Is Windows Defender as good as most free Anti Virus software?

Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast

  1. Posts : 11
    win7
       #1

    Is Windows Defender as good as most free Anti Virus software?


    Hello, i've got Windows Defender on my W7 laptop here. I'm having some weird goings on recently with redirects and now some strange chinese text appearing when i click on links. The redirects have stopped but i still got the text appearing yesterday, but today it has stopped since i disabled my Comodo CIS av and firewall (i'm now using Toolwiz Timefreeze).

    First question is Windows Defender on W7 the same as Microsoft Security Essentials?

    Is w7 Windows Defender and firewall as good as these commercial Anti virus software?

    Is there a malware removal tool built into W7 and is it common to need online support?

    Thanks
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 21,004
    Desk1 7 Home Prem / Desk2 10 Pro / Main lap Asus ROG 10 Pro 2 laptop Toshiba 7 Pro Asus P2520 7 & 10
       #2

    Billy personally I would not rely on that and if you want a fairly good real time AV then pick one out from this listing Free Windows Desktop Software Security List - Realtime Protection | Gizmo's Freeware personally I would not recommend the AVG, Norton 360, or McAfee.

    PS I meant to mention there are a plethora of other security tips in this site.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 2
    Windows 7 Ultimate Basic
       #3

    Firewall has internet protection but as my experience it sometimes ignores the weird viruses that get installed on the PC and you can't rely oh windows defender especially when some chinese text appearing. I better recommend you to instal a proper antivirus from the internet.
    The best might be 360 total security or McAfee
    thanx
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 1,102
    OEM Windows 7 Ult (x64) SP1
       #4

    Hello, i've got Windows Defender on my W7 laptop here.
    Hello:

    Windows Defender under Windows 7 is NOT an anti-virus.

    It is only a (weak) anti-malware application.
    (Under Win 8/8.1/10, Windows "Defender" is a rebranded version of Microsoft Security Essentials, a true anti-virus.)

    So, under Win 7, Windows Defender does NOT provide sufficient protection.
    You need a robust, updated, real-time anti-virus.
    Ideally one would add additional layers of real-time protection, e.g. with an anti-malware application, an anti-exploit application, and perhaps other elements (hosts file, etc.)
    For more detailed information, see here:
    Answers to common security questions - Best Practices

    As far as "free" anti-virus applications, you might find this post helpful: Best Antivirus? - Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware Software

    My personal opinion is that it is worth the nominal cost of a paid internet security program (which works out to a fraction of a penny per day) to get robust protection, good support and NO toolbars or popup marketing ads. And it's much cheaper than the lost time, effort and productivity of a serious security breach, data loss, identity theft or other catastrophe.

    Having said that, no one security program can provide 100% protection against all threats.
    This is especially true since the computer user is the first- and last-line of computer defense.

    Cheers,

    MM
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 20,583
    Win-7-Pro64bit 7-H-Prem-64bit
       #5

    Use free Panda and turn defender off,
    Use MBAM free periodically if you can't afford MBAM Premium = not free.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 21,004
    Desk1 7 Home Prem / Desk2 10 Pro / Main lap Asus ROG 10 Pro 2 laptop Toshiba 7 Pro Asus P2520 7 & 10
       #6

    My personal opinion is that it is worth the nominal cost of a paid internet security program (which works out to a fraction of a penny per day) to get robust protection, good support and NO toolbars or popup marketing ads. And it's much cheaper than the lost time, effort and productivity of a serious security breach, data loss, identity theft or other catastrophe.
    To be honest Billy I have to agree 100% with this I didn't mention it before because I thought you were simply after a free one. I have run Kaspersky ISS for five years now on my six machines and the deals I get at least - for example 3 PC's x 2 year licence (each) works out at approx. $0.15 a day per machine if my maths is right, and I feel totally safe with it.

    I do like most other member's here use Malwarebytes and me personally SuperAntiSpyware free scanners on an ad hoc basis but usually only SAS picks up much stuff and that is usually Possibly Unwanted Programs (PUP's)

    But in any case the choice is yours and your usage of your computer is by far the most important factor in keeping yourself malware free
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 20,583
    Win-7-Pro64bit 7-H-Prem-64bit
       #7

    Yea I believe it's more bang for the bucks and putting money where it counts the most,

    Paying for an antivirus program does not insure anything but if you have the money do it

    Where the money is best spent is on dedicated malware protection not antivirus programs
    that is where Malwarebytes premium pays off more than a paid for antivirus program.

    But if you can afford bother by all means pay for both :)
    F-Secure is said to be very good as well but it is not free.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 143
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
       #8

    Someone looking for 'free stuff', I'd start with Qihoo 360TS; I've used it for the better part of 9 months, and I am impressed!

    360 Total Security | Download Free Antivirus for PC
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 2,781
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       #9

    For an antivirus i would recommend Microsoft Security Essentials, Avira, Bitdefender, F-Secure. I don't recommend AVG, Comodo, Norton and McAfee.

    This is from experience that i've had.
    Last edited by Laith; 10 Oct 2015 at 05:30.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 21,004
    Desk1 7 Home Prem / Desk2 10 Pro / Main lap Asus ROG 10 Pro 2 laptop Toshiba 7 Pro Asus P2520 7 & 10
       #10

    Laith said:
    For an antivirus i would recommend Microsoft Security Essentials, but if you can afford it one of the latest Kaspersky products. I don't recommend AVG, Comodo, Norton and McAfee.

    This is from experience that i've had.
    Plus I would be tempted to even include Trend in that list of no goes I found it years ago to be truly annoying and not much good to boot - unless they have cleaned up their act that is.

    But don't forget the other freebies in that link I sent Bitdefender, Avast, and Avira for examples are pretty good.

    But for the cost truly a paid for is not much to splash out given one gladly spends hundreds of dollars on other software and hardware
      My Computer


 
Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 22:08.
Find Us