Malware And Viruses

Hello
I have Defender with Windows 1607 and the native firewall along with MBAM and use a router.
Is this the way to go or would you suggest a different combination?
I ask because defender will not scan offline as it is supposed to which makes me wonder about the rest of it. Also, there are so many people who say Windows security is not a good idea. I don't want to conflict with Windows 1607 however.
I have Norton available at no cost if I wanted it but most people do not want it in their machines.
What would you do?

 

Windows Defender & Windows Firewall plus Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is adequate for 9 out of 10 PC users. Remember your internet behaviour is at least as important as your internet security.
Not being able to scan offline is not ideal however, it ensures the virus definitions are always up to date.

Norton is no longer the top dog - there are numerous AVs that are better.

 

I'm with Eldon on this one. Most people who use the computer to browse the internet and check their emails, Windows Defender and Windows Firewall are adequate enough. However, as he/she said, where you browse on the Internet is also important.

For me, I use the Windows Firewall alongside Avast Antivirus Free, Malware Bytes Anti-Malware and Anti-Exploit (Free editions). Where I browse also take me into darker territories of the Internet.

 

Thanks for the reassurance.
Eldon, if my definitions are up to date and I disconnect the ethernet cable from the router to the PC isn't that the same as having Defender scan offline? I don't get the concept where they say it can handle tough malware better offline but would like to know in case. Or does it really make no difference on or off line?
Our online habits are typically conservative as those in their late 70's which is email, information, and occasional YouTube to learn how to do something. We do some buying but look for the https, know the store's reputation and change the router and site passwords often. The rest is up to the native firewall and Defender that is why I asked about them.
Kaspersky seems to have a good reputation but I have never paid for a service and hope to avoid it now unless necessary.

 

Yes.
Can you not scan when you're offline?

I use Avast with Windows 7 because Windows Defender is just a Antispyware program. But in Windows 10 it's a Antivirus program.

 

Yes I can if I disconnect the Ethernet cable.
You were wise to stay with 7. I have images of all the OS's but 7 is so slow for me I always image back to 10.
I like 10 very much. I liked XP, 8.1 and 10 the best.
TY

 

It's a good idea to always update your security software prior to scanning - then you can disconnect from the internet.
And having images will cover you should something go wrong.
Happy "internetting"!