Which One Should Be First?

The Security Program that I purchased along with my PC is going to expire in December. I am thinking of D/L and installing the many free security programs available rather than renew my current one. What is the correct way to use them. By that I mean should anti-virus be first, then a firewall, then anti-spyware, then anti-malware, etc.

 

There are a few things to keep in mind. As for the question that you asked, it really makes little difference although I would not install any new firewall until the last. Frankly, if you are using a router that is properly configured and have good security programs, I can see no reason not to rely on the Windows Firewall already built into your OS.

Since I don't know which paid security programs you are using I will give you a general rule. Make certain that you fully uninstall the AV program first. I would not rely on the built in uninstaller. It leaves too many remnants. Most of the big name security programs have their own uninstall tool that you can download. You can either google it (Norton uninstaller as an example) or let us know what you are using and we can help you out.

Once that is done you can proceed to install one of the free programs. As of late Microsoft Security Essentials has been getting some good reviews and has a pretty simple interface. Malwarebytes is is the industry standard as far as most security experts are concerned. Keep in mind that the free version does not scan in real time while the paid version does. The databases are the same.

Finally make absolutely certain that your current AV program is either uninstalled or at very least disabled before you begin running another AV program. It is OK to run more than one anti malware program at the same time but it is never advisable to run 2 AVs at the same time.

 

Edit to reflect that BeeCeeBee posted while I was typing..

Hi Menewguy, and welcome to Computer Help Forums.

You would probably get a different answer to your questions depending on who you where asking, as everyone has their favourite programs. But my advice would be this...

First job would be to install an Antivirus program. There are some good free ones available. My personal choice would be Avast Free Addition. (See link below)

Avast Free blocks spyware as well as viruses.

http://www.avast.com...CFerItAodoBoA5w

Note: You should only have one Antivirus program on your computer at any one time. So even if the old one is out of date or disabled, you should uninstall it. Many AV's have there own uninstaller, but a good free program for uninstalling software is Revo Uninstaller. This usually does a pretty good job of removing even the remnants of a program from your PC. (See link below)

http://www.revounins...e_download.html

As for a antimalware program. Malwarebytes-Antimalware is thought to be among the best. This is also a free program. (See link below)

http://www.malwareby...CFebLtAodgUgA4w

All of the above programs offer a pro version, but the free versions work very well.

 

I purchased a Systemax PC and they talked me into buying their Internet Security Suite Plus program.

Thank you for your suggestions.

 

After I D/L and Install Avast, Malwarebytes, etc. do I have to do anything else or will these programs operate behind the scenes without me having to do anything?

 

Avast will monitor your computer in real time. Malwarebytes will not unless you use the paid version. You should really make it a practice to do a malwarebytes scan every few days and do an individual scan of any new download or program you may get. In the case of a download, it is a good idea to scan the program both before and after you install.

 

Thank you very much for all your help.

 

Thank you for the great news. I was planning on D/L 5-6 different programs.

I understand Windows Firewall came with my PC. When my current paid Security Program expires next month will Windows Firewall automatically start operating?

 

Probably not unless your current program does not include a firewall in which case the Windows firewall is already working. I would suggest that you download Revo uninstaller http://www.revouninstaller.com/revo_uninstaller_free_download.html and use it to get rid of your expired programs. Select the freeware version and it will direct you to a mirror site. Be very careful that you only select Revo and not anything else that may come up on the page. Also make certain that no little boxes are checked for toolbars etc.

I don't seem to be able to find a specific uninstaller for that security suite so Revo should do fine.

You can activate the windows firewall from your control panel.

 

Thank you very much for all your help.

 

Please keep in mind with MalwareBytes Antimalware(MBAM) that, if you run the free version, you should manually update the signature data base before every scan. Personally I think the price of the paid version is well worth the cost and it plays well with Avast and MS Security Essentials.

I run Security Essentials, MBAM and Windows firewall along with a hardware firewall in my router.

 

My Malwarebytes won't let me run any scan till it automatically updates.
You don't need Avast if your running MSE.
MSE, Malwarebytes, Windows Firewall SAS for the Cookies is good protection.
I also use W.O.T. as a Site Advisor.


For XP you need a better Firewall than the Microsoft one as it's only one way.
Windows7 the Firewall is two way and does a good job.
Windows 8 Microsoft uses Windows Defender instead of MSE.

 

Errors caught... I only use MSE on the Win 7 side of my dual boot. Hmmm, going to have to check my profile and see if I can change my system to both. On the initial signup it would not as the choices were radio buttons.

Then, like myself, I take it that you have the paid version of MBAM. The free version will allow a scan without updating... or did the last time I had the free version installed.

 

Hi Jay.Pm Admin BeeCeeBee and he will change to dual OS for you.
The Free version does auto update before a scan now. (Does on all my computers)
I am running triple boot on this beast and used "EasyBCD" as the boot manager.
I have Paid NOD32 on one computer.

 

I don't multi-boot as much as I used to, mostly use virtual machines now and not a lot of that. Actually don't even use XP Mode much any more. I was using it as a server base with Apache, SQL and PHP installed for development of my sites but don't really need it any more. At one time I had a multi-boot of Win 7, Vista, XP, 2000, 98, 3.1 and Linux. I had the drive space and it was to play.

Never used EasyBCD, have used VistaBootPro instead. Even with that I just use it to back up the boot loader.

Eset is GOOD AV! Used to get it free when getting MVP awards but have switched to MSE~Defender since.

 

I have used MS Security Essentials since it was the previous product called OneCare, never ever had any issues at all