I'd posted a question over in the Spyware forum here.

Anyhow, short version. I've just purchased a laptop for my son (HP DV6626US) which has Vista Home Premium (32 bit) installed.

My plan is take off all the trialware BS and get the machine configured as an Xmas gift.

I'd planned to install either Antivir, AVG or Avast for AV and either SpywareBlaster or SuperAntiSpyware.

It currently has a trial version of Norton Internet Security installed and working.

My post in the spyware thread was a pre-purchase question. Now that I have the machine I'm a little wary of my first thoughts.

I notice straight away that Windows Defender is installed. I've had this on my XP Pro machines for a couple of years and NEVER heard a peep out of it.

So, is Windows Defender an effective protection against spyware? What would be the best supplement to Defender?

Regarding the AV side, I've tried Antivir on XP and it seems fine but does not integrate with email. I've been using AVG Free for a while and the downsides (for me) are the hardwired update times and the occasional false positives for trojans. I've not yet looked at Avast.

As a long time "advanced" user of PC's, I have to say that I've found Vista to be the least intuitive GUI based OS I've ever used! With all the HP bloatware (Health Advisor) etc I don't know whether I'm coming or going.

Anyhow, anyone have any thoughts on my spyware question?

SuperAntiSpyware would work fine with Defender (adding to spyware cover) but more importantly harden your browser of choice by not allowing scripting (java, javascript or activex) for any other site but Trusted Sites.

Cudni