Which security utilities in W 7

[Anderson2]

I'm a long time XP user who will soon be moving to a new laptop running Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit. So, (full of angst and worry) I am preparing for the move.

In XP I used
1. Zone Alarm free to get 2-way firewall protection
2. Avast Free as AV
3. intermittent (not running all the time) use of A2 Squared for a "second opinion"
4. several malware utilities (Spybot, Ad-Aware) used periodically.

Which of these should I install in W 7?
Also does W 7 have 2 way firewall protection (or just one way as in XP) and should I expect problems because of the 64 bit version?

Thanks.

 

[RadioJoe]

Seems you know your way around software. All of the ones you have used will work in Windows 7. Currently, I am using the Security Essentials from MS. It boils down to a "to each his (or her) own" kind of thing. However, I am sure some people will feel passionate about one program over the other.

 

[whs]

I use MSE and it works perfectly ( http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/ ). I dropped Norton IS (for which I still have a 2 year free license) and Kaspersky (on another system). In tools I use Spybot, Winpatrol and SAS - but your selection is good too.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

The W7 firewall can be configured to stop outbound communications, but it is 1 way by default. You don't hear much complaining about it in the default configuration.

I personally use Spyware Blaster, Malware Bytes, and Microsoft Security Essentials. Only the latter is real time.

I gave up on Ad Aware 2 or 3 years ago and have not missed it. I gave up on Spybot a couple of months ago and have not missed it.

Avast is well spoken of around here. You don't hear as much about ZA anymore, but I haven't heard of any specific issues.

I believe A Squared is an anti-malware app similar to Malware Bytes?

 

[IggyAZ]

Microsoft Security Essentials is great! Light weight and definitiely doesn't slow things down but also does the job stopping anything.
I converted about 3 weeks ago and it has stopped a few nasty things that tried to come onboard.

Try it you'll like it and it's FREE.
Updates come at least daily.

 

[Corrine]

Congratulations on the new laptop, Anderson2! You may find For the 'former' Windows XP User - Welcome to Windows 7! helpful in familiarizing you with the differences between Windows XP and Windows 7.

1. Firewall

Yes, the Windows 7 Firewall is a two-way firewall and you can add exception to it. Although there is additional information available, I suggest you start at Understanding Windows Firewall settings.

From the latest firewall tests by Matousec at Results and comments - www.matousec.com I suggest you stick with either the Windows Firewall or one of the "Get it now" firewalls in the list at Matousec.

Yes, you will receive recommendations from members here about which firewall they think is best. Each has advantages/merit and disadvantages. For various reasons I won't go into here, I recommend the following two firewalls to people looking for a free-for-personal use option:

• Online Armor Free
  -- Setup instructions at Online Armor Web Help - Welcome to the Online Armor Online Help
  -- Additional assistance at the support forum at Online Armor forums - Powered by vBulletin
• Agnitum Outpost Firewall
  -- Guide at Outpost Firewall Guide - Home for Outpost Free Firewall
  -- Outpost FREE FAQ at the support forum here: Outpost Users Support Forum

2. Antivirus

Again, you will receive all kinds of advice listing people's favorite antivirus solution. I have used both ESET Nod32 (subscription) and Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) on Windows 7, 64-bit with no problems.

avast! 4 Home Edition
Avira AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic
Microsoft Security Essentials

3. You will need to confirm that A2 has a 64-bit compatible version. I have not used it in a long time. Should you elect to use MSE for an antivirus solution, it also has anti-malware, replacing Windows Defender. My personal favorite anti-malware software is Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware, which I do know is compatible with 64-bit.

4. Anti-malware Utilities

UAC (User Account Control) is a new feature you were not familiar with on your XP machine. It helps prevent potentially harmful programs from making changes to your computer. See Windows 7 Features: Windows User Account Control).

Coincidentally, a recent article I wrote appears to be directed toward you. It includes additional links that you may find useful as you become accustomed to your new laptop. So, You Received a New Computer for Christmas

 

[Anderson2]

Thank you all for all the input and especially Corinne. You all helped lowered my anxiety levels ......

