should i leave windows defender on or off?

[Mitch656]

I instailled Avast 5 last night after leaving MSE

and today was the 1st time i saw this massge in action center, that i need to scan my computer with it. Should i leave it on or off?



1 last question when ever i do a system health report it always says i have no antivirus, i tryed it with both MSE and Avast 5

 

[Jonathan_King]

If you have another anti-virus, leave Defender off.

No need to have both running.

 

[Corrine]

Hi, Mitch656.

Others have noticed that the System Health Report appears to be inaccurate. Confirm in the Action Center that your antivirus software is shown.

As to Windows Defender, since it is an anti-spyware software, you can safely run it along side Avast. Alternatively, if you have a good anti-malware software such as Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware or SUPERAntiSpyware installed, you most likely don't need to activate Windows Defender.

 

[tw33k]

Hi, Mitch656.

Others have noticed that the System Health Report appears to be inaccurate. Confirm in the Action Center that your antivirus software is shown.

As to Windows Defender, since it is an anti-spyware software, you can safely run it along side Avast. Alternatively, if you have a good anti-malware software such as Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware or SUPERAntiSpyware installed, you most likely don't need to activate Windows Defender.

Very well said

 

[whs]

Alternatively, if you have a good anti-malware software such as Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware or SUPERAntiSpyware installed, you most likely don't need to activate Windows Defender.

Is that also true if MAM or SAS do not run in the startups? My guess would be no - but what do I know, LOL.

 

[tw33k]

I used to run SAS but I can't remember. Malwarebytes does (the full version anyway, I doubt the free one does tho as it's on-demand)

 

[Corrine]

Thank you, tw33k.

Edit Note: WHS, I believe that Windows Defender is anti-spyware, whereas MBAM and SAS are anti-malware. Defender does afford a level of real-time protection though.

 

[whs]

Thanks guys - and girls. I always liked Defender. But my NIS always shut it off and I had to put it back on.

 

[manhunter2826]

Thank you, tw33k.

Edit Note: WHS, I believe that Windows Defender is anti-spyware, whereas MBAM and SAS are anti-malware. Defender does afford a level of real-time protection though.

Thanks for that Corinne; I really should learn to differentiate also between anti-spyware and anti-malware. With that said, I have two bases covered: Avast and Windows Defender. Can anyone please recommend a freeware (and tried and tested and trusted) anti-malware program with real-time protection? Thanks as always

 

[Jacee]

Anti-malware, would be the same as anti-spyware. Don't confuse with anti-virus

 

[manhunter2826]

Anti-malware, would be the same as anti-spyware. Don't confuse with anti-virus

Ah, I thought your colleague was differentiating (quite rightly I thought?) between the two/ So Win Defender is both anti-malware and anti-spyware? - see Corrine's post

 

[Jacee]

Read the history about Windows Defender Windows Defender - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

also ....

Windows Defender helps you stay productive by protecting your PC against pop-ups, slow performance, and security threats caused by spyware and other potentially unwanted software. Real-time protection helps prevent new spyware from installing, while a streamlined alert mechanism minimizes interruptions. From installation to maintenance and updates, Windows Defender is easy to use and comes with pre-configured settings designed to help you stay secure. Information and guidance is provided by dedicated analysts to help you stay safe. Windows Defender and on-going updates are available for no additional charge to Windows XP and Windows Vista customers.

 

[manhunter2826]

Read the history about Windows Defender Windows Defender - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

also ....

Windows Defender helps you stay productive by protecting your PC against pop-ups, slow performance, and security threats caused by spyware and other potentially unwanted software. Real-time protection helps prevent new spyware from installing, while a streamlined alert mechanism minimizes interruptions. From installation to maintenance and updates, Windows Defender is easy to use and comes with pre-configured settings designed to help you stay secure. Information and guidance is provided by dedicated analysts to help you stay safe. Windows Defender and on-going updates are available for no additional charge to Windows XP and Windows Vista customers.

Thanks Jac, will have a read. So I probably don't need a dedicated anti-malware program in addition to Defender (which I have installed as part of W7)?

 

[Jacee]

You can install and run either (free) Malwarebytes or SuperAntiSpyware as an additional scanning tool.

 

[manhunter2826]

You can install and run either (free) Malwarebytes or SuperAntiSpyware as an additional scanning tool.

True but I wanted an additional - if it is indeed necessary - anti-malware program with real-time scanning. Probably - and this is what I infer - I am covered with Avast, Defender and W7 firewall.

 

[Jacee]

I use SpywareBlaster and SpywareGuard. Update SpywareBlaster regularly and click
"enable all protection" Javacool Software

 

[manhunter2826]

I use SpywareBlaster and SpywareGuard. Update SpywareBlaster regularly and click
"enable all protection" Javacool Software

thanks Jac, I did used to have installed SpywareBlaster on my previous XP laptop and I always wondered whether it did anything (one never really knows Lol). So, yes, I'll think give these two another go on W7. Much thanks for all your help