A little advice needed re security software

[Ross]

Since finding the site and reading a lot of the v helpful threads on here, I have been wondering about my own security programs and would be grateful if y'all could help me out.. Currently using: Avira AntVir PE Classic; Webroot Spy Sweeper; Windows Defender; Windows Firewall; McAfee Site Advisor. Thinking about changing firewall to Comodo. Is this recommended? Thinking about adding Malwarebytes - would this be too many antimalware/spyware programs? Thinking about adding Winpatrol 2008 to aid performance - don't know much about it - is THIS recommended? Of the software I have already is there anything else I should change? Cheers Edited January 18, 2009 by Ross

[Plastic Nev]

Hi Ross, first have a look at what we recommend here mate-

http://extremetechsupport.com/forum/malware-removal-av-firewalls-etc/3597-free-pc-help-recommended-security-products.html

I would indeed go for Comodo, do remember to turn off the windows firewall before starting Comodo after downloading it. Also get the Malwarebytes on board and Superantispyware. Winpatrol also is a good one to have, as is SpywareBlaster, they are both real time protection. Your Avira I would keep, but don't install and run more than one anti-virus. You can have as many general anti-malware products as you like so long as they are known good ones, so for now leave on what you already have if you wish, though you will be advised some are getting outdated. Webroot is a perhaps on that score, but it is up to you.

[Ross]

Cheers for the advice Nev.

[Goku]

Hello Ross. You could use the following combination of products to keep yourself well protected:

 

Anti-Virus: Avira AntiVir PersonalEdition

Firewall: Comodo

Anti-Spyware: SpywareBlaster, Malwarebytes, SUPERAntiSpyware

Miscellaneous: WinPatrol, Custom Hosts File, etc.

 

Hope that helps. :)

 

-- Goku

[Ross]

Thanks Goku.

 

I have noticed that there is antivirus software on Comodo - will this not conflict with my own antivirus program??

[BeeCeeBee]

The Comodo program recommended is the firewall Ross.

 

You should never be running two antivirus programs at the same time.

 

The general rule is 1 Antivirus, 1 firewall and usually 2 anti malware programs.

[Ross]

The Comodo program recommended is the firewall Ross.

 

You should never be running two antivirus programs at the same time.

 

The general rule is 1 Antivirus, 1 firewall and usually 2 anti malware programs.

 

Yeah I know but the Comodo which is linked to on the recommended page is Comodo Internet Security, which includes av. As far as I can see the stand-alone Comodo firewall isn't available any more?

[BeeCeeBee]

You are quite right (Thank you) it has now been included in a security suite.

 

Comodo products are generally good and, accordingly, we have amended the list.

 

That being said I assume you can download and disable all but the firewall. (I don't know that as a fact as yet. ) If not you can certainly use the whole download but just not along with Avast, Avira etc.

[Dalo Harkin]

This is also based on the fact that you want 'FREE' software -

There are plenty of software suites that are better than free programs that you can purchase such as NOD32 and my personal favourite WINDOWS LIVE ONECARE

Onecare is around £30-£40 if you buy it from MS site - but if you get it from an Etailer you pay around £15 and it can be installed on up to 3 machines

[Plastic Nev]

In fact I have seen elsewhere that the Comodo anti-virus part of the firewall download has been specially constructed or configured in such a way as to not conflict with other anti-virus programs. This does indeed appear to be true as I run Avast, another good program, along with Comodo without any detectable problem.