security: avast free + malwarebytes free sufficient?

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jozeph

jozeph

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Aug 4, 2013
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I've ordered a new pc. It will come with windows 8 installed. I'm planning on installing avast free and malwarebytes free. Is this sufficient to be safe against viruses, malware, ....
 
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dalethepcman
Wow, so many sales pitches against Avast. Did the OP ask "What should I use instead of Avast?"

Use whichever AntiVirus you prefer, they are all just as good (bad) as the next as far as degrading system performance and catching infections. I have used Avast as well as AVG, MSE and Kaspersky on multiple machines (not all on the same machine) for years and never had issues.

I do recommend using Malwarebytes which you listed specifically as it is a great program, but I recommend buying it so its active scan can actually protect your computer, which anti virus "active scanning" (aka non stop HDD dumps) generally don't prevent, and to support the awesome developers of such a great application.

Spybot S&D has a great blacklist which will...
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dalethepcman

dalethepcman

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The benefit of the paid version of MBAM, is that active monitoring is what prevents your system from being infected. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure...

If you don't want to purchase the software, then you might want to throw a white-listing application like spybot/spybot2 into the mix as well.
 
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mauller07

mauller07

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Mar 28, 2010
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i would not install avast, its a system hog, install AVG instead its far more light weight and does not slow your pc as much.

if you want a lightweight paid for antivirus then get ESET internet security or ESET Nod 32 for just antivirus without a firewall.
 
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robbyrob

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Aug 11, 2013
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you feel NOD32 is light weight in terms of resources? I love NOD32 and started having ram problems with it which I have read it has been addressed in the new version. Im running avast free now but would love to go back to NOD32.

 
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jimmysmitty

jimmysmitty

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Oct 5, 2007
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Honestly you really don't need more than the built in Windows Defender (which has MSE added into it) and MBAM/SAS as second opinions. Plus its pretty light weight and doesn't bother you as much as some others.

Windows Defender is pretty good at catching things too. At work I use 8 and when I transfer customer data for backups, it will catch any viruses in files and not transfer the infected files.

I used to use MSE/MBAM/SAS on 7 and never got a virus. In fact my wife is still using that combo on 7 and is still virus free.
 
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mauller07

mauller07

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I mean it is the less impeeding on system responsiveness, avast, avira, Mse, bitdefender, Norton, are all terrible in this regard.

Especially bitdefender had nothing but bsods and lag till I dumped it in 2011.
 
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mauller07

mauller07

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no, never install more than 2 active scanning applications at once or you will get terrible conflicts and system responsiveness will grind to a half, just get AVG antivirus and let windows defender and common sense (ie dont click on ads etc for anything) do the rest.
 
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dalethepcman

dalethepcman

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Wow, so many sales pitches against Avast. Did the OP ask "What should I use instead of Avast?"

Use whichever AntiVirus you prefer, they are all just as good (bad) as the next as far as degrading system performance and catching infections. I have used Avast as well as AVG, MSE and Kaspersky on multiple machines (not all on the same machine) for years and never had issues.

I do recommend using Malwarebytes which you listed specifically as it is a great program, but I recommend buying it so its active scan can actually protect your computer, which anti virus "active scanning" (aka non stop HDD dumps) generally don't prevent, and to support the awesome developers of such a great application.

Spybot S&D has a great blacklist which will keep your computer from getting many nasties, but there are other free whitelisting/blacklisting applications around.

As long as you have active spyware protection and any antivirus software (even Microsoft security essentials is good and comes with Win8) you should be safe from the general infections.

I always add a white/blacklist also because I like to browse my pron without having popups / system crashes 2 minutes into the videos :)
 
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Dark Lord of Tech

Dark Lord of Tech

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Aug 18, 2009
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In Windows 8, Windows Defender replaces Microsoft Security Essentials. Windows Defender runs in the background and notifies you when you need to take specific action. However, you can use it anytime to scan for malware if your computer isn’t working properly or you clicked a suspicious link online or in an email message.

http://www.microsoft.com/security/pc-security/windows8.aspx
 
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cyborgcity

cyborgcity

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Jan 16, 2013
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I've had three active scanning apps working together for months on end with no slowdowns or noticeable problems. One of them would often pick up viruses that the other wouldn't.
 
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sedona

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I purchased Malwarebytes Pro on discount so have lifetime support and real-time protection. I just need to couple it with ONE more anti-virus software. Which is the best option to work with Malwarebytes Pro? I currently use the free (Windows 7) Microsoft Security Essentials but many review sites said it only provides baseline protection although least resource usage. Should I use Avast Free or AVG Free? Both are better than Microsoft Security Essentials right?

Someone mentioned Spybot Search & Destroy, but it's coverage is no longer as good as when it first came out. Most anti-virus/anti-spyware software have done better in review metrics. I have Malwarebytes Pro for that function.
 
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htownkev

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Either Avast Free AV 2014 or Windows Defender alongside Malwarebytes Pro should keep you secure 95% of the time.
 
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sedona

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I tried Avast! Free 2014 but didn't like it. Makes me feel like I need to pay more to enable all the tools, which I don't need. I switched to Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition (2014) which has no ads and no subtle push to pay more.
 
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htownkev

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Feb 25, 2014
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yes. Do not pay for Avast. Only se the free version. Much better paid AV out there, I have not tried Bit Defender although I think Hit Man Pro uses its scanner.
 
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