[DanielPark]

There seem to be so many computer security programs: Antivirus, antimalware, internet security, firewall etc..
does each aspect require a seperate program? I think i'm going to just get Avast! and is wondering if there is anything else I should get to stay well protected.

[smax013]

DanielPark, on 26 June 2012 - 02:37 PM, said:

There seem to be so many computer security programs: Antivirus, antimalware, internet security, firewall etc..
does each aspect require a seperate program? I think i'm going to just get Avast! and is wondering if there is anything else I should get to stay well protected.

You can go with an "all in one" solution that gives you antivirus/antimalware and a firewall/internet security. Most so-called "anti-virus" companies offer "all in one" solutions, including Avast. Even if you go this route (say you decide to get the "Avast Internet Security" option that has anti-virus/malware, firewall, antispam, etc), you might still want to use some "on demand" (as opposed the "realtime" of the Avast Internet Security) supplemental programs such as SuperAntiSpyware and/or Malwarebyte Anti-Malware to supplement the "all in one" solution.

Some people argue that "all in one" solutions don't give you the best option for each function, so the other option is to get the "best" for each function...i.e. a separate anti-virus/malware program and separate firewall.

Either way will work.

[hgibbonsprt]

Also to add to the thread, I highly recommend installing an antispyware software, along with an antivirus software. SuperAntispyware is free to download and also will be compatible with your anti-virus solution. Go to www.superantispyware.com for more information.

This post has been edited by hgibbonsprt: 25 July 2012 - 12:26 PM

[Car54]

As has been stated, it's always nice to get a on-demand second opinion. Another option to the tried and true mentioned above, are the online scanners, like ESET and Bitdefender.

Just make sure to disable your installed versions real time AV protection while you do a second opinion on-demand scan, as to not have two scanner engines scanning each other.

[johhny]

You can go for Microsoft Security Essentials - the complete security suite, provides you protection against malware, adware, spywares, Trojans and many more threats.