Antivirus and what else?

Which antivirus (payed) software is effective at keeping my pc safe, but does not slow it down or bloats it in terms of memory and speed?

I have AVAST. Is there any other software I can download also that would help keep my pc safe in terms of malware, spyware etc...?

 

You have what I consider one of the best anti-viruses out there. Now you need Malwarebytes Anti-Malware,,it's free with the option to buy. Good luck!!!!

 

Why pay. I was using Comodo Internet security, which is free, up to the last update, then it became too bloated for my netbook. Changed to MSE (Microsoft Security Essentials), which is just as good as any pay solution. I am currently running the Beta with no problems.

There is a whole layered system suggestion in http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=25834

 

Get the free SpywareBlaster in addition to an AV and MBAM. Check it out. http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=2859

One of the best protections is the one who's deciding which websites to visit and what/where to click on and download only at safe websites such as MG.

 

Thanks everyone for posting. I forgot to mention, I also have Quick Care installed on my pc. I know its one of the top picks on here. Oma, You said get Spyware Blaster and MBAM. Why 2 malware programs? Is it good to have 2?

 

Those are both good questions, and until people, like me, kind of get a feel for it, it's a bit confusing.
But Only at first.

First, there are different types of malware and different types of malware protection software.

Anti-virus: No
Firewall: No
Spyware protection and some other types of protection: sometimes, Yes, but don't over do it.

Many people use separate programs for firewall, anti-virus and spyware protection, while others prefer a Security Suit.
Microsoft Security Essentials, for example, has gotten very good reviews.

I'm using Avast anti-virus, PC Tools Firewall, Malwarebytes Antimalware Pro which provides active real-time protection.
I also use SpywareBlaster, Spybot Search and Destroy for occasional scans and SuperAntiSpyware, also for scans.

Here is the definitive article on protecting your computer from malware:
MG: How to Protect yourself from malware!

I have gone back to that article several times, and will again.

If you follow those guidelines, including safe browsing, as mentioned, and safe downloading, like from Major Geeks, then
you should be very well protected.

Major Attitude, chaslang and others on the MG malware team can tell you (true) stories of people who had lots of software
protection, but who got their machines infected again after just having it cleaned and fixed literally only minutes before,
because they did not practice safe browsing, or downloaded some ridiculous thing.

 

I'm planning on getting a new tower with windows 7 installed on it. I plan on re-downloading AVAST onto it when I get it. For the Malware software, which ones should I get? Can you help me choose? Because the link on the post you posted from Chaslang gave me a headache.

 

Keep in mind, that no matter how much layering you do, it comes down to the end user habits. Also add into protection, suggesting you use Firefox with W.O.T. (Web Of Trust), and ad-block add-ons.

 

When I looked at the link, it overwhelmed me. I also have Quick Care which is a top pick from MG. How many Free software downloads should I have? Please help me choose which ones I'll need. Thanks.

 

This link may help you in selecting and clarifying a bit which MG's favorite software are. http://majorgeeks.com/page.php?id=20 Just look at the 1st 4 boxes and ignore the following boxes for now.

Personally I use:
Firewall: PC Tools Firewall Plus

Antimalware:
MBAM PRO (paid) but the free version is also okay to use for an on demand scanning.
SpywareBlaster, only update manually. This will run in the background.
SuperAntiSpyware Free Edition for on demand scanning

Free versions need to be both updated and scanned manually by the user.

Antivirus:
Avast! free antivirus

WOT for Firefox and IE

And as I mentioned before, practice safe browsing. I've never gotten an infection yet in my 8 years of computing, *knock wood*, only once a homepage hijack in the very beginning when I didn't even know what a hijack in the computer world meant. :-D

 

Sorry, I forgot to give you the WOT homepage. http://www.mywot.com/en/download

For Firefox and browsers other than IE, use the browsers addons to download.

 

re: MG: How to Protect yourself from malware!

Yes, it is not a quick, easy read and there is a Lot of information there, but it is a great single collective resource,
which is why I have gone back to it Several times.

SpywareBlaster does not have anything actually "running" as a background process.
It is "Passive Protection".

 

Sorry, I know that but didn't explain it properly even though it was one of the first software I downloaded in 2003. Glad you corrected it.