Which security software should I choose?

[SuperH3lix]

I reinstalled Windows 7 yesterday and I've decided that I want to try some different security software, whether it be anti-virus software and a seperate firewall or internet security software with its built-in firewall. At the moment I'm using Microsoft Security Essentials alongside Windows Firewall. I used to use Avast! Internet Security and I only changed to MSE because I read some good reviews about it. Please could you give any recommendations, preferably for internet security software as a pose to anti-virus software?

 

[OldMX]

Stay on MSE and WF.

 

[gautam7]

Now a days a layered approach is considered to be more secure. I recomend use MSE with MBAM free combine it with winpatrol, this program will notify you about any system modification hence it comes in very handy because malware usually try to modify your system. Its also a good idea to run your browser sandboxed with sandboxie. Also some light virtualization program like ruternill is also very usefull. Use a router and use a secure dns like opendns or nortondns.

Hope this helps

 

[Skulblaka]

Do you want complete controll over traffic? Or just a silent security? Like the user above me posted, Malwarebytes with MSE is a good suite.

 

[JMH]

*Currently you say you are using Windows Firewall plus MSE.
*Suggest you also consider Malwarebytes or SuperAntiSpyware in addition.
*BTW Remember the value of a of a good modem /router... including firewall.
*Then of course the onus is on YOU to surf safely & remember to UPDATE everything & scan frequently.

FYI...Layered Security Appproach.

Firewall – Simply put, a firewall is an application, or a hardware appliance, designed to block unauthorized access to your computer from the Internet, at the same time permitting authorized communications.
There are many free Firewalls available, but many can be intrusive and not really appropriate for casual computer users.

Antimalware – A front line antimalware application is absolutely critical to avoid system infection. Your primary application should be supplemented by an on-demand scanner (part of the stacking approach).
There is no harm in downloading more than one antimalware application to be used as a secondary scanner. In fact, doing so can be advantageous. However, be sure NOT to allow more than one application to autostart, in order to prevent conflicts. For a list and download links to recommended free antimalware applications, including secondary scanners, see “Tech Thoughts Top 8 Free Antimalware Applications”, on this site.

Antivirus – An antivirus application is another critical component in a layered defense strategy to ensure that if a malicious program is detected, it will be stopped dead in its tracks!

http://billmullins.wordpress.com/2010/01/14/layered-computer-security-what-is-it-why-use-it/

 

[DBone]

I reinstalled Windows 7 yesterday and I've decided that I want to try some different security software, whether it be anti-virus software and a seperate firewall or internet security software with its built-in firewall. At the moment I'm using Microsoft Security Essentials alongside Windows Firewall. I used to use Avast! Internet Security and I only changed to MSE because I read some good reviews about it. Please could you give any recommendations, preferably for internet security software as a pose to anti-virus software?

An antivirus needs to be your second line of defense. Since you are concerned with internet security, you should look into, and learn to use Sandboxie - Sandbox software for application isolation and secure Web browsing. Virtualization should be your 1st line of defense on the internet where 99% of most malware infections originate. Sandboxie will make you almost bullet proof all by itself. When used in a layered approach with a good free AV (avast!, Comodo, Panda, MSE) and a good free on-demand scanner (Malwarebytes, Virus Total, Hitman Pro) you will be bullet proof. I Don't like MSE nearly as much as some on this forum do, but I do like the W7 firewall set to public (if you don't share files or print) behind a fully stealthed NAT router firewall. No need for overly chatty 3rd party firewalls.

 

[Corrine]

Adding my favorite system monitor, WinPatrol, to the list. The features listed below are among the reasons I use WinPatrol, described more fully at the WinPatrol Features page:

• Delay Startup Programs
• Track Date/Time Programs are First Detected
• Prevents Changes to File Type Associations
• Keylogger Detection
• Kill Multiple Tasks in One Step
• Well over Twenty Thousand Program Descriptions
• Disable Vulnerable Active X Controls