Windows 7: Ms Security Essentials + Ms Firewall enough?

As the title says, if I install Security Essentials and have the firewall in Windows 7 enabled am I reasonably 'safe' from malware/spyware, getting a virus etc?

I read some of the threads here about 'protection' and got even more confused about what I should be using.
From what I have read I think some people have a favourite program and just deride other programs whether they have used them or not... or are just against anything MS (and yet use windows).

Anyway, are Security Essentials and the firewall in Windows 7 enough?

I practise safe sex I want to practise safe surfing too

plain answer..........yes....
a sermon though
if you do practice safe surfing by avoiding p2p,warez,dicey sites etc....keep windows/other apps updated then you are secure regardless of security setup except maybe for some drive-by's etc...so throw in something like sandboxie/returnil and something like hitman/mbam for on demand scanning and keep an image if possible at hand just incase

What he *typed*^!

"From what I have read I think some people have a favourite program and just deride other programs whether they have used them or not... or are just against anything MS (and yet use windows)."

Very good summation.

I have been wondering the same thing.I have running 7 home premium for about 3 months now with just MSE and the firewall and have had no issues so far...however I do have Maleware bytes installed also...just more as a backup than anything... it has been such a great program over the years for me...got me out of some real sticky jams, so I will never be without it....but I really have not needed it yet. I have had several "drive by" attempts to hijack my browser and MSE caught them and removed them with no traces or lingering effects...so It seems to work pretty well so far. I am also networked with my kids computers who are not exactly diligent down loaders if you know what I mean. So far...give it a A+...but if I were you I would at least have Malwarebytes on hand just in case.

Thanks for the replies.

I dont P2P nor 'warez'. I'm pretty good at staying away from 'dodgey' sites.... but you know, sometimes you get a little curious lol.

I'll use essentials & the firewall and see how I go.. and I will take your advice and make an image once I finish installing and customizing Windows 7 to how I like it and loading all the 'stuff' I want.

Thanks again.

If you are unsure if a site is safe or not you can download the Web of Trust add-on: Safe Browsing Tool | WOT Web of Trust

That is pretty much the combination that I use on my Windows 7 boxes for protection. I do keep Malwarebytes on hand...but honestly it almost never finds anything as my surfing habits are pretty clean.

I avoid all p2p and torrent stuff (except for linux downloads). If I am going to surf any nefarious websites, I use a Linux machine or a Linux based VM.