Anti-Virus/Firewall Suite

sightunseen

So I just got a new laptop with Windows 7 (64-bit). Any recommendations on anti-virus/firewall software?

jihiggs

antivirus - look no further than avast! or avg. firewall, if you are behind a router all the time dont bother. if you dont need to be picky about opening ports to run internet services, use the firewall integrated into windows, it is good enough for most people.

Gentleman

Windows Security Essentials or AVG free version both are completely free and get the job done just fine.

fla-gypsy

I use a combination of 3 free programs and have had great results. They are ZoneAlarm, Avast, and Spybot.

docbp87

+1 on Avast!.

Hayblet

I use Spybot, Comodo, and Malewarebytes

phobicsquirrel

Avast is good. Also download stinger, and update it on a regular basis. I use it on a flash drive and scan once and a while. Also if you have comcast you download norton for free.

bigbgballz

Hayblet:

I use Spybot, Comodo, and Malewarebytes

+1000 on Malewarebytes, one of the best free software, other than that i also use something free like avast or avg. OP stay away from XXX sites as well

TatuajeVI

avast. that's what my computer-genius and programmer friend suggested.

phobicsquirrel

bigbgballz:

Hayblet:

I use Spybot, Comodo, and Malewarebytes

+1000 on Malewarebytes, one of the best free software, other than that i also use something free like avast or avg. OP stay away from XXX sites as well

not all xxx sites are bad, just stay away from those, free sites that have tones of ads.

sightunseen

phobicsquirrel:

bigbgballz:

Hayblet:

I use Spybot, Comodo, and Malewarebytes

+1000 on Malewarebytes, one of the best free software, other than that i also use something free like avast or avg. OP stay away from XXX sites as well

not all xxx sites are bad, just stay away from those, free sites that have tones of ads.

Just like rules when you're going out to the bars.

bigbgballz

Krieg

for anyone who doesn't know already, the new issue of consumer reports rates/reviews anti-virus and internet security suites both pay and free versions. I like AVG, but imo uses too much system resources and is about 80% effective, and frankly, is annoying. There are alot more options out there that are less intrusive and use less resources. I believe Avira is probably my #1 choice, and MS Security Essentials my #2. Both free suites. FYI...Avira was also rated #1 by Consumer Reports.

jihiggs

I have used zone alarm in the past, it was always good. I dont recomend running an anti spyware all the time, they dont really help all that much and take up a lot of resources.

sightunseen

Thanks to all for the suggestions.

Russ55

Krieg:

for anyone who doesn't know already, the new issue of consumer reports rates/reviews anti-virus and internet security suites both pay and free versions. I like AVG, but imo uses too much system resources and is about 80% effective, and frankly, is annoying. There are alot more options out there that are less intrusive and use less resources. I believe Avira is probably my #1 choice, and MS Security Essentials my #2. Both free suites. FYI...Avira was also rated #1 by Consumer Reports.

I use Antivira. Great program. I also use CCleaner, and Hijack This.

Hayblet

Kind of a heads up there is one NASTY hitchhiker virus out there right now with no way to purge atm you go to click on a google link and it sends you to a dummy site which infects you with trojans, I purged trojans twice couldn't find where the little f%^ker was hiding and was forced to reformat... good side is I got Windows 7 out of it but still was a royal pita to have to do all that.