What Security to Install?

I just received a brand new laptop and before I do anything I want to make sure it is fully secure. This is the first new computer I've had in 5 years and I realize I have no clue what I need to do to make sure it's fully secure.

I see the "Best Free Security Software" thread but how should I go about that? Should I just install one of each category or are there a few essentials (like AV, FW etc...) that I need but can ignore the more advanced stuff. Sucks being a newb.

 

Having a free antivirus is more than enough, unless you need ultra good protection that replaces the Windows Firewall as well (which would be useless since Windows Firewall does the job just fine).

Only install 1 antivirus from the following ones and use it's real-time protection:
MSE, Avast or Avira.
All three are free. They do a pretty great job in protecting your computer and do NOT slow the computer down.
MSE has the highest detection rates and lowest false positives of the three (but you cannot go wrong installing either one).

I use MSE and Windows Firewall (with Malwarebytes as an on-demand scanner in RARE situations) and have had no problems ever since I began using that combo.

 

Thanks! Reading that other thread I thought I was in for a really complicated experience but that sounds really simple. Windows Firewall is preinstalled I imagine?

 

Windows Firewall comes with Windows.
And the one in Vista and 7 is highly robust and configurable.

 

agree with above. mse,avast or avera.
i upgraded to the pro of avast but to be honest the free versions do everything you need.

what laptop and spec did you get and is it a gaming lappy.
if it is then take a look HERE for everything you will need to monitor your temperatures and more.

 

Microsoft Security Essentials + Windows Firewall + Smart browsing = Fully secure, IMO.

A good browser with Adblock and NoScript would be good defenses as well.

 

Make it a habit to use a LUA/Limited User Account to do your daily stuff.
That way, if you accidentaly do get infected, it will only have limited consequences (in 99%) as opposed to when you run in admin mode.

Malware usually can only affect your OS as you can.
If you are in admin mode and thus can do 'everything', so can the malware.
Therefore, only use an administrator account to do admin stuff.

Use that nice desktop wallpaper only for your user account, save all those programs, movies, pics, songs, etc in user maps.
And keep your admin 'interface' clean, like with a blank desktop and no frivolities.

A LUA is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself.
Simply realize that there is a huge difference between using your computer and administrating it.

Also, the programs listed in my ' free security software thread' are meant to be used as a source for personal/tailored 'security suites', depending on need and skill.
It isn't necessary to use one of each section, in order to be 'safe'.