Vista freshly installed requesting advice before connecting to the internet

[portland21]

Hi.

I just installed Vista and and don't want to connect to the internet until i know it can't damage my computer. I just want to play a few multiplayer games and do some heavy web browsing.

I have read alot about security software, firewalls are very complicated to me though and I do not know how to properly configure them, I used to use outpost and I liked it alot, i have also used comodo and have yet to use online armor though i see alot of people swear by it.

I like the whitelist approach to the internet, I just want to close all the ports that I don't use, and block everything, only allowing what I absolutely need to be used.

I have considered that maybe the vista firewall is enough for my needs, but again I need some help configuring.

So if anyone could help me out I would really appreciate it, this is a great forum and I have read many of these threads, especially the what is your setup these days keeps me informed.

Thanks for reading and any input.

[JRViejo]

portland21, first, welcome to Wilders!

Perhaps a review of Windows Firewall with Advanced Security (Guide for Vista) (http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=239750), an excellent tutorial by Stem, will point you in the right direction.

[Sully]

Welcome portland21 !

Here you will find more than you need LOL.

If you are still learning the ways of 'security', I will suggest you start your fresh install with an image of some kind. I personally use Macrium Reflect PE. This way, your nice new fresh install can be put back in place later if you develop issues.

Next, for simplicity, consider using Sandboxie. There are many threads here and at thier forum devoted to configuring it. I say this because with minimal effort, your browsing can be contained. And it sounds like browsing is going to be your achilles heel.

Actually, from your description, it sounds like you will have to worry about:
email
browsing
programs you install wanting to 'phone home'

Emails are easy -- tell your email client to view everything in plain text instead of rich text. Tell your client to only download headers, not messages. Always distrust email, from everyone you know as well as those you don't. Use Sandboxie on your email client.

Browsers are easy -- start them in a sandbox. Turn off what you don't need. Take control of them by only enabling scripting on sites you trust. It is more work, but much more secure.

Programs phoning home -- not so easy. If you know what you are installing it is one thing. Trying new software out is another. But ask yourself this question -- do you really care if a program you trust is phoning home? Do you really need to monitor a trusted program? Do you really trust it if you have to monitor it?

Enjoy your stroll down 'security lane' here at Wilders. You will undoubtedly get many different opinions and advice and viewpoints, from everyone. And that is the great thing about Wilders -- almost everyone here loves to share information and help, and hardly anyone cops an "attitude". So you are free to watch and learn and do what feels right to you. Gotta love it!

Sul.