couple of things:

Comodo 3 (without Defence +) is causing problems and Outpost Pro is now running great (antispyware module disabled). Are both just as effective and provide similar protection or is one slightly better than the other?

In addition, im trying to find a good antirootkit software as rootkit's are the only thing that i dont think my current setup can deal with effectively. Ive heard good things about programs like RKU and IceSword. Anyone got any suggestions?

Many Thanks.

[Londonbeat]

-{ Quote: "
In addition, im trying to find a good antirootkit software as rootkit's are the only thing that i dont think my current setup can deal with effectively. Ive heard good things about programs like RKU and IceSword. Anyone got any suggestions?" }-

RKU (discontinued) and Icesword are both good, as is gmer, but they can be hard to use and understand unless you're knowledgeable about what you're doing.
AVG anti-rootkit and F-secure's blacklight are both easier to use (the latter can be downloaded to desktop and does not need to be installed). Unlike AV's, you can install as many Anti-rootkits as you like (providing you never scan with more than one at a time), having more than one is probably the best approach as no ARK can detect all rootkits ITW.

[TVH]

Im having problems with both comodo 3 and outpost 2008. Both have bugs but both are great products. Id advise to use an alternative like xp firewall for now until all of the bugs are ironed out.

[JASTECH]

I would go the Firefox and Opera, as I use opera for my email. I am using a router too. For Banners/Pop-ups I would say use Ad Muncher "http://www.admuncher.com/". It is very good. I am beta testing KIS 8 and it will be something for you to consider too with it's Parental Control and something extra to keep porno out of your systems. *puppy* . You can download the plug-ins you need for Firefox to keep all the trash out here https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/recommended. Thanks, JASTECH

[Tu123]

@JASTECH

I already use IE7 Pro which blocks popups etc so theres no need for ad muncher. Thanks for your advice though.

@Londonbeat

Thanks for those recommendations. Ive found SAS Pro and KAV 7 is meant to have pretty good detection for rootkits and programs like RKU and gmer are too difficult for me to understand. Ill just stick with those.

Now all i need is someone to help me decide on a firewall. Having problems with both Comodo 3 and Outpost 2008 and dont like Online Armour. Im tempted to go back to Outpost Pro 4. Any recommendations? Im already behind a router and have heard look n stop is quite popular.

[Tu123]

@JASTECH

Im currently using KIS 7 on my vista machine. How is KIS 8?

[TVH]

Id advise you to go back to Outpost Pro 4. It is very stable and effective and in my opinion, the best choice to use until the new versions of comodo, outpost etc are fixed.

[Tu123]

Thanks for the advice everyone. Seems my setup is pretty much secure (apart from a few minor tweaks needed ie. a firewall). LOL.