antivirus software

[sukar]

i just un-installed bit-defender 2010 since it was recommended by a few moderators on this site and several other people...so i was wondering what is the best anti-virus software i can obtain to protect my laptop from all sorts of malware, spyware, viruses etc

thanks

 

[richc46]

In the opinion of most, and the others, will surely give their opinions; Microsoft Security Essentials, Malwarebytes and a good firewall.

 

[Petey7]

I would like to make sure you know that he means a combo of the three. Windows Firewall isn't bad. If you use a router with a built in firewall, you definitely don't need any software firewall beside Windows Firewall

 

[richc46]

I would like to make sure you know that he means a combo of the three. Windows Firewall isn't bad. If you use a router with a built in firewall, you definitely don't need any software firewall beside Windows Firewall

Yes, so correct.

 

[sukar]

well im currently on holiday so im not using any router here
but usually at my apartment i use the general linksys 54G router
is that enough with the windows firewall?
what about catching all sorts of virus's from websites...etc
btw im using windows 7

 

[Petey7]

Thats the same router I have. Make sure the firewall is turned on and you should be alright.

 

[Darician]

Yep, Microsoft Security Essentials, Windows Firewall, and I use TrendMicro Housecall as an on-demand AV. I used to use Spybot for spyware but Malware Bytes is better.

 

[sukar]

so basically im safe with the router firewall and i dont need any other additional softwares installed on my pc
i guess i learned something new today
i was always under the impression that a firewall was not enough to keep your pc competely safe
how do i make sure my router has its firewall on...i know my router has the orange light on

 

[Petey7]

whoa, thats not what I said. I said that if you have the firewall on, you don't need better firewall software. You still need to install a real-time AV program like MSE and have a back up scanner like MalwareBytes.

 

[Francis93]

Microsoft Security Essentials.

Though it is recommended that you also install an on-demand (second opinion) anti-malware scanner like Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware or SUPERAntiSpyware.

 

[Darician]

Really, when dealing with security, it's all about acceptable risk and how much security you really need for what you do. You will never be 100% secure unless you aren't plugged in to the internet ever and don't bring in any files. Other than that, you should have a real-time antivirus and antispyware solution, an on-demand antivirus and antispyware solution, a hardware firewall, a software firewall and of course practice safe browsing habits and common sense security and you should be good.

 

[sukar]

ok i got it
lets say that i wanted to use a third party firewall software along with MSE and Malwarebytes
is there any one in particular anybody can recommend?

once again thanks alot for all the help boys

 

[Francis93]

ok i got it
lets say that i wanted to use a third party firewall software along with MSE and Malwarebytes
is there any one in particular anybody can recommend?

once again thanks alot for all the help boys

Windows Firewall is sufficient IMO. It integrates well with Microsoft Security Essentials. But if you want, I'd say COMODO Firewall.

 

[malexous]

Norton

 

[lenz]

uhm..hi...
I've read in the previous posts... I would like to ask why do we need to have a backup scanners like malwarebytes.... I've already got MSE, what are the advantages when you install malwarebytes???

 

[Petey7]

Hello lenz. The advantage is that no anti-virus (AV)/anti-malware is perfect. Some miss more than others. MSE does seem to do a great job, and a update is released for it at least once a day. With a second scanner, such as MalwareBytes (MBAM), is that in the event something is not detected by your regular AV, you have a second scanner ready to scan your computer as well. A lot of people that come on here with a Virus problem already use AV software.

My dads computer had AVG until recently, but after it started getting slower, I did a scan with MBAM. It found 4 different infections and a bunch of random files and registry entries AVG left behind from previous infections. I decided to replace AVG with MSE, since MSE has gotten better results when the two are tested side-by-side, and I make sure a scan is done with MBAM once a week. I use the same set up on my own computer and have not had any serious virus problems in a long time.

 

[lenz]

thanks petey7!!!

im now installing malwarebytes into my laptop....new things learned....thanks again....

 

[Petey7]

Thats what we are here for

 

[Francis93]

uhm..hi...
I've read in the previous posts... I would like to ask why do we need to have a backup scanners like malwarebytes.... I've already got MSE, what are the advantages when you install malwarebytes???

Hello,

I'm glad you asked that question. YES, we need backup/secondary/second-opinion/on-demand scanners like Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (MBAM) for example. Just in case, if MSE is unable to detect malware, then you can run a quick or full scan using MBAM to remove these infections. YES, it is an advantage since it somehow adds an extra layer of protection and tightens your PC's security. You can even have 2 or more backup scanners like MBAM and Hitman Pro or SUPERAntiSpyware. Good luck!

 

[lenz]

thanks also to you frzwin7...
just one more quick question.. others say that it slows up the system...any suggestion to keep this from happening???
thanks again
lenz