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#11
Malewarebytes free is a good program that doesn't use resources unless you manually scan the system. A good extra scan to have to make sure you aren't infected, but it will not 'protect' you from anything.
MSE will, as it actively protects your system (both MSE and malwarebytes can be installed together). What I like most about it is how little the resource consumption is of it. I too play games now and again and it works very well with them running. You can disable MSE (turn off real-time protection) when you play games that aren't connected to the internet to get every last ounce of juice, but you probably won't see too much of any kind of benefit unless your computer's hardware is low or medium end.
MSE works well, but it isn't "the best" antivirus. If you are looking to put your computer into a vault against online attacks, there are other paid-for subscriptions that you may want to look into. However, because it rates very high, works well with the OS, gets updated with windows updates automatically, and uses few resources, I use it exclusively on computers that are for personal use, and I add malwarebytes with MSE on computers that require security (business computers).
Hope everyone here has given you enough ideas on what you might want to do. Keep in mind, everyone has an idea on what 'works for them', and what the 'best security solution' is. That is because everyone is different with different experiences.
In my opinion, most of the well-known antiviruses all protect against the same basic things. Every company will send out antivirus updates to protect against new malware. Some get the updates out faster than others, but for the most part, they will have your back, despite the "ratings system" invented by antivirus testers. Chances are, you will not need to worry about "zero day attacks" because they are brand new and not widely used yet. Once noticed, your antivirus should provide an update to protect against them. That is why I use an antivirus that is low on resources, such as MSE. Although I am sure there are others out there that are just as good.
Computers that are preyed upon most are ones with very old software (such as IE6 or old versions of Java). You might get a simple virus every now and again from a bad website, but usually your antivirus will stop it. If it doesn't stop it right away, the malware probably isn't effecting your computer very much. The antivirus should be monitoring incoming and outgoing data, so you needn't worry over it stealing your info. To be extra safe, the antiviruses come with full scans so that you might make sure nothing is residing in your computer.
Some people don't even use antivirus software because they believe 'safe browsing' is all you need to be protected. They also claim that they don't have any viruses on their computer. Problem is, even safe websites can get hacked. But it is true, the best way to avoid a virus is to avoid unknown websites.
Make sure you keep windows and all software on your computer updated. Have an antivirus running and stay away from unknown websites. Do this, and you shouldn't have to worry about a thing.
Last edited by DustSailor; 21 Jun 2012 at 16:54. Reason: added items for clarity
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