 

[Corrine]

You are very welcome, Anderson2. Although a new operating system can sometimes be daunting, it is also exciting and fun. Enjoy!

 

[Jacee]

I personally use Spyware Blaster, Malware Bytes, and Microsoft Security Essentials. Only the latter is real time.

Spyware Blaster and Spyware Guard are both "realtime" defense.
Read this tutorial
Using SpywareBlaster to protect your computer from Spyware, Hijackers, and Malware

 

[richc46]

Any one looking for an A/V, should start with MSE. It has nothing but good reviews and its made specifically for windows.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Jacee:

Yeah, you are right.

I meant to imply that it is not auto-updated like the typical free program, at least as far as I know--I think you have to pay to get auto updates? I connect manually ever 10 days or so and get the updates.

 

[Jacee]

You can 'donate' to get auto updates. This donation really helps our finest developers keep on top of the nasties!

 

[manhunter2826]

Nice thread with some very useful info and links.

 

[dajokker]

Just a side note.... MS Security Essentials is free and provides AV and Spyware Protection. Windows Firewall comes with the OS and of course is the firewall.

These 2 together play very nice and you will find that they do not put that extra load that most other 3rd party software does so the OS and IE stay sharp and responsive

However I will mention that Zone Alarm's Firewall does not play at all with MSE's Real-Time Protection and will lock up your computer and Windows Firewall lacks in it's Outbound protection features. It has it, but forget trying to figure out why something can't get out or block a program from piggy backing an allowed program to get access to the internet (all of which ZA does very nicely)

 

[noobvious]

I have Microsoft Security Essentials and ThreatFire running in the background, and once a week I run Malwarebytes on the slim chance that something might have squeaked through, although nothing has yet. Combined with AdBlock Plus and NoScript running in Firefox, I'm pretty secure.

 

[hackerman1]

hi !

Comodo & PC-Tools firewalls are at the top at:
Results and comments - www.matousec.com

i have not tried PC-Tools, since it had problems with Firefox in earlier versions.

BUT, if you choose Comodo, do *NOT* install the "hopsurf-toolbar" !
it´s considered a security risk by experts, (Corinne) and since it´s prechecked when you install, you *MUST* uncheck those 3 "options".

i really recommend it, have used it on W7 since W7-beta,
works great and also has Defence+, that keeps an eye on every program that wants to run.

Firewall Software Download | Free Computer Protection

ahttp://www.winpatrol.com/lso get Winpatrol, which is a "must have-program",
it´s a free program that also monitors your PC.
it´s recommended by experts, fx. Corinne.

http://www.winpatrol.com/

 

[Corrine]

BUT, if you choose Comodo, do *NOT* install the "hopsurf-toolbar" !

It isn't just Comodo that people need to be wary of when installing a new software. It wouldn't hurt to check Calendar of Updates lists:

• Installers Hall of Shame (Unwanted add-on)
• Products with Ask Toolbar

also get Winpatrol, which is a "must have-program",
it´s a free program that also monitors your PC.
it´s recommended by experts, fx. Corinne.

BillP Studios - WinPatrol 2010

Absolutely! WinPatrol has worked flawlessly from Windows 95 through Windows 7, 64-bit. I can't wait to find out what the next new feature will be that Bill Pytlovany is working on. He indicated recently that he expects it will "create a great deal of buzz."

 

[hackerman1]

hi !

THANKS Corinne for "Calendar of Updates lists" !

 

[manhunter2826]

May I ask about WinPatrol; is it freeware? Thanks.

 

[Corrine]

hi, manhunter2826.

Yes, WinPatrol is free for personal use and also has a one-time payment licensed Plus version. Some of the features are listed below features listed below, described more fully at the Win Patrol Features page:

• Delay Startup Programs
• Warn if AutoUpdate Status Changes
• Track Date/Time Programs are First Detected
• Prevents Changes to File Type Associations
• Keylogger Detection
• Kill Multiple Tasks in One Step
• Twenty Thousand Program Descriptions
• Disable Vulnerable Active X Controls
• Create Hijack Style Log Files