Windows Security Updates vs Third-Party Antivirus Programs

LanguidLegend · Apr 8, 2012

Sorry if I sound like an idiot, but I've been wondering for a while (or at least since I heard about Windows ending support for XP) - are both Windows built-in security and third-party antivirus necessary to protect a computer from infection? If so, why?

Windows keeps sending me security patches through Windows Update, but at the same time, my antivirus program (AVG - paid version) is constantly updating its virus definitions as well - what's the difference between the two specifically?

If anyone has any specific insight on this, please weigh in!

windude99 · Apr 8, 2012

LanguidLegend said:
Sorry if I sound like an idiot, but I've been wondering for a while (or at least since I heard about Windows ending support for XP) - are both Windows built-in security and third-party antivirus necessary to protect a computer from infection? If so, why?

Windows keeps sending me security patches through Windows Update, but at the same time, my antivirus program (AVG - paid version) is constantly updating its virus definitions as well - what's the difference between the two specifically?

If anyone has any specific insight on this, please weigh in!

Your virus definitions are what tells your antivirus which files/ programs are viruses and which files/programs are safe. Windows updates patch windows files that people can expoit to infect a system because of a weakness in the file. You need to be updating both regularly. Also, you need both , along with a little common sense, to protect your computer.

CanIHaz · Apr 8, 2012

Windows security updates harden your OS by patching loopholes, while third-party security such as an antivirus protecting your system by scanning files coming in and out your system.

seavixen32 · Apr 8, 2012

Windows Updates sends updates to patch vulnerabilities that show up in the software they write for their own programs as well asimprove their software's functionality, whereas AVG and its ilk are constantly updating their anti-virus definitions.

The bottom line is that keeping your computer up-to-date with the latest updates from Microsoft and anti-virus definitions from Microsoft's own anti-virus software as well as that of third-party anti-virus providers is important.

Many of us are quite happy just to use Microsoft Security Essentials and Malwarebytes, both of which are free and both of which do a reasonable job of protecting your computer.

The thing you don't want to be doing is running two different anti-virus programs at the same time as doing so can cause conflicts and impact on your computer's performance.

windude99 · Apr 8, 2012

Common sense is probably the best protection

Still update Windows and run antivirus, though.

JMH · Apr 8, 2012

I've been wondering for a while (or at least since I heard about Windows ending support for XP) - are both Windows built-in security and third-party antivirus necessary to protect a computer from infection? If so, why?

YES!

People need to understand that to protect themselves from the evils of the internet their basic protection should include updating regularly from both sources you listed.

IMO - I'ts too late after "the stable door is shut & the horse has bolted"

Education / knowledge and application is the best way to avoid the nasties....

Prevention IS preferable to cure.

To reiterate > It is important to update both programs & scan regularly.
And yes the individual handling the mouse is responsible or seeing to this!

M1GU31 · Apr 8, 2012

think of it this way, when windows update patches your system it's like when you fill in the cracks on a concrete wall and the anti virus is like the guard dog that tells you if something trys to get past it so you can lock him up/kill it.But with the wall cracks filled up it can run past your guard dog and jump but not find a crack in the wall to enter unless it finds another crack in the wall but then windows update would mean you fill in the other crack which makes it more difficult for a hacker or virus to enter your system. So basically windows updates are patches that fix the weak spots in your os and the anti virus just prevents infections and/or removes/blocks.

Shamone · Apr 8, 2012

Can MSE & Malewarebytes run together?? I currently using MSE

CanIHaz · Apr 8, 2012

Shamone said:
Can MSE & Malewarebytes run together?? I currently using MSE

Yes it can. As long you're not running any other antivirus/anti malware beside MSE. Malwarebytes is programmed to run along existing Antivirus.

Shamone · Apr 8, 2012

Thx for reply..I've only use MSE past 12mths, no issues, I'll think about it..

JMH · Apr 8, 2012

Shamone said:
Thx for reply..I've only use MSE past 12mths, no issues, I'll think about it..

Consider Malwarebytes & Spywareblaster as well.
They work very well with MSE & will offer you broader protection.

Malwarebytes : Download free malware, virus and spyware tools to get your computer back in shape!

SpywareBlaster® | Prevent spyware and malware. Free download.

LanguidLegend · Apr 9, 2012

Wow thanks for all the replies!

So basically what you're saying is Microsoft security updates should be working as a secondary layer of protection in case the first layer (antivirus program) fails to stop an infection by say, a rootkit-like virus (which are difficult to remove as they can gain Administrative access and affect system files/processes)?

JMH · Apr 9, 2012

Understanding security and safer computing.

If you connect to the Internet, allow other people to use your computer, or share files with others, you should take steps to protect your computer from harm.
Why?
Because there are computer criminals (sometimes called hackers) who attack other people's computers.
These people can attack directly, by breaking into your computer through the Internet and stealing your personal information, or indirectly, by creating malicious software to harm your computer.

Fortunately, you can help protect yourself by taking a few simple precautions.

Update Windows

Microsoft regularly offers important updates to Windows that can help protect your computer against new viruses and other security threats.
To ensure that you receive these updates as quickly as possible, turn on automatic updating.
That way, you don't have to worry that critical fixes for Windows might be missing from your computer.

Source...
Understanding security and safer computing

jimbo45 · Apr 10, 2012

LanguidLegend said:
Sorry if I sound like an idiot, but I've been wondering for a while (or at least since I heard about Windows ending support for XP) - are both Windows built-in security and third-party antivirus necessary to protect a computer from infection? If so, why?

Windows keeps sending me security patches through Windows Update, but at the same time, my antivirus program (AVG - paid version) is constantly updating its virus definitions as well - what's the difference between the two specifically?

If anyone has any specific insight on this, please weigh in!

Hi there

XP support for security updates will still carry on for a while yet

Here's the End of Life stuff for XP -- You are OK until mid 2014.

Microsoft Product Lifecycle Search

Check the extended support column.

(I agree with previous posts -- just giving you extra info that you don't need to panic just yet if you are still running XP).

Cheers
jimbo

Windows Security Updates vs Third-Party Antivirus Programs

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