Antivirus And Other Security - Microsoft

[Mr-H]

Some months ago some ABers were aghast at me paying for AVG, and advised me that a Microsoft (free) one was better, more comprehensive etc. Thing is, AVG has just run out, but for the life of me I can't remember just what the alternative antivirus, security prom is called. What should I use please? I am currently without any security!

[Mr-H]

Sorry - would it have been Microsoft Security Essentials?

[HansUrbancka]

Providing you are Not using Windows XP you can download MSE from here :-

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows/security-essentials-download

Hans.

[Buenchico]

Microsoft Security Essentials used to be highly recommended by many people here but it failed several independent tests last year and Microsoft were forced to admit that it's not as good as they'd like it to be.

AVG Free Edition is popular but I stopped using it when I found that was slowing my elderly computer down.

Avast is also extremely popular and well-reviewed. It's what I'm using:
http://www.avast.com/en-gb/index

[HansUrbancka]

Incidentally, whilst I recommend MSE, you could download the free edition of AVG. :-

http://free.avg.com/gb-en/homepage

Hans.

[Mr-H]

Is it possible to use both at the same time? Or would there be a conflict? I have downloaded MSE - if I use AVG or Avast, should it be deleted?

[SlackAlice]

I used to use MSE until even Microsoft agreed it wasn't up to the task, so I'm currently trying out Comodo. So far I'm quite pleased.

http://antivirus.comodo.com/

I'd also recommend AVG free and Avast

[SlackAlice]

You should only use one active Anti Virus at a time. Also a good idea to remove one before installing the other.

[Buenchico]

Running two anti-virus programs simultaneously could cause system conflicts. You should only ever have one running. The same is true of firewalls but not of 'run on demand' security programs (such as the free version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware) when you can have as many as you like available to you.

[HansUrbancka]

@Noodlearms......I have read what you have posted and, as you are so anti freebies, I would ask the reason for your registering with Answerbank which is a free site and will have put a few cookies into your computer. ??

Hans.

[Daffy6543]

Your paranoia is a little bit extreme noodlearms.

[venator]

Noodlearms.- again, if you think that operating system providers, search engines and the like don't record your activity, your'e being a bit naive.

Activity history is a precious resource to the advertising industry....

[HansUrbancka]

@Noodlearms....You must tell us what are all the wonderful pieces of software which are ensuring that you are Not being tracked in way and your computer is fully protected against viruses and malware etc.

Start another thread and as tell us all of what perhaps we are unaware.

Hans.

[HansUrbancka]

@Noodlearms......I am wondering if you have made a mistake in joining Answerbank. It's a free site and costs nothing to share information.

However, you are of the opinion that sites which provide anything free of charge are useless and you are against sharing with us ABers details about all the supposed wonderful protections which are in-built to your computer.

Hans.

[Mr-H]

Oh dear - I feel I should say 'sorry I asked!'. lol!

[HansUrbancka]

No need Mr-H to feel or think that you have done anything wrong.

Hopefully you have been given the answers you require from both Buenchico and SlackAlice. You can safely ignore anything which Noodlearms and I have said.

Hans.