Win 7 security

Dalox · 23 Aug 2011

Hello

I'm new here and first want to say thanks for a very serious forum like this is.

My question is regarding Windows 7 security is enough for a Windows 7 uses the Microsoft Security Essentials program and malwarebyte (including windows firewall) turned to be safe online and with a virus on computer?

Have read a lot about that many recommend avast free antivirus program but I have not tried it yet.

Otherwise my system is running with F-Secure Internet Security 2011 and it seems I spend much of my load of computer.

I have 4gb ram up my performance is always at 1.5 to 2.00 gb

Otherwise for other software options I use TuneUp Utilities ™ 2011 bought the license and Diskeeper 2011 Professional.

I would be very grateful if i can help / give your advice about what would be best to "optimiser" security and Windows 7?

Thanks In Advance

roban · 23 Aug 2011

My opinion from what I've seen lately regarding fake alert versions, MSE and malwarebytes, as good as they may be, are not able to detect what is out there today. Tomorrow is another story.

I use Norton Internet Security and have been recommending at least NAV to my clients. This is a complete 180 degree turn for me but Norton seems to be one of the only AV's to detect these latest strains.

As I stated, this is my opinion based on my experience.

whs · 23 Aug 2011

I would also vote for Norton Internet Security 2011. I am using it on 3 systems and it has worked perfectly - up to now.

But if you want 100% protection, you have to do frequent images. Then you can always bail yourself out of a tight spot - whether created by a virus, a system failure or a disk that broke.

The best options are free Macrium or free Paragon. Macrium is easier to use and Paragon has more functions. Here is what I use: Imaging with free Macrium

Golden · 23 Aug 2011

Welcome Dalox.

Your first post is an important, yet sometimes controverisal topic. The answers you will receive are, for the most part, based on personal preference and experience, and these include my own.

Firstly, let me say that F-Secure and Malwarebytes are an excellent combination - in my view. Norton is also extremely well regarded, as is MSE (my choice), and also Avast - these 3 are probably the most well regarded and recommended here, with Kaspersky a close 4th. My personal philosophy about MSE is that who better to provide an anti-malware solution for an operating system, than the same people that make it? Of course this doesn't neccesarily mean that all the "holes" are covered 100% of the time, and you should realise that this isn't the case for any anti-malware product on the market. Fact.

On the other point you raise : the resources used by your computer. Generally, I think the consensus is that the "full suites" (e.g. Kaspersky, Norton, perhaps even F-Secure) use more resources than the "lighter software" (e.g. MSE). How important is that to you? Perhaps it should dictate your choice? An option open to you is to try the FREE version of Avast, and even MSE, if you like. See if they meet your criteria. If not, revert back to F-Secure.

As for TuneUpUtilities, my opinion is that Windows 7 is so good, it doesn't require any tuning up at all. Enough said.

I completely concur with WHS : regular imaging is an absolute must, to cover the proverbial rear-end so to speak. I also use Macrium, and cannot speak more highly of it. If you are interested in that, I strongly recommend WHS tutorial he posted.

In closing, don't forget some of vulnerabilities in your everyday software that is being exploited by malware, seemingly more and more. Examples include Java and Flash Player. Ensure these, and your Windows Updates, are regularly patched. Use this tutorial to help you with that:

https://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials...inspector.html

Enjoy your stay at Seven Forums, and safe computing,
Golden

seavixen32 · 23 Aug 2011

Welcome to Windows Seven Forums.

In reply to your well thought out post, it really is a matter of personal preference as has already been stated.

I use Microsoft Security Essentials and Malwarebytes with no noticeable impact on performance.

I don't go anywhere near dodgy sites and so far my computer has been virus-free.

I haven't tuned up Windows 7 in any way and it is currently running flawlessly.

WHS's point on imaging is an important one to remember because if your computer does get infected, restoring from a system image gets you up and running again fairly quickly.

Roderunner · 23 Aug 2011

My current set up is:-
Avast Free, Outpost FW Pro, OpenDNS, Netgear Router with NAT, weekly scan with MBAM and Acronis T I H 2010.

seth500 · 23 Aug 2011

I agree with all thats been said on this page I use Norton Internet Security, Malwarebytes Pro, Sandboxie for my protection and haven't had a lick of trouble but also having a clean image to come back from is on the top of the list. For the fact that there is still stuff out there "0-Day" malware that most companies haven't got the definition for.