Kat Armstrong's Windows Security Software Recommendations

I get asked on a daily basis what software I recommend to help protect Windows computers. I decided to compile a category-sorted list that I can point people towards. I always try to recommend free software. However, when asked, I will tell you my opinion on the best paid software, as well. (Eset / Nod32 FTW!!)

Anti-Virus Software

Avast: Avast is light on system resources, and it’s unobtrusive. For the most part it runs silently in the background. It’s the only free antivirus with boot scan options. Avast free can only be used by users in a home environment.

Anti-Vir: Anti-Vir has a very nice interface. It has a small footprint and is easy on system resources. It also consistently ranks near the top of all antiviruses in detection rates.

Edit: I no longer recommend AVG. It has become too bloated with unnecessary junk, and the detection rates aren’t very high. I would strongly recommend replacing your AVG with AntiVir or Avast.

Spyware Detection

SuperAntiSpyware: This program boasts one of the best detection and removal rates. Don’t let the odd sounding name fool you. This is an excellent program.

MBAM (Malware Bytes Anti-Malware): Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware is considered to be the next step in the detection and removal of malware. Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware can detect and remove malware that even the most well-known Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware applications on the market today cannot.

Firewalls

Sunbelt Personal Firewall: SPF has received many awards for its excellent protection. This was formerly Kerio Personal Firewall.

Comodo: This firewall is very easy to use, has an excellent interface, and even better results.

ZoneAlarm: This firewall is very powerful, and can be confusing to novice users.

Temp File Cleaner

ATF Cleaner is the ONLY temp file cleaner I recommend. I know the developer personally. This is a very powerful little tool, but completely safe. Never use something like CCLeaner to clean temp files, or you may end up with a completely hosