Is an AV required to be safe with Windows 7 ?

[WalterWolf]

Well I don't use anything because I don't really need anything. I can't remember when I had virus or anything on my PC.

 

[LabZero]

NVT ExeRadarPro, best one.

Download link of the free beta version :

http://downloads.novirusthanks.org/files/EXERadar_Pro_x86_x64_v3.1_15052015_BUILD1.exe

Agreed, but it is bad that there isn't a free version.

 

[Online_Sword]

Agreed, but it is bad that there isn't a free version.

EXE Radar Pro v3.1 has already been a freeware (more precisely, a donationware).

New Antiexecutable: NoVirusThanks EXE Radar Pro | Page 162 | Wilders Security Forums

ERP will be released as freeware officially in the stable version and will live with donations.

 

[LabZero]

EXE Radar Pro v3.1 has already been a freeware (more precisely, a donationware).

New Antiexecutable: NoVirusThanks EXE Radar Pro | Page 162 | Wilders Security Forums

Many thanks @Online_Sword !

 

[Anupam]

Just use Avast Antivirus with Hardened mode enabled. It's almost same as Anti-executor with white listing

 

[frogboy]

I would say yes even if just to feel more comfortable surfing the web. It has saved me a few times.

 

[jamescv7]

@user102: For Home usage well it can be acceptable but for business scale environment hence an AV + Virtualization are already enough at all.

 

[Ink]

Simple answer: Does (any) Windows OS require an Antivirus? Yes.

There are too many factors to consider, before you can conclude that ALL Antivirus software use a LOT of resources.

If you have been living under a rock, As of Windows 8 and higher, it comes with an integrated Antivirus; Windows Defender. Windows 7 and prior does not come with any Antivirus protection. (Windows Defender on Windows Vista and 7 is anti-spyware only).

A different approach to other recommendations: Sandboxie + Unchecky + HitmanPro with HMP.Alert (preferably licensed) and an easy to manage Imaging recovery system (for backup/restore).

 

[frogboy]

Simple answer: Does (any) Windows OS require an Antivirus? Yes.

There are too many factors to consider, before you can conclude that ALL Antivirus software use a LOT of resources.

If you have been living under a rock, As of Windows 8 and higher, it comes with an integrated Antivirus; Windows Defender. Windows 7 and prior does not come with any Antivirus protection. (Windows Defender on Windows Vista and 7 is anti-spyware only).

A different approach to other recommendations: Sandboxie + Unchecky + HitmanPro with HMP.Alert (preferably licensed) and an easy to manage Imaging recovery system (for backup/restore).

This a bit scary questioning you but what about Microsoft Security Essentials. What is Microsoft Security Essentials?

 

[Ink]

This a bit scary questioning you but what about Microsoft Security Essentials. What is Microsoft Security Essentials?

OP doesn't want to use an Antivirus. Microsoft Security Essentials is an optional download, and not integrated into the OS.

 

[Deleted member 178]

OP doesn't want to use an Antivirus. Microsoft Security Essentials is an optional download, and not integrated into the OS.

And if you have to download an AV , you have far better choices than MSE on Win7.

 

[JakeXPMan]

what is the difference between Microsoft Security Essentials and Windows Defender?

 

[frogboy]

what is the difference between Microsoft Security Essentials and Windows Defender?

From Microsoft.

Microsoft Security Essentials is antimalware software, which means that it's designed to detect and help protect your PC against a wide range of malicious software, including viruses, spyware, and other potentially unwanted software. Windows Defender, which is automatically installed with your Windows operating system, is software that detects and stops spyware.

 

[SloppyMcFloppy]

what is the difference between Microsoft Security Essentials and Windows Defender?

Microsoft Security Essential and Windows Defender are the same, it just Microsoft rename Microsoft Security Essential for Windows Defender. Microsoft Security Essential is optional for you to install and use it, while Windows Defender integrated to Windows 8,8.1,and 10 and it always run if you don't have any 3rd party antivirus install.

 

[JakeXPMan]

Windows Defender integrated to Windows 8,8.1,and 10 and it always run if you don't have any 3rd party antivirus install.

Should one remove Windows Defender before installing an antivirus program?

 

[Online_Sword]

what is the difference between Microsoft Security Essentials and Windows Defender

A significant difference between Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) and Windows Defender (WD) is that, WD does NOT have a scanning option in the context menu until the very recent version, while MSE has it from the beginning.

Windows Defender, which is automatically installed with your Windows operating system, is software that detects and stops spyware.

It seems that this only applies to win 7. From win 8, WD is generalized to be a general anti-virus program, just like MSE.

 

[jamescv7]

They are literally same, WD enhance from the MSE concept which why its already an Antivirus. *

WD for Vista and 7 is considered as Anti-Spyware prior registered on Action Center.

@JakeXPMan: Windows Defender will disable the protection modules when a third party AV successfully installed. It will not remove prior on Vista, 7, 8/ 8.1/ 10

 

[JakeXPMan]

@JakeXPMan: Windows Defender will disable the protection modules when a third party AV successfully installed. It will not remove prior on Vista, 7, 8/ 8.1/ 10

So, with any use of an antivirus, do not uninstall Windows Defender ?

 

[SloppyMcFloppy]

So, with any use of an antivirus, do not uninstall Windows Defender ?

If you use 3rd party antivirus it will automatically disable WD completely upon installing.

 

[jamescv7]

@JakeXPMan: It will not uninstall, only protection modules to be disabled. That's how Microsoft implemented for Win 8 to 10 OS version.