So, I finaly got my new laptop with Vista Home Premium installed.
I like having all controll over my security, so I installed Avast, Adaware, Spybot S&D, disabled Security Center and Windows Defender (since it's just a piece of crap that slows down your computer). The lasts piece of software that is missing is a firewall. The main reason why I have a firewall is because I want to controll wich applications can connect to the internet.
I tried installing Sygate PF, but that one is incompatible, Comodo PFP, Zonealarm are too and I don't like Kerio (if it's compatibel). So that means I'll have to use the Windows Firewall.
Now, my question is, why doesn't it ask when a program wants to connect to the internet ? I've been trying several settings in the default firewall and the advanced firewall environement, but it just doesn't ask for permissions, is this normal because I remember the XP firewall did ?
I now I can create a rule to block every outgoing application, and then unblock the apps that I want, but that's a bit too far fetched (and I still want to be aknowledged when it blocks or doesn't block an app).

Does anyony know how I can get it to ask for permissions ?

P.s. I did tweak Vista a bit by disableing some more or less useless services. I don't think this is going to be the reason, but who knows

First of all, congratulations, wutske for your new Laptop with Windows® Vista Home Premium!

As far as my knowledge (and memory) goes, the Windows Firewall did nothing (apparently) for Windows XP. Its settings, most of the times just refused to be revealed ("Windows cannot show Windows Firewall Settings due to an unidentified problem") and the rest when it is, there's less options in that than the earliest version of Pacman had!

I see you are concerned about the security of your Laptop (by the apps you've got on) - so its highly recommended that you have a high-end firewall to your high-end OS! Can't take any risks with Microsoft, you know! Maybe you can run ZoneAlarm in 'Compatibility Mode' for Windows XP - I haven't used Vista yet, so I'm not sure if they still have the feature! And of course, you can always tweak the Setup to force an install on Vista!

My suggestion is that you don't rely on the Windows Firewall! If you're packed up for Spyware n Virii, then better make sure you got a strong wall before your newest goodie! You'll surely find some firewall that works out on Vista - after all Windows® is know for its compatibility (and that's why most of its users are still hooked on! )

P.S.:You might consider updating your signature, wutske, with your latest OS!

Thanks, and tje signature update is on the way .
I realy like having a secure environement, so I'm still looking into a good and free (that's another thing like, a free environement ) Vista compatible firewall. I've been thinking about using ZoneAlarm, but I've never been a great fan of their firewall. For now I'll stay with Windows Firewall, I've blocked apps that I don't want to go outside and everything that want's to get in gets blocked too . Luckily I don't have to worry too much about attacks from the outside, I'm behind a router so hackers will have a hard time accessing my laptop (as longs as there is no crapware installed on my pc, but that's why I have Opera + a good anti-virus packet).
I'm currently looking at Comodo Firewall, a somewhat unknow firewall (wich can be a good thing), but it doesn't work on Vista (yet), first Vista beta will apear April 16th.