Good security software

[Kevin Olson]

There are so many choices out there, which are among the top to buy?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

There are a lot of threads on this. Scroll down a few pages or use the search function. This comes up weekly if not daily here.

Several of the top choices are free.

Random names that get a lot of discussion here:

Free: Microsoft Security Essentials, Avast, Malwarebytes

Not free: Symantec, Kapersky

If you mean firewall, I'd guess the most commonly used one is built into Windows 7.

 

[richc46]

One of the best is free and easy to download. MSE Microsoft Security Essentials. It is made with Windows in mind. Unlike the others, who are trying to be compatible with every OS.

 

[Corrine]

Hi, Kevin. Welcome to Seven Forums!

If you are looking for a security suite, you may find AV-Comparatives.Org Torture-Tests Security Suites - Security Watch helpful in determining what you want to use on Windows 7.

Note: If you elect to use Microsoft Security Essentials, you will need to be sure the Windows 7 Firewall is on or install a separate software firewall.

I compiled suggestions here for getting started with Windows 7.

 

[ryan7]

Anti-Virus:
-AntiVir*
-Microsoft Security Essentials

Firewall:
-PC Tools Firewall*
-PrivateFirewall

IE8:
-WOT* (I like WOT because it stays up to date, however it is based on user ratings which isn't always reliable.)
-SiteAdvisor (Not as up to date as WOT, however SA will work in the 64-bit version of IE8

Spyware:
-Windows Defender* (comes with Windows 7)
-a-squared*
-Malwarebytes*

Anything with a * beside it, is what I use

 

[richc46]

@Ryan I, too, use WOT. I like the feature that alerts you to less than reputable sites, while still on the Google website. I found out about it at another great forum, Freedomlist.com

@Corrine,Thanks for your post and the link to Security Garden, which is always good reading.

 

[Kevin Olson]

Thank you for the suggestions.

Im taking Kapersky Internet Security 2010 for a spin at the moment and so far I like it.

 

[Creer]

You can also take into consideration:

Firewall:
Look'n'Stop 2.07 (ultra light firewall)

Image Backup Software:
ShadowProtect Desktop (top notch image backup software, very reliable)

Also remember to enable DEP for all programs and services, and enable UAC or work on LUA (Limited User Account).

 

[manhunter2826]

I'm uncertain whether I would need to purchase any security software atm - so much good and free stuff out there

 

[jav]

I'm uncertain whether I would need to purchase any security software atm - so much good and free stuff out there

Probably the best free security list in the world - Wilders Security Forums

 

[manhunter2826]

^Thanks jav; almost exhaustive (I said almost Lol

 

[Corrine]

Interesting that WinPatrol is shown on that Wilders' list as "Classical lightweight HIPS". Granted, WinPatrol has long used HIPS, but I always think of it as a system monitor.

 

[GeorgeB]

If you are looking for top security I personally recommend

- KIS 2010
- NIS 2010
-Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus


I personally like KIS, it has a two way firewall, HIPS, antivirus and a global sandbox feature. The sandbox alone can pretty well protect you while surfing.

I use KIS 2010 on my Windows 7 32 bit system and
Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus under Windows 7 x64.

I use to have PrevX 3, but recently removed it cause of
all the false positives

 

[TheIgster]

I use to have PrevX 3, but recently removed it cause of
all the false positives

I've heard that from a few people but personally, on my system, I've been running it nor for a couple of months and have never had a single false positive. Strange how it seems to effect some people but not others. What was it finding and reporting? Just curious.

 

[netguysc]

You may start by using the software already built into windows..

This is an excellent site on computer security..

mechBgon's guide for first-time PC builders... Best practices for ongoing security

 

[Xing101]

I'm just useing Malwarebytes,Avira AntiVir Personal with McAfee Site Advisor. Works fine never got a virus.