Security Tool Bag

I've primarily used either OS X or Linux at home while using Windows primarily at work. I just purchased a new laptop with Windows 7 and have read that the attack vector for the OS has shrunk for Windows 7, and that the increase in vulnerabilities has focused on applications. As I prepare to secure and protect my new investments, I am planning on keep all my apps up to date, running an effective AV solution, and utilizing some sort of malware utility. I've used the combo av/firewall/malware/spyware solution in the past but they bogged down the system. What approaches are people finding the most successful? So far I am really liking Windows 7 and would hate to have to shell out all that cash for other Mac :)

Seag33k

Thanks for the great suggestions. I've heard of Eset and Malwarebytes. Is Superantispyware better than spybot S&D? I'll look up the other software as well.

Seag33k

What's the Best Anti-virus?

"What approaches are people finding the most successful?"

Everyone finds a different approach more successful than others. It's up to you to decide. The best one for you depends on whether you want control over what is allowed on your system or whether you want a program to do that for you, your knowledge of computers, etc.

I feel that Norton 2010 is enough for me but for that extra peace of mind, I use Sandboxie. Sandboxie along with an anti-virus and anti-malware (on-demand) is something I would recommend. However, there are many, many, many more solutions you can look into.

You can get ideas from: What is your security setup these days? - Wilders Security Forums

For example: GeSWall, Defense Wall, Returnil, Shadow Defender, Mamutu, Online Armor, etc.

seag33k said:

Thanks for the great suggestions. I've heard of Eset and Malwarebytes. Is Superantispyware better than spybot S&D? I'll look up the other software as well.

Seag33k

malexous said:

What's the Best Anti-virus?

"What approaches are people finding the most successful?"

Everyone finds a different approach more successful than others. It's up to you to decide. The best one for you depends on whether you want control over what is allowed on your system or whether you want a program to do that for you, your knowledge of computers, etc.

I feel that Norton 2010 is enough for me but for that extra peace of mind, I use Sandboxie. Sandboxie along with an anti-virus and anti-malware (on-demand) is something I would recommend. However, there are many, many, many more solutions you can look into.

You can get ideas from: What is your security setup these days? - Wilders Security Forums

For example: GeSWall, Defense Wall, Returnil, Shadow Defender, Mamutu, Online Armor, etc.

Hi seag33k,
As well as the advice malexous has given you, I suggest you do have a look at SuperAntiSpyware. It is a well respected program, is available in both free & paid versions, has a helpful & well supervised Forum & online support. I recommend giving it a try.


Another program for you to consider is SpywareBlaster. [ free & paid versions available]


Both programs listed above run happily with an Anti Virus program & Windows 7.

Should you have futher questions please let us know.

SUPERAntiSpyware.com | Remove Malware | Remove Spyware - AntiMalware, AntiSpyware, AntiAdware!

Javacool Software

Thanks for all the suggestions!! Thus far I've put together a list of needed protection methods:

-Anti-Virus
-Anti-Malware/Spyware/rootkits/.....
-Anti-Keylogger
-Sandbox solution
-Firewall - Or is the built in Win7 Firewall fine?

Am I missing something? I like the idea of using one product that can do 70% to 80% of the tasks and add the other individually. I am sure you may have a few tools you double up on like anti-malware/spyware/rootkit scanners when you might suspect somethings got a hold of your system.

So far I like what I've read from:
Emsisoft Anti-Malware 5.0
Peerblock
Sandboxie - But I am not sure how confident I am in the software. If I were venturing into untrusted territory, I may use vmware player with a read-only live linux distro :)

Thanks for the help getting back in the Windows game!

AV-Comparatives is an independent organisation that tests the anti-virus products. There is no perfect Anti-Virus software, different AVs suit different people.

Here is a graph from their February Report



Take into consideration that Av comparatives only test AVs virus detecting abilities not the whole product.

To stop AV from bogging down your comp i would choose an AV that is light on system resources like Avast (right now avast is using less then 4MB of ram ) or MSE.

I use Avast 5, Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware free and Windows firewall (plus my router's firewall). All of this is completely Free.