Shoutbox

I was thinking of the free ZoneAlarm firewall+free Avast! Antivirus combination. What do you think? Any better choice? Thanks.

I've actually switched recently to MS Security Essentials. No firewall, but been hearing good things about the AV component.

I also use MS Security Essentials and as for the firewall, the default windows 7 one seems to be doing the job. As long as you dont visit shifty websites or download shifty attachments, this combo should be pretty good at protecting your computer

Avast gives free license for 1 year to all home users.You can download and register for that.

http://www.avast.com/registration-free-antivirus.php

The easiest, in my opinion,  is to learn how not to download viruses
Once you're able to recognize suspicious files/sites/contacts you'll be 99% secure. The other 1% you can use online file scanners, such as VirusTotal, which can scan files up to 10 MB using 40+ antivirus.

As firewall, I use that Windows Defender.

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Originally posted by Th3rmal
I also use MS Security Essentials and as for the firewall, the default windows 7 one seems to be doing the job. As long as you dont visit shifty websites or download shifty attachments, this combo should be pretty good at protecting your computer

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Yeah, that's exactly what I use.  Microsoft Security Essentials, Windows Firewall and a big helping of common sense

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Originally posted by Chancer
As firewall, I use that Windows Defender.

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Windows Defender isn't a firewall, it's an anti-spyware program...

I use Microsoft Security Essentials, I quite like it.

I'd recommend it.

Anything on the internet is free if you know what to do

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Originally posted by Chrissy
Anything on the internet is free if you know what to do

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And then you get a virus with your new "free" antivirus!

Also use Security Essentials, it seems pretty good for me.

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Originally posted by djdannyp
Windows Defender isn't a firewall, it's an anti-spyware program...

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Then why is its icon a wall?? Anyway, I think it's just one more (in)utility to waste your memory. I'm too lazy to search how to disable it.