no free lunch?

How much protection does one get with the firewall that comes with windows /microsoft? Doesn't "real time protection" keep one from being invaded while actually on the net, rather than just removing things in scans after invasion? I can't find anything in the free versions of Malwarebytes antimalware, or Superantispyware that assures me they have 'real time' protection. Do they? I bought Spyware doctor earlier this year, had problems with it the techs couldn't seem to fix, and uninstalled it and got no refund. Hate to keep paying for things I am not sure about. Spyware doctor is well thought of and did work without problems for awhile. Is there a way to get "real time protection" without paying more?
sheena

 

sheena,

Malwarebytes and Superantispyware free versions do not have real time protection - but do in the paid for versions.

SpyBot S&D (Search and Destroy) does have a real time protection called "Tea Timer", that protects against installs, and SDHelper, protects against Internet Explorer exploits.

Not sure how it stacks up when compared to Malwarebytes or SuperAntiSpyware.
Anyone have any ideas about how SpyBot S&D stacks up against the other two, or is there other GOOD Freeware AntiSpyware / Malware real time protection for free.

Here is one - I don't know if it has been around long enough for anyone here to have formed an opinion?
Spyware Terminator
I have never used it.

Chronk

 

I have read on PC Mag I think it was, that Spybot used to be really good but has not kept up to date and is no longer well rated. I liked it, but found that "teatimer" kept intruding upon my normal settings, asking me if I wanted to use tools I normally used, so much that I had to disable it. I thought it had a good user interface. But based on the reviews I read I decided not to continue with it. Pc Mag puts infections in computers and then runs various antispyware programs to see which ones remove the most malware. How else would one discover whether something was an effective antimalware? A friend recommended Panda, but the friend has broadband and much newer computer than I do, and what my friend thinks leaves a light footprint may be heavy for me. Sheena

 

I re - read the question.

I think the Windows firewall is good enough. I am a fairly careful browser and have updated system (Windows Updates) and updated Antivirus.
I'm sure some will disagree.

The Internet Suites - provide realtime protection (Antivirus and Spyware) -
The sofware Firewall (component of a support suite) helps block unauthorized access to your computer.
I prefer using Windows Firewall because I am not wanting to see what is blocked, or have to interact with the Firewall as much, and it is included with Windows.
Before Windows Firewall came out with XP SP2, and a little while after, I have used Zone Alarm, and Comodo, and one other, forgot which one, but it was the most difficult.
I check sites I am unsure of, with WOT (Web of trust) for Inernet Explorer and FireFox.
I don't click on links in E-Mails, I copy the link, then look it up on google, and see the WOT rating.
So I think carefulness and common sense, along with some tools, SuperAntispyware, SpyBot S&D, Malewarebytes, and AVG, Avira, or whatever Antivirus you choose will help keep you safe. I don't think there is one magic bullet that will protect all, just tools and common sense, and a Forum like this to get help in case a nasty malware has gotten your computer, or you suspect it has.

I also use a Linksys router, which is another layer of protection.
I don't use the default IP of the router or the default password.

Regards,

Chronk

 

I have read that SpyBot S&D may not be keeping up, but as I run several AntiSpyware programs - I can keep it in my arsenal.
Several AntiSpyware softwares - not running with real time protection will not harm your system (there may be the exeption?) But I have ran Spybot S&D, Malwarebytes, and SuperAntiSpyware with no harm. I believe I have had SpyBot S&D and AdAware running together and one would complain of the other, but no harm.