Windows Vista promises to have enhanced security against internet related threats. One of the most talked about addition is UAC (User Access Control), which attempts to automatically sense potentially dangerous situations and temporarily suspends running programs and processes. UAC works by detecting and halting any malware that may be trying to install itself on the machine or run itself with administrative privileges. UAC will prompt/warn you when something attempts to install itself. Unfortunately this is not an end-all solution. Some viruses or malware have the ability to automatically click 'OK' or 'Yes' on these warnings allowing the virus to proceed with it's self installation. Also, it may be difficult to determine whether or not the warning is coming from a legitimate source. And, finally, some people have been 'conditioned' to click 'Yes' or 'OK' to simply get rid of the annoying, invasive, warning window and get back to what they are doing. Some other built-in security features include Windows Defender and Windows Firewall. However, depend upon these features without third-party antivirus software at your own risk. Although these built-in features help to some degree, they are not foolproof, and in addition to the the reasons above, there are many reasons to use separate third-party antivirus software. Here are a few reasons why:
1. Email attachments - there are millions of virus infected emails currently in circulation and to the uneducated user, these emails appear completely legitimate and persuasive in getting you to open the attachment. A well written virus by a competent programmer will exploit the weaknesses an any operating system. If you are one of the unfortunate victims, prepare for some serious headaches.
2. P2P downloads - Peer to peer, and other file sharing programs, are some of the most common ways for computer viruses to spread. Viruses hidden in seemingly legitimate installation packages will make there way into your computer faster than you can say - "Woops".
3. Browser related exploits - Vista's new version of Internet Exploerer (IE 7) claims to have enhanced security features such as pre-enabled Active-X protection, and a Protected Mode. However, many users will undoubtedly disable these features in order to be able to run flash programs, or other embedded applications which require Active-X. And as for executing unknown ActiveX components - it's been permitted before, and it will continue to be permitted.
Although Windows Vista is the most secure Windows operating system to date, there are still many ways for viruses to make their way through Vista's defenses. We strongly recommend, especially if you use the internet frequently, that you install a reliable antivirus program. Antivirus software is designed specifically to solve all of the problems I've discussed and more. A good antivirus software will also regularly self update, protecting against the latest virus and malware threats. Let Vista focus on being an operating system and let your antivirus software focus on blocking and removing viruses. Surely you've heard the maxim 'You're better safe than sorry'. Well, it certainly applies here as well.
If you are interested in learning more about antivirusl software such as features and prices, be sure to check out our antivirus software comparison chart and antivirus software reviews.
Stephen is a publisher, editor, and reviewer for TopChoiceReviews.com. TopChoiceReviews.com provides comparisons, reviews, articles, and information about a variety of products in a variety of categories.
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