Which security utilities in W 7

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  1. Posts : 187
    Windows 7
       #1

    Which security utilities in W 7


    I'm a long time XP user who will soon be moving to a new laptop running Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit. So, (full of angst and worry) I am preparing for the move.

    In XP I used
    1. Zone Alarm free to get 2-way firewall protection
    2. Avast Free as AV
    3. intermittent (not running all the time) use of A2 Squared for a "second opinion"
    4. several malware utilities (Spybot, Ad-Aware) used periodically.

    Which of these should I install in W 7?
    Also does W 7 have 2 way firewall protection (or just one way as in XP) and should I expect problems because of the 64 bit version?

    Thanks.
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  2. Posts : 100
    Windows 7 Pro 64-bit
       #2

    Seems you know your way around software. All of the ones you have used will work in Windows 7. Currently, I am using the Security Essentials from MS. It boils down to a "to each his (or her) own" kind of thing. However, I am sure some people will feel passionate about one program over the other.
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  3. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #3

    I use MSE and it works perfectly ( http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/ ). I dropped Norton IS (for which I still have a 2 year free license) and Kaspersky (on another system). In tools I use Spybot, Winpatrol and SAS - but your selection is good too.
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  4. Posts : 12,012
    Windows 7 Home Premium SP1, 64-bit
       #4

    The W7 firewall can be configured to stop outbound communications, but it is 1 way by default. You don't hear much complaining about it in the default configuration.

    I personally use Spyware Blaster, Malware Bytes, and Microsoft Security Essentials. Only the latter is real time.

    I gave up on Ad Aware 2 or 3 years ago and have not missed it. I gave up on Spybot a couple of months ago and have not missed it.

    Avast is well spoken of around here. You don't hear as much about ZA anymore, but I haven't heard of any specific issues.

    I believe A Squared is an anti-malware app similar to Malware Bytes?
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  5. Posts : 846
    Windows 10 Pro
       #5

    Microsoft Security Essentials is great! Light weight and definitiely doesn't slow things down but also does the job stopping anything.
    I converted about 3 weeks ago and it has stopped a few nasty things that tried to come onboard.

    Try it you'll like it and it's FREE.
    Updates come at least daily.
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  6. Posts : 2,303
    Windows 7 & Windows Vista Ultimate
       #6

    Congratulations on the new laptop, Anderson2! You may find For the 'former' Windows XP User - Welcome to Windows 7! helpful in familiarizing you with the differences between Windows XP and Windows 7.

    1. Firewall

    Yes, the Windows 7 Firewall is a two-way firewall and you can add exception to it. Although there is additional information available, I suggest you start at Understanding Windows Firewall settings.

    From the latest firewall tests by Matousec at Results and comments - www.matousec.com I suggest you stick with either the Windows Firewall or one of the "Get it now" firewalls in the list at Matousec.

    Yes, you will receive recommendations from members here about which firewall they think is best. Each has advantages/merit and disadvantages. For various reasons I won't go into here, I recommend the following two firewalls to people looking for a free-for-personal use option:





    2. Antivirus

    Again, you will receive all kinds of advice listing people's favorite antivirus solution. I have used both ESET Nod32 (subscription) and Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) on Windows 7, 64-bit with no problems.

    avast! 4 Home Edition
    Avira AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic
    Microsoft Security Essentials

    3. You will need to confirm that A2 has a 64-bit compatible version. I have not used it in a long time. Should you elect to use MSE for an antivirus solution, it also has anti-malware, replacing Windows Defender. My personal favorite anti-malware software is Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware, which I do know is compatible with 64-bit.

    4. Anti-malware Utilities

    UAC (User Account Control) is a new feature you were not familiar with on your XP machine. It helps prevent potentially harmful programs from making changes to your computer. See Windows 7 Features: Windows User Account Control).

    Coincidentally, a recent article I wrote appears to be directed toward you. :) It includes additional links that you may find useful as you become accustomed to your new laptop. So, You Received a New Computer for Christmas
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  7. Posts : 187
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Thank you all for all the input and especially Corinne. You all helped lowered my anxiety levels ......
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  8. Posts : 2,303
    Windows 7 & Windows Vista Ultimate
       #8

    You are very welcome, Anderson2. Although a new operating system can sometimes be daunting, it is also exciting and fun. Enjoy!
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  9. Posts : 8,608
    Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit SP1
       #9

    ignatzatsonic said:
    I personally use Spyware Blaster, Malware Bytes, and Microsoft Security Essentials. Only the latter is real time.
    Spyware Blaster and Spyware Guard are both "realtime" defense.
    Read this tutorial
    Using SpywareBlaster to protect your computer from Spyware, Hijackers, and Malware
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 17,796
    Windows 10, Home Clean Install
       #10

    Any one looking for an A/V, should start with MSE. It has nothing but good reviews and its made specifically for windows.
      My Computer


 
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