On Windows 8/8.1 I have tried:
- Windows Defender + SmartScreen + UAC + Firewall
Windows Defender in 8.1 comes with the Network Inspection Service as found in MSE on Windows Vista - 7, but does lack on the options, such as CPU usage etc. WD in Windows 8 is slightly different - Compare the Services of 8 to 8.1
Windows SmartScreen is now present system-wide, compared to just their browsers Internet Explorer version. In IE9, SmartScreen was improved with Application Reputation, I think this is also present in Windows 8 -
Can anyone confirm?
UAC on Vista was a real pain, even Norton released their own UAC for Vista. However, since Windows 7 and now 8, UAC is no longer an issue with being annoying.
Windows Firewall requires no configuration, except when joining a new network; Home, Work or Public. Note: Avast's Streaming updates may not function under Work or Public Firewall settings. From Control Panel > Firewall, you can choose to fine tune the Firewall with Advanced Security. It may require some extra time to understand, but the most basic as to block an application from the Internet is fairly simple to do.
All round it's a great set-up for those who prefer the no-nonsense or want piece of mind security. Doesn't over promise like other options, and even Microsoft haven't pushed MSE/WD to be the best of the best. However, I have read that they are planning on working to create MSE/WD more automated and intelligent, without nagging the user of the PC.
- Avast Free (Custom) + SmartScreen + UAC + Firewall with Advanced Security
I'll admit, Avast Free Antivirus does come with a lot more Tools than before, and this is why I opted for a custom installation with the File Shield only. For most users, the Web Shield is also recommended for install. Now comparing it to WD, it may have better overall detection and faster on threat removal. However, I had to uninstall Avast due to the Auto-Sandbox. While it claims to improve security against unknown threats, I honestly, felt less secure.
Quite the opposite of what it was offering.
OK, so I don't download random programs and absent-mindlessly run them, but I felt that I was relying on a system that could fail. And I wasn't comfortable about the whole idea of having to risk my system, just so Avast could flag the file as suspicious.
- Webroot SecureAnywhere (trial) + SmartScreen + UAC
One of the better Cloud Antivirus software, but not free. Had to uninstall as WSA has it's own Firewall, and since Windows Firewall was disable, I lost my pre-configured Advanced Security settings for some programs, (ie. IObit Uninstaller tells me there is an update).
- Avira Free Antivirus + SmartScreen + UAC + Firewall
Felt much more lighter than Avast and WD, but it had an odd way of operating on the system. File LukeWalker and all that crazy stuff - it didn't feel natural.
But to mention Avira 2014 is vastly improved over their previous releases. They have completely scrapped the Toolbar and working on Chrome/Firefox browser extensions which look promising at blocking malicious/harmful sites. They also removed the nagscreen and no longer advertises about upgrading or other partnered products. However, I still am doubtful about Avira Online Essentials being bundled with their new releases. If Avira can be downloaded and used without OE, that would be great (let me know), as Avira Online Essentials requires a registered account.
No comment for BETA software:
Kaspersky Internet Security 2015 (Tech Preview)
Returnil during mid-2013.
I applaud you, if you read all of this.
