Haven't read through the thread but my personal recommendation is Microsoft Security Essentials. Don't let the fact that it is from Microsoft spook you, it is their operating system. I believe that they would know the most about protecting it.
That's why MSFT releases patches through Windows Update, but when it comes to anti malware software I'd trust other companies (Symantec, etc). Don't forget that Microsoft did not develop MSE, the core technology was bought by MSFT a few years ago from a 3rd party company (I don't remember its name).
Hi, antares.
A lot has changed since 2004 when Microsoft purchased Giant Software. There really is nothing remaining of the original product that Microsoft used to begin Windows Defender. It was strictly an anti-spyware program.
Hi Corrine, yes I know that MSFT added a lot since then, and I was not trying to bash or underestimate MSFT's MSE product. But in the same manner I wouldn't claim as DarkNova does that MSFT's MSE (or any other they might release in the future) is the BEST option in protecting Windows from malware.
True, antares, with the caveat that I would take it a step further and say that no existing or future antivirus product by any vendor is the best option in protecting a PC from malware. Security is a multifaceted process and antivirus software alone is not the solution.
Yes Corrine, we agree.
I recommend either MSE, Avast, or Panda Cloud AV + Online Armor firewall.. good free protection
It seems that most agree that anti virus programs are different and needed. Most concerns are footprint and quality. At this time MSE free is ranked up there with the best paid for anti virus. One must watch though because rankings change from time to time and the source of testing must be concerned. Microsoft knows Windows 7 better than anybody.That being said IMHO a multilayer security is a must. Quality programs that are use to check if your anti virus program has missed anything. In the old days I just slapped Nortons on a computer and I was done. That IMHO that doesn't get the job done anymore.
Last edited by Layback Bear; 21 Sep 2010 at 11:09. Reason: Hit the wrong dang button on keyboard
This is sage advise you've given here. My take on multilayer computer security is that since Malware most commonly comes from the internet I run my browser inside the virtual space of Sandboxie where the rights of all programs are dropped and any kind of Malware even zero day Malware that the Antivirus has no definition for can make no changes to the files or registry of the computer.
I have been using Sandboxie on both Vista and Win 7 and by preventing Malware from accessing the computer in the first place I have not had any detections of any kind of Malware since installing Sandboxie almost 2 years ago.
In fact Sandboxie is so highly effective that although I am not recommending it to others I uninstalled the Antivirus I was using because I didn't even want Malware in the AV's quarantine which resides inside the real computer because I prefer to obliterate any potential Malware right inside Sandboxie's virtual space by overwriting it with 5 passes of pseodorandom data.
In the past I used programs that eliminated scores of pieces of of Malware and tracking cookies that got in through the browser each day. With Sandboxie that malicious code never even makes it into the computer, but rather is destroyed right inside the virtual space that Sandboxie has created on the computer's HDD.
~Maxx~
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