I have a new PC with Vista Home Premium. I use cable internet access.

Vista already has Windows Firewall as part of it. Does that mean I don't need to download an outside one like Zone Alarm which I used on my old PC?

I also used to use AdAware, Spybot S&D and Spyware Blaster, all on advice of the good folks here. Vista has something called Windows Defender, which blocks "malware." Does that replace all or any of those programs?

Thanks in advance.

Thw Windows firewall is indeed a software firewall much like ZoneAlarm. You don't need both. I haven't played with Defender yet but I believe it performs the same function as SpyBot and AdAware (Defender is the next generation of Giant's Anti-Spyware product that MS acquired).

I use Defender on my XP and Vista machines. It seems to work very well. I occasionally do a supplemental scan with AdAware but very little is caught.

Windows firewall is just OK and you might want to replace it with something stronger. However, if you have a home network with a NAT router, that and the Windows firewall may be enough.

However, if you have a home network with a NAT router, that and the Windows firewall may be enough.

I knew there was a reason I posted this to the beginner forum! How can I tell if I have that? The cable guy installed the internet service. I think it's some type of networking even though I have only one PC. Thanks again.