firewall query

Hi all,

newb here. Got a new pc and had bullguard free for a while, decided to opt for the free winvir after reading about it here. Uninstalled bullguard etc, when installing winvir was told to make changes to windows defender (stop real-time protection) which I did.

I have the normal firewall with my pc (at least it says I have one when I check my security option). Is the normal firewall that comes with the pc ok? Was disabling windows defender for winvir a usual thing???

any advice welcome.

Personally, I think the Windows firewall in W7 is more than adequate compared, say, to what existed in XP/Vista. Not sure why u need to stop real-time protection in MSE? Many users, including myself, use Avast antivirus and nearly all opinions are highly favorable. Have a look at the Avast sticky at top of thread.

manhunter2826,

cheers for the help. Apologies for my ignorance but is windows defender part of MSE? When I installed winvir it asked be to make the changes to windows defender.

I assume that you have a general built-in firewall regardless of Windows Defender? I've not disabled or changed anything in my security options.

I also read that Windows Defender can cause issues with automatic updates? After disabling it, and when I shut down, I noticed the PC was installing 15 windows updates. Coincidence?

anyway - cheers again for the help.

I do believe Defender is part of MSE, yes. And I do believe Defender alone is part of Windows 7 (certainly was in my installation). I simply use the in-built Windows 7 firewall. I am in no way as skilled as other folk here but I would find it odd that Defender would cause problems with automatic updates - both MS products after all. I have no probs here, anyone else? What about giving Avast a go or are u not keen. I think there is a thread somewhere about Avast and MSE being side by side compatible.

I have been using Avast and MSE side by side with no compatibility issues... Also added Windows 7 Firewall Control and never looked back since... GL :)

cheers all - I'll unistall the one I have and install Avast tonight. Thanks again!

polarbear said:

Also added Windows 7 Firewall Control and never looked back since...

Excellent App! Great for setting rules on the fly or manually adding your own. It's also a great reference for manually adding rules to Win 7's firewall once outbound has been enabled for it. I did this but eventually just disabled Win 7's firewall and just depend on Win 7 Firewall Control Plus.