What security software do I need on my laptop?

NualaBuala · 9 January 2010 at 2:37PM

Hi everyone,

I'm really hoping some technically inclined people here might be able to help me. At the moment I have McAfee on my laptop. It scans viruses, has a firewall, not sure what else.

It's paid for until April. I'm not sure what to do after that.

I suppose what I'd like to know is:

What protection do I need for my laptop (running XP)? Do I need anti-spyware, firewalls etc? McAfee was on it when I got it so I just left it to do its job. Sorry, I'm quite clueless, that's why I'm asking.:o
Are the free programs as good as the paid-for ones?

Bottom line: I guess I want someone to tell me what I need and how to get it!

Thanks in advance,

Nuala

BillScarab · 9 January 2010 at 2:44PM

I'd remove McAfee. You'll need the proper removal tool.

Then I'd install Microsoft Security Essentials which is free and includes Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware. This should be running all the time.

I'm out of touch with what the good free firewalls for XP are nowadays so I'll leave that to someone else. If you always connect through a router with an inbuilt firewall you've got a good level of protection anyway.

busenbust · 9 January 2010 at 2:49PM

Hi N. This is my setup. I use Avast for anti-virus; I also use Windows Defender for anti-malware (real-time protection offered); I use Firefox with the excellent NoScript and Adblock Plus add-ons; I have installed also SpywareBlaster; I use the inbuilt firewall but in XP it is weak (relative to), so you might wish to install Comodo Firewall. All the aforementioned are free.

Edit: if you choose to install Microsoft Security Essentials, rather than Avast, then you will no longer need Windows Defender as a separate install.

Edit 2: (but disregard what I said of Comodo firewall; from particular readings of late, not necessarily on this forum, I'd be reluctant to install it and I will not be encouraging others to do so). My justification: http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=30102083&postcount=1753

HTH.

NualaBuala · 9 January 2010 at 10:36PM

BillScarab wrote: »

I'd remove McAfee. You'll need the proper removal tool.

Then I'd install Microsoft Security Essentials which is free and includes Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware. This should be running all the time.

I'm out of touch with what the good free firewalls for XP are nowadays so I'll leave that to someone else. If you always connect through a router with an inbuilt firewall you've got a good level of protection anyway.

Thanks! Where could I find that removal tool for McAfee,. And where do I get the MS Security Essentials from (sorry to ask so many questions).

busenbust wrote: »

Hi N. This is my setup. I use Avast for anti-virus; I also use Windows Defender for anti-malware (real-time protection offered); I use Firefox with the excellent NoScript and Adblock Plus add-ons; I have installed also SpywareBlaster; I use the inbuilt firewall but in XP it is weak (relative to), so you might wish to install Comodo Firewall. All the aforementioned are free.

Edit: if you choose to install Microsoft Security Essentials, rather than Avast, then you will no longer need Windows Defender as a separate install.

HTH.

Thanks a mill, I know I have a Avast on the Desktop PC after seeing it mentioned on this site. I use Firefox so will look for those add-ons to use in the meantime anyway.

I wonder which is better, Avast or the Microsoft Security Essentials. Does anyone have any opinions on which to go for and why?

Thank you my techie gurus!

gaming_guy · 9 January 2010 at 10:51PM

NualaBuala wrote: »

Thanks! Where could I find that removal tool for McAfee,.

http://service.mcafee.com/FAQDocument.aspx?id=TS100507

NualaBuala · 9 January 2010 at 11:04PM

gaming_guy wrote: »

http://service.mcafee.com/FAQDocument.aspx?id=TS100507

Thanks gaming_guy! :T

davb · 9 January 2010 at 11:51PM

NualaBuala wrote: »

I wonder which is better, Avast or the Microsoft Security Essentials. Does anyone have any opinions on which to go for and why?

There have been a few recent threads on here debating that very point. Either would be fine, and will probably speed up your PC as McAfee uses a lot of resources.

NualaBuala · 10 January 2010 at 12:18AM

davb wrote: »

There have been a few recent threads on here debating that very point. Either would be fine, and will probably speed up your PC as McAfee uses a lot of resources.

Thank you - I must try to find those posts. That's interesting about McAfee - I didn't even know that!
I think I have the link for Avast somewhere - where would I get the MS Security Essentials if I go for that?
I feel like such an eejit - I used to know more about this kind of stuff but my ex took over everything technical at home and now I know nothing.:o Hopefully I'll get my geek groove back though.

[Deleted User] · 10 January 2010 at 1:13AM

here
http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/
and here
http://www.avast.com/

NualaBuala · 10 January 2010 at 1:34AM

woodbine wrote: »

here
http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/
and here
http://www.avast.com/

Excellent! Thank you woodbine. I still don't know which to go for but at least I know where to find them!

BillScarab · 10 January 2010 at 9:50AM

Install one of them and try ti fro a week and then remove it and install the other. See which you prefer.

I like MSE becuase it is very light on resources and has a very simple, clean interface. Also, as it includes the same functions as defender you only need one program running instead of two.

I've used Avast in the past nad it is good but currently I prefer MSE.

BTW sorry I couldn't post links earlier for technical reasons but you can always use google!

What security software do I need on my laptop?

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