VISTA & Internet Security - Need Add-Ons?

[giradman]

Still in the market for a new laptop & pretty much committed to go w/ Vista, as mentioned in another thread.

Currently perusing & reading David Pogue's book (shown below) on Vista, and am on the Security Center chapter; the main sections of the center include: 1) Firewall; 2) Automatic updating; 3) Malware protection; and 4) Other Security settings. In the Malware selection, the two options are virus protection (not a part of Vista) & spyware protection.

Thus, a simple answer to my question would be to add a 'virus program', such as AVG, and the go w/ 'what' Vista offers? But, the firewall is apparently 'disabled' for outbound traffic (Pogue does mention a way to change that but not really intuitive for the average user IMO); also, how good is the spyware/malware program?

I have Norton IS & Spyware Sweeper on my current laptop - recently updated - could transfer them, I guess, but 'how much' more is really needed - TIA for comments & suggestions!

[Miz]

I use the free version of Vista Firewall Control because I'm far too lazy to figure out all the intracacies of configuring Vista's firewall. Firewall Control uses Vista's built-in firewall and, like Zone Alarm, asks if something wanting to get out or in should be allowed.

[giradman]

Originally Posted by Miz

I use the free version of Vista Firewall Control because I'm far too lazy to figure out all the intracacies of configuring Vista's firewall. ......

Miz - thanks for the recommendation - think I've seen that option mentioned, and seems like an 'easy' way to handle the question of 'outbound' traffic -