Can I get by with only Windows Defender as security software on my new home PC with Vista ?

Question

Do I need to consider adding some other security applications as well?

Answer 1

windows defender works only as antispyware, and the truth is no matter which antispyware you use you always will need more than one, is not the same with antivirus where you can run only one at a time, there are some free stuff that will do the work for you but you will need more than one tool. This is the list of softwares that i have being using for over 2 years then when i change to vista they still works great.

1-. AVG free edition (antivirus only), get it free at http://www.grisoft.com/doc/download-free...

2-. Ad.Aware 2007 (antispyware)
http://www.download.com/Ad-Aware-2007/30...

3-. Spybot search and destroy (antispyware)
http://www.download.com/Spybot-Search-De...

4-. ccleaner (increase computer performance deleting unused entries and registries.
http://www.download.com/CCleaner/3000-21...

5.- Zone alarm (firewall) Equip your system to deal with Web-based security threats including hackers, viruses, and worms.
http://www.download.com/ZoneAlarm-Security-Suite/3000-10435_4-10706634.html

What i recommend is to use the spybot S D only once per week. Then use AVG and Ad-aware as default for daily use. Use ccleaner two times per week to keep your PC running smoothly.

Answer 2

Windows Defender is garbage.

Try Superantispyware or A-Squared Free 3.0

Answer 3

Since that was the longest answer ever, here's a shorter one: In addition to Windows Defender, download AVG free from www.grisoft.com/free. My boyfriend works in computer repair and that's what they install on all the systems they get in because it does a very good job and, of course, is free!

Answer 4

I strongly feel that that is not enough. Windows Defender is not reliable and tend to slow down your system due to the heavy processing. My suggestion is you uninstall it and install the following:

1. Antivirus: Avast - http://www.avast.com/

2. Spyware protection:
Spyware Blaster - http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html
AdAware - http://www.lavasoft.com/

3. Trash purging: CCleaner – http://www.ccleaner.com

4. Firewall: Zone Alarm – http://www.zonealarm.com

Answer 5

Summarization Number 3, because 3 thumbs down because my answer is long and complex :(, Ok, it is not good protection due to its comparison and its coding of the software, it is basic protection for novice users, it won't work well due to its lack of funding, and people that use it alot, so its updates are weak, and there alot of additional or extension software that increases the chances of finding malicious coding and spyware.

Consider getting an anti virus I said previously earlier or anti spyware, but be aware that such free products are :
- limited
- life time, with limited protection
- immuinization only
- life time, recommanded alot like S&D but won't protect you from everything, just common ones
- scan , but can't remove
- spyware themselves
Adware/Hoaxes/ Other things you need to worry about
But the most is privacy prevention compromisation like Phishing, Anti-Viruses, Anti-Spywares, Toolbars, POP up blockers, and a decent firewall.

So yes.
There an accurate answer, that answers your question without the long stringy complex, optionally by me, answer. While everyone else recommands their beloved software.