Windows 7: Avast anti-virus or Microsoft Security Essentials?

Hello,

I use Windows 7 64-bit Home Premium. For the last year or so, I've used Avast Anti-virus and Malwarebytes. However, today I had a nasty case of the Metropolitan Police virus and now am considering using Security Essentials instead.

Should I uninstall Avast, or does anybody have any other suggestions re which tools to use to protect against virus, malware, ransomware?

Thank you.

NoScript on Firefox

Why not keep avast and add Sandboxie to protect yourself from those nasties.

Truth is, I wouldn't just leave an antivirus because a single virus got through. I choose MSE because it integrates with Windows 7 the best. Best way to keep yourself safe is to only visit websites you know and trust, as well as clicking links to places you trust. Having the latest updated web browser and windows updates helps tremendously also. Both Avast and MSE are excellent.

Having UAC enabled is a good idea to make sure programs aren't installed without your permission, as well as using a limited user account for the sake of not giving a virus complete control of your system if it does get infected. These little things add up for better security.

Hello DustSailor,

Thanks for the advice. I assume there's no problem running them side-by-side? For some reason they keep on crashing.

It is never a good idea to run two full fledged antivirus' together. No, I would not run MSE and avast! together. Your best weapon against malware is virtualization programs, such as Sandboxie. Also, up to date system images are your true parachute and should be made at least once per month.

Given both choices, Avast is by far the best of the two, however in my case it gives many false positives. Reviews says that MSE has a low detection rate in comparison. Nothing is perfect, but as long as you keep them updated, and have some common sense on what you execute on your PC, it will be reasonably safe.
One thing, never use more than one antivirus at the same time. Choose one and live with it, often those programs clash when a virus is found and will just slow you down unnecessarily.

Using UAC is also a good thing, it might help you with a few viruses that sneak past antiviruses. Just make sure it is at its highest level (the default has serious bugs that basically lets any program elevate at will), and use a standard account instead of being an admin. A good firewall will also prevent many malware from operating correctly when properly configured.

my question is how did you get infected.

for your question.

first I agree non a/v preventantives are better than a/v themselves, sandboxie is a decent idea, LUA's combined with SRP is another idea.

in terms of a/v MSE in my view is going to be more reliable than avast, however avast is more feature packed and allows more finetuning. It does have its own sandbox function although I found it very buggy and I dont think is used on browsers.

Where did you find that?

Avast because of the webshield,i've used both and they both are great but imo avast is more effective when browsing because of the cloud updates and the webshields.