Windows 8 - Anti-virus/firewall?

Howdy,

I was wondering if anyone has done much experimenting yet with both anti-virus software and/or firewall software for Windows 8? Any recommendations for free software? I just upgraded (majorly) from Windows XP (as in bought a new machine) and my pair of choice before was Avast & ZoneAlarm.

Also, is something natively installed on Windows 8 that now makes one or both of these no longer needed? I kind of doubt it...

Thanks for your recommendations!

 

Windows 8 comes with a reworking of Windows Defender. This version for Win 8 is like a combination of Win Defender and Microsoft Security Essentials. So yes it does come with a built-in anti-virus, antispyware.

 

Hmmm...ok. So I guess my follow-up question would be...should I consider this native Win 8 anti-virus/anti-spyware sufficient, or should I augment or replace it with another anti-virus software?

(My previous experience has only been with XP, which of course needed other software installed.)

 

According to Microsoft this software is good enough for the basic user, but if you choose to use another antivirus, you must Disable, you can't uninstall Defender. Take a look at these instructions. http://xtendedview.com/computer/windows-8/disable-windows-defender-in-windows-8/740/

 

Windows 8 firewall, and Windows 8 Defender/Microsoft Security Essentials. Only other thing is to disable that Metro Interface, and go directly to Desktop to do everything.

 

So would the recommendation be to disable the native Windows 8 firewall and antivirus and use something else?

 

It's a matter of personal opinion, alot depends on surfing habits, or if you feel more comfortable with something like Avast, AVG, Avira,, etc. It really comes down to what you feel best.

 

No, stick with what is on there. You still use the layered approach, though.