BleepingComputer.com: trying to keep the comp safe

Ok so i just went through 18 pages of threads and read a bunch of reviews. From what i have read the best in speed and security while being free for an anti virus is Avast, Avira, BitDefender, and AVG. While also using malewarebytes and the windows firewall, which of those 4 should i be using with my home computer? which is only used for just going on email and everyday searching no games or anything special

My opinion, and only my opinion. Avast with the Custom install option. Installing only the options that correspond to your PC usage. Throw in ThreatFire with the Sensitivity Level turned to High. This will help supplement not only Avast but the Windows FW as well. Though you may\will need to respond to some ThreatFire pop-ups until it learns the software on your PC.

I use Firefox with NoScript as well.

You do`t mention if you are using Malwarebytes free or paid version. If you are using the paid version then it`s real time protection will replace the need for ThreatFire.

Have heard good things about Avira. Have always heard BitDefender was a bit resource intensive and AVG is becoming a bit bloated.

thank you for the opinion, i figure the more opinions from others the more educated i can become on certain things. and im using the free version of malewarebytes. Any other opinions are greatly appreciated.

Choosing a security toolkit with anti-virus, firewall and anti-malware programs is a matter of personal preference, your technical ability and experience, features offered, the amount of resources utilized, how it may affect system performance and what will work best for your system. A particular combination that works well for one person may not work as well for another. There is no universal "one size fits all" solution that works for everyone. You may need to experiment and find what is most suitable for your needs. Another factor to consider is whether you want to use paid for products or free alternatives.

No single product is 100% foolproof and can prevent, detect and remove all threats at any given time. The security community is in a constant state of change as new infections appear. Each vendor has its own definition of what constitutes malware and scanning your computer using different criteria will yield different results. The fact that each program has its own definition files means that some malware may be picked up by one that could be missed by another. Thus, a multi-layered defense using several anti-spyware products (including an effective firewall) to supplement your anti-virus combined with common sense and safe surfing habits provides the most complete protection.

As a general rule, using more than one anti-spyware program like Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware, SuperAntispyware, Spybot S&D, Ad-Aware, etc will not conflict with each other or your anti-virus if using them as stand-alone scanners. In fact, doing so increases your protection coverage without causing the same kind of conflicts or affecting the stability of your system that can occur when using more than one anti-virus. The overlap of protection from using different signature databases will aid in detection and removal of more threats when scanning your system for malware. However, if using any of their real-time resident shields (TeaTimer, Ad-Watch, MBAM Protection Module, Spyware Terminator Shields, etc) together at the same time, there can be conflicts when each application tries to compete for resources and exclusive rights to perform an action. Additionally, competing tools may even provide redundant alerts which can be annoying and/or confusing.

Keep in mind that you can overkill a system with resource heavy security programs that will slow down performance.

I recommend Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and taking advantage of the Protection Module which uses advanced heuristic scanning technology to monitor your system and provide real-time protection to prevent the installation of most new malware. This technology monitors every process and stops malicious processes before they can infect your computer. Enabling the Protection Module feature requires reqistration and purchase of a license key that includes free lifetime upgrades and support. After activation, Malwarebytes can be set to update itself and schedule scans automatically on a daily basis. The Protection Module is not intrusive as it utilizes few system resources and should not conflict with other scanners or anti-virus programs.

Tips to protect yourself against malware and reduce the potential for re-infection:

• Keep Windows and Internet Explorer current with all critical updates from Microsoft which will patch many of the security holes through which attackers can gain access to your computer. If you're not sure how to do this, see Microsoft Update helps keep your computer current.

• Avoid gaming sites, porn sites, pirated software, cracking tools, keygens, and peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing programs (i.e. Limewire, eMule, uTorrent). They are a security risk which can make your computer susceptible to a smörgåsbord of malware infections, remote attacks, exposure of personal information, and identity theft. Malicious worms, backdoor Trojans IRCBots, and rootkits spread across P2P file sharing networks, gaming, porn and underground sites. Users visiting such pages may see innocuous-looking banner ads containing code which can trigger pop-up ads and malicious Flash ads that install viruses, Trojans, and spyware. Ads are a target for hackers because they offer a stealthy way to distribute malware to a wide range of Internet users. Porn sites can lead to the Trojan.Mebroot MBR rootkit and other dangerous malware. The best way to reduce the risk of infection is to avoid these types of web sites and not use any P2P applications.

• P2P Software User Advisories
  
• Risks of File-Sharing Technology

• Beware of Rogue Security software as they are one of the most common sources of malware infection. They infect machines by using social engineering and scams to trick a user into spending money to buy a an application which claims to remove malware. For more specific information on how these types of rogue programs and infections install themselves, read:

• Anatomy of a malware scam
  
• How does rogue security software get on my computer?
  
• How to Tell If That Pop-Up Window Is Offering You a Rogue Anti-Malware Product
  
• How Malware Spreads - How did I get infected

• Keeping Autorun enabled on USB (pen, thumb, jump) and other removable drives has become a significant security risk as they are one of the most common infection vectors for malware which can transfer the infection to your computer. To learn more about this risk, please read:

• When is AUTORUN.INF really an AUTORUN.INF?
  
• Nick Brown's blog: Memory stick worms
  
• USB-Based Malware Attacks
  
• Danger USB! Worm targets removable memory sticks

Many security experts recommend you disable Autorun asap as a method of prevention. Microsoft recommends doing the same.

Quote

Microsoft Security Advisory (967940): Update for Windows Autorun
How to Maximize the Malware Protection of Your Removable Drives

• Other related reading sources:

• Simple and easy ways to keep your computer safe and secure on the Internet
  
• Microsoft Solutions for Security: The Antivirus Defense-in-Depth Guide
  
• Malware Prevention - Preventing Re-infection
  
• Your Guide To Staying Safe Online
  
• Hardening Windows Security - Part 1 & Part 2
  
• Configuring Internet Explorer for Practical Security and Privacy - How to Secure Your Web Browser
  
• Use Task Manager to close pop-up messages to safely exit malware attacks

• Finally, if you need to replace your anti-virus, firewall or need a reliable anti-malware scanner please refer to:

• Bleeping Computer's Freeware Replacements For Common Commercial Apps
  
• Bleeping Computer's List of Virus & Malware Resources