Hello,
As a system builder, I strive to build with the best hardware and software available at the time. The next evolution is here, and it is UEFI GPT Boot partitions for Windows 7 64-bit platforms. GPT is faster, and more secure than a Master Boot Record Partition (MBR). The GPT disk partition format is well defined and fully self-identifying. Data critical to platform operation is located in partitions and not in hidden sectors. GPT disks use primary and backup partition tables for redundancy, and CRC32 fields for improved partition data integrity and break the 2 TB partition limits in Windows. The number of partitions on a GPT disk is not constrained by temporary schemes such as container partitions as defined by the MBR Extended Boot Record (EBR). Combine this new partition style with an SSD, and see boot times reduced to 15 seconds, and shut down times are virtually instant.
However, there are no decent “Antivirus Products” for the platform. Over the years, I had used many products before settling on ESET NOD32, and Outpost Firewall Pro by Agnitum. This tandem proved impenetrable. However, on a UEFI GPT Partition, Agnitum is useless. In fact, I watched in horror as a system containing a Corsair Force GT 240, the fastest SSD on the face of the earth, had its blazing boot, and shut down times crushed by Agnitum software in a UEFI, GPT boot environment.
This discovery left me looking for a security package that will run properly on the partition, which led me to try Comodo Internet Security Pro 2012. Matousec’s 64-bit challenge results list Comodo as the top product on 64-bit platforms. However, real world usage gives me reason to disagree. The advanced Installation of the software went fine until I realized that the installation marks the “COMODO Internet Security Helper Service” to interact with the desktop, which in my opinion is a big mistake. [b]Windows stopped allowing services to interact with the desktop long ago after discovering the negative affect that configuration had on PC Security. While Comodo’s impacts on boot and shutdown times are less than that of Outpost Firewall Pro, and Outpost Security Suite, it still violates the Windows AppInit_DLL mechanics by producing the same Wininit error 11. See Log below…
[b][b]Strangely enough, the products that are horrible meaning, they could not find an infection or intrusion if they had GPS coordinates, such as Norton, or McAfee, do not create this boot issue. Additionally, ESET NOD32 5, and Smart Security 5 do not suffer from this boot issue either. However, parts of the Smart Security 5 such as the Anti-Spam Engine, and the installer, have other issues with GPT. Therefore, the results of my search have me reinstalling ESET NOD32 5. “A little stick is better than no stick when fighting a gang”!
Someone needs to do something about this issue because even though error 11 is a warning, it does affect performance. Besides, who here can say that Microsoft has never classified an error category incorrectly?
For the record, I sent an email to Matousec about their 64-bit challenge results and they responded saying, “The results are valid for Windows 7 64-bit regardless of the hardware used.” Yeah OK if you say so"…[/b][/b]
InSearchOf
Log Name: System
Source: Microsoft-Windows-Wininit
Date: 6/9/2012 5:18:55 PM
Event ID: 11
Task Category: None
Level: Warning
Keywords:
User: SYSTEM
Computer: P8Z68-V-PROGEN3
Description:
Custom dynamic link libraries are being loaded for every application. The system administrator should review the list of libraries to ensure they are related to trusted applications.
Event Xml:
11
0
3
0
0
0x4000000000000000
34376
System
P8Z68-V-PROGEN3
1
<Data Name=“String”> C:\Windows\system32\guard64.dll
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