Antivirus/ security question!

[zombiebait]

Hello there! I feel like a bit of a chump for asking but I'm a little lost. I've read some of the stickys regarding my question and did some research but I'm getting myself confused.

I've had paid Norton in the past but with my new desktop that I'm building I'm thinking of going the "free" route.

From what I've read, Avast free comes highly recommended. I'm wondering what other programs I should couple with it for some good free protection. Will I need a firewall? Malware protection? Spybot? First to give a stellar answer gets a cookie.

 

[Guest]

For nearly 4 years I run my windows just with the microsoft windows essentials , now with windows 8 windows defender, and their native firewall. You can really stick with these, you don't need to worry about viruses as long as you don't give the admin permissions to unsafe programs downloaded from the internet.

From my experience an antivirus never really helped me. What helped me was wise use of computer and internet. You don't need a ton of software installed to be safe. Just being wise enough not to give admin rights to everything. Have open eyes and read before download or run. For worst case scenario windows defender is good enough.

 

[zombiebait]

For nearly 4 years I run my windows just with the microsoft windows essentials , now with windows 8 windows defender, and their native firewall. You can really stick with these, you don't need to worry about viruses as long as you don't give the admin permissions to unsafe programs downloaded from the internet.

From my experience an antivirus never really helped me. What helped me was wise use of computer and internet. You don't need a ton of software installed to be safe. Just being wise enough not to give admin rights to everything. Have open eyes and read before download or run. For worst case scenario windows defender is good enough.

Well then perhaps I will go that route! Thank you for your input.