So, I'd like to get FFXI working with my new dual-installation of Vista x64, but any time the Secure Desktop activates, FFXI dies. Easy to fix by disabling the Secure Desktop, apparently, but I'm fairly paranoid about security.

My question is this: How much less secure is Vista with Secure Desktop disabled?

I've been using XP for many years now without any sort of Secure Desktop option, although ZoneAlarm has given me what I feel to be a pretty tight grip on the goings-on in my computer. Is Vista without Secure Desktop any less secure than XP has been all of these years?

Also, does anyone know of a good x64 firewall program out there with a similar level of control to ZoneAlarm? I feel naked without it.

I'll likely post more questions as I think of them.