This thread's last reply is from August 2, 2008, 2:31 AM UTC. Software, malware, and removal-tool
advice below may be out of date — treat specific steps and download links with caution.
Hi,
I've just changed to Vista Home Premium with a new machine.
I was using AVG for anti-virus and Zonealarm as a firewall (your recommendation last time!)
Can you please tell me what you'd recommend for use with Vista for best protection?
Thanks again for your help!
W
Hi, walshie.
I am moving your topic to the General Discussions room as that is a more appropriate area for your question.
I'm sure you'll get lots of input.
Hello walshie,
AntiVir is a good Anti Virus, they also have a suite that includes firewall. Here is some information:
http://www.free-av.com/en/products/index.html
Hope that helps.
TD

If you are willing to pay, then I would recommend using the AntiVir suite as turtledove said.

I recommend downloading the demo first to see how you like the feel of it and how it will run with your system.
If you are looking for free, then I recommend the following:
- Avira AntiVir Personal (free) for your Anti-Virus
- Comodo Firewall Pro 3.0 (free) - it provides excellent protection for a firewall and has Defense+ for added security.

- WinPatrol 2008
- MalwareBytes' Anti-Malware has a free and paid version. The free version will only allow you to scan on-demand. I recommend doing a full scan once every few weeks to make sure there is nothing.
- Spybot Search & Destroy has awesome, free realtime protection and can make your system quite a bit less vulnerable.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Adam
For free security software, I'd use Avira Antivir, WinPatrol, a HOSTS file, SpywareBlaster, ZoneAlarm (Comodo if you're more advanced at the computer), and MBAM as a backup malware scanner.
One word of caution... Of late, I have seen a number of Vista systems that were blocked from internet access by third-party firewalls and/or overzealous security suites. I saw three of these just yesterday. Don't overdo.