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I was wondering if I should let Windows Firewall and Antivirus take care of my system's health. Should I consider buying a paid version of another antivirus/firewall (Norton, AVG)?

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This question is rather subjective. You could instead identify the features important to you, or perhaps ask for references to comparisons of the features and effectiveness of specific products. This question is a bit like a buying recommendation - which is off-topic. – RedGrittyBrick May 20 '11 at 13:42
I agree that it's subjective and likely argumentative, but I don't think it's worth closing. A better way to ask this question may be "Where can I find a scientific comparison between antivirus and firewall software, specifically Microsoft products?" – TuxRug May 20 '11 at 18:59

3 Answers

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Microsoft Security Essentials has been well reviewed. It does a great job of staying out of the way of the OS and you can set a CPU threshold for the background scan to avoid it getting overzealous when running.

Their firewall product is both a blessing and a curse. You never know it's there most of the time and at the same time you never know if it is doing it's job. At home your router should be your first line of defense from intrusions on your system anyway. When you are out and about on public WiFi make sure Windows 7 recognizes the network is a public network and it should help keep most intrusions at bay.

Comodo made a decent firewall that is a little more interactive (read: in your face) about the activity entering and leaving your system. You could always give it a whirl with their "free" version if it is still around.

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There is no need to wonder if the Windows Firewall is doing its job: all you have to do is enable logging to see exactly what's being dropped. – kreemoweet Nov 27 '12 at 18:35
@kreemoweet - Windows Firewall does not do a good job blocking outgoing connections – Ramhound Nov 27 '12 at 19:37
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Personally, I run Microsoft Security Essentials and just have a high set firewall and it works well for me. I also avoid certain sites that have been known to implicate ads and malware and that also helped boatloads for me.

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up vote -4 down vote

There is a third party program that tweaks the Windows 7 firewall and I believe is at version 2. Its called TinyWall, its not a separate firewall, more like a "booster" for the Windows Firewall. You can even email the developer if you have any questions.

http://tinywall.pados.hu/

In terms of free Antivirus protection Avast comes pretty highly recommended, they also offer free protection for Apple Macs and Android Smartphones.

http://www.avast.com/index

The CNET Homepage verifies Avast as No 1 (look to the right at most popular downloads)

http://download.cnet.com/windows/ (27/12/2012 @18.31)

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The question was if the Windows firewall is good. – Dennis Nov 27 '12 at 19:04
@Dennis - Yes and I know people who have improved their Windows firewall with "tinywall", the question also talks about "the Windows Antivirus" which is refering to Microsoft Security Essentials, as it is Avast Free Antivirus is superior to this, that is well known. kind regards...... – Simon Nov 27 '12 at 20:00
@Dennis - If you read the second sentence of his question quote "Should I consider buying a paid version of another antivirus/firewall (Norton/AVG) ?" I answered you should tweak windows firewall with tinywall, and you should use avast free edition. No need to spend any money. Alot of people know it to be true – Simon Nov 27 '12 at 20:10

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