Solved Is Microsoft Security Essentials and Windows Firewall enough Security?

[stilli1988]

Is the above enough security or should I be going for an anti-virus program as well?

 

[Sardonicus]

MSE is fine.
If you need extra security, Malware Bytes works well with MSE.

 

[yowanvista]

Microsoft Security Essentials provides basic protection unlike other suites
It may be enough for some persons but I'll suggest getting a full suite if you do a lot of online activities

 

[marsmimar]

Hello stilli and welcome to Seven Forums.

I've been using that exact combination since MSE was first released and it's worked well for me. Some here would say the same thing. Others would say that MSE is too basic, doesn't update often enough, scans too slow, misses too many things, etc. Ask 100 people what's best and you might get 100 different responses.

If you use common sense when surfing, know what sites you're visiting, don't click on unexpected email attachments, I think it will serve you well. I also use the free Malwarebytes for on-demand scans just in case MSE misses something (which it hasn't.)

 

[stilli1988]

Hello stilli and welcome to Seven Forums.

I've been using that exact combination since MSE was first released and it's worked well for me. Some here would say the same thing. Others would say that MSE is too basic, doesn't update often enough, scans too slow, misses too many things, etc. Ask 100 people what's best and you might get 100 different responses.

If you use common sense when surfing, know what sites you're visiting, don't click on unexpected email attachments, I think it will serve you well. I also use the free Malwarebytes for on-demand scans just in case MSE misses something (which it hasn't.)

Thank-You.
I do be careful with what I do on the net. It sounds like Malware Bytes is a good program. I shall give it a go. Thanks for the replies people

 

[marsmimar]

Malwarebytes is a good program. If you decide to try it, be careful where you download it from. There are some copycat sites that actually install malware on the unsuspecting user. You can download the official version from either CNET or Major Geeks.

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware - Reviews and free Malwarebytes Anti-Malware downloads at Download.com

|MG| Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.50.1.1100 Download

Once installed make sure you update it before running a scan.

 

[MadSupra354]

Microsoft Security Essentials is probably the best free anti-virus software available. I don't have any comment on Windows Firewall though, as for me, it's being managed by another software firewall (Norton). Though you don't have web-protection, Internet Explorer's SmartScreen Filtering is apparently amazing. Otherwise, Google Chrome has amazing malicious .php blocking. I've heard good things about Mozilla Firefox too,
Hope you find this information somewhat helpful.

 

[malexous]

stilli1988, what will you be using with Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware?

Microsoft Security Essentials is probably the best free anti-virus software available.

That is not everyone's opinion.

 

[stilli1988]

stilli1988, what will you be using with Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware?

Microsoft Security Essentials is probably the best free anti-virus software available.

That is not everyone's opinion.

Just windows firewall and MSE

 

[I be he]

Is the above enough security or should I be going for an anti-virus program as well?

Add Sandboxie and you will be fine

 

[peegee15]

sandboxie will do the safe surfing etc. but a good AV and firewall is still needed. i recommend malwarebytes.

 

[Xhi]

MSE is just for those who don't bother buying a full subscription to the major anti-virus companies out there but it does a pretty decent job in protecting your PC. If you have this in tandem with Malwarebytes, you should be fairly protected.

The difference between the two is that MSE provides real-time protection, since its running in the background ready to block anything that tries to do something "malicious" on the PC, while Malwarebytes is more of a manual thing that you need to run every now and then.

Like what the other earlier posters have said, there is no single best anti-virus out there. If you want some info about them try this link Windows 7: Consumer security software providers. Microsoft recommends any of those anti-virus companies.

 

[Bearcatrp]

I use MSE. Don't go on the web much as to many exploits out there. Use my iPad instead. Anyway, will adjusting the warning (can't remember what's it's called) that pops up every time you try to do something (probably permissions) help?

 

[gregrocker]

We solve many performance problems here by uninstalling the bloatware AV and installing MSE or Avast 5 which run perfectly with the Win7 Firewall.

If these lightweight freebies were missing major infection, we would hear about it here. Instead we see a steady stream of missed infection and performance SNAFU from the paid bloatware AV's.

 

[pparks1]

If these lightweight freebies were missing major infection, we would hear about it here. Instead we see a steady stream of missed infection and performance SNAFU from the paid bloatware AV's.

Yeah, I cannot really argue with this statement. Many think MSE is a terrible product, but funny that a great many of us use it and we simply don't have major problems.

 

[Golden]

while Malwarebytes is more of a manual thing that you need to run every now and then

Just a correction: the paid version of Malwarebytes also provides realtime protection. Only the free version of Malwarebytes is a "manual" product.

 

[hjonesMCT]

MSE + Malwarebytes = excellent protection for the regular user. Unless you're going to very suspect websites.

 

[prukeyhi]

mse as real time always on, & once a week i use MBAM free+zemana free+npe+adwcleaner