Hello advanced_skill,
If you desire a high-degree of MANUAL control over your system then there are two options that immediately come to mind:
Comodo Internet Security; and
Malware Defender
Comodo Internet Security is a complete suite: Anti-Virus, Host Intrusion Prevention System (HIPS), Sandbox, and Firewall. Everything is configurable from policies & permissions to importing malicious hosts files...to the point that it can be mind-boggling. If you enable all features (Proactive Security configuration) and maximum alerts then it will keep you quite busy.
It also includes KillSwitch (system monitor), autoruns manager, Comodo Cleaning Essentials (AV scanner), its own task manager, etc.
CIS is
free and you can integrate Comodo's free backup solution - simply called "Comodo Backup."
Malware Defender is only a Host Intrusion Prevention System. It too is highly configurable and will keep you aware of actions on your system. You can combine Malware Defender with an AV that includes a firewall.
Of the two, Comodo is very comprehensive and has a dedicated, "hard-core" following. I've used it and in my experience it is definitely solid. If you insist on knowing about virtually everything in action on your system then CIS will likely be right for you.
I know what you intend to accomplish, but in your pursuit of absolute control over your system you will either become frustrated or quickly tire of incessant alerts - or both. While controlling every action on a system seems logical, those of us who have the wisdom of experience know that it is simply impractical on a persistent, daily basis. It's like trying to pound nails with a 50 pound sledge hammer. HIPS alerts alone can/are going to drive you nuts - eventually !!!
Unless you are Enemy-of-the-State no. 1, then you do not need absolute awareness of your system. Besides, if you really are EOTS no. 1, nothing can or will protect you. In a word, "Run!"
If you go the route of maximum control (meaning maximum user input required) then ohhhh boy... you ain't eva gonna get a chance to input your user name and password because you will spend all your time responding to alerts...and probably then figuring out what they all mean.
Your goal should be to achieve a very high level of security with a minimum of user input.
That goal can be achieved with a properly configured security software solution. The ones that are consistently recommended here at Malware Tips are:
- Eset Smart Security
- Emsisoft Anti-Malware or Emsisoft Internet Security
- Kaspersky Internet Security
I mention the above as they seem to be very well regarded here at Malware Tips. You can achieve the same with Comodo Internet Security, BitDefender, Trend Micro, etc, etc.
This is the best advice I can give you...
My suggestion is to pick a few that interest you, then evaluate them on your specific system. Then after trying each one out you can then decide which works best for you.
