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    Anti-Malware/Firewall recommendations

    Discussion in 'Security and Anti-Virus Software' started by iMaCuLaTe, Mar 7, 2012.

  1. iMaCuLaTe

    iMaCuLaTe Notebook Consultant

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    Hey guys currently I'm just using the standard Windows Firewall and I downloaded Microsoft Security Essentials and besides that I do my best to make good use of my brain to avoid getting viruses and what not.

    What do you guys think of these programs and do you have any other recommendations? Thanks.
     
  2. usapatriot

    usapatriot Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Consider Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free for some added security against malicious programs. This combined with MSE and Windows Firewall is enough for most people. If you want a good third-party firewall consider Comodo Personal Firewall Free.
     
  3. Bruce_99

    Bruce_99 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Malwarebyte `s strong anti-malware is good, and instead of MSE, you can replace with Avast or Avira. I think Avast is higher than the MSE. And Windows Firewall.
     
  4. iMaCuLaTe

    iMaCuLaTe Notebook Consultant

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    Yea everyone seems to recommend Malwarebytes. I have heard mixed reviews regarding the anti-virus software. What is the major difference between them? For example, what makes Avast so popular over other programs?
     
  5. Baserk

    Baserk Notebook user

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    Avast Free is a very modular AV. It offers options like cloud scanning for downloaded files called FileRep, an AutoSandbox to run unknown files/programs shielded from your OS, also Webrep which scans for phishing websites etc.
    At installation you can decide which features you'd like installed and which not.

    It depends on your particular setup if you find this useful, there are alternatives like IE SmartScreen filter and/or f.i. free Sandboxie which offers a much more comprehensive sandbox.
    If you'd like to have an "all-in-one" AV program, try Avast Free, it's the most comprehensive free AV available.
    It's best anyway to try different programs and decide yourself which one suits your needs and habits best.

    One program you ought to look at, is already mentioned Sandboxie. It offers to run internet facing apps in a shielded 'sandbox', so your OS and other data can't be harmed by malware that you might come across while surfing the web/chatting/IM/etc. Highly recommended.
     
  6. Bruce_99

    Bruce_99 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Baserk is right in everything he wrote.
    Avast is a complete antivirus with many protections, but with a lower detection rate than Avira.
    Avira is a antivirus with high detection rate, but without much protection as Avast.
    MSE is a very good antivirus cloud. It's the best antivirus cloud. Repair has great power, easy to use, it fits best in the system, and integrates with Windows Firewall.
    Malwarebyte `s Anti-Malware is recognized as the best in its field (anti-malware)-is not antivirus.
    As good as it `s Malwarebyte , is Hitman Pro.
    SuperAntiSpyware - a very good spyware detection
    TDSSKiller is a very good detection of rootkits and bootkits.