Using PGP effectively with Vista? is it possible?

Hi I have a Vista 64 bit and am using GPG4Win.

I want to know how one would set up the program or what other type of software to use to prevent outsiders from reading my personal messages even if they gain acess to my computer.

I know a strong passphrase is important. Could you suggest ways of avoiding keylogging and most important is it possible to type up a plain text message on my computer without leaving a residual file of the unencrypted message or my private key on my harddrive? Do you belive PGP type encryption to be effective?


Thanks in advance


Hendry