Does the Windows need to anti-virus?

[khoshtipi]

Hello all,

While Windows itself has some defending tools like Windows Defender, does it need to anti-virus nevertheless?
If yes, why?

Thanks.

 

[Golden]

 

[indianacarnie]

Yes because if for no other reason,its better to be safe than sorry. If you never browse or download anything then you might be "safe" but why take the chance?

Windows defender is, while very good, totally REactive and not proactive.

 

[Gary]

Yes because Defender is nothing but a useless piece of software. I use Avast Internet Security but their free version is good.

 

[khoshtipi]

OK guys. So definitely Microsoft knows (for example) Windows defender is almost useless (in your point of view), so why again puts it into Windows 7? For collecting the criticisms against itself for example?

 

[Borg 386]

MS bundles this in to help reduce the spread of viruses. Microsoft Security Essentials is a free AV that combines the functions of Defender with active scanning & an AV engine. If you opt to d/l MSE, it will by default, disable Defender, so don't panic if after installation you see Defender disabled.

Microsoft Security Essentials - Microsoft Windows

 

[khoshtipi]

Thank you borg. I learned almost all thing about my problem except one thing. What means that the Windows defender is not proactive (i.e., is not active)?

 

[Borg 386]

The last time I used Defender (a couple years back), it was an on demand scanner, meaning you had to click on it to scan. MSE constantly runs in the background monitoring your system (Real time protection) & takes action the minute something malicious is detected. Defender may not catch it until you run a scan & by then you may have more then just one virus.

You can have a look at this thread to weigh the cons/pros of various AV's

http://www.sevenforums.com/system-security/72070-whats-best-anti-virus.html

 

[khoshtipi]

Danke. I got what I wanted.

 

[Borg 386]

Remember no program provides 100% protection. Common sense along with other on-demand scanners can help keep your PC bug free. Malwarebytes is a good scanner, it's free & it has regular updates. Run it once a week to be sure your system is clean.

Malwarebytes : Malwarebytes Anti-Malware removes malware including viruses, spyware, worms and trojans, plus it protects your computer

 

[Gary]

MS bundles this in to help reduce the spread of viruses. Microsoft Security Essentials is a free AV that combines the functions of Defender with active scanning & an AV engine. If you opt to d/l MSE, it will by default, disable Defender, so don't panic if after installation you see Defender disabled.

Microsoft Security Essentials - Microsoft Windows

To me using MSE is akin to having the fox guard the hen house.

 

[khoshtipi]

Thanks again borg.

 

[khoshtipi]

@gary:

Although MSE & Malwarbytes are very good goods. But My AV is the always updated, Kaspersky Internet Security 2013.
Thanks guys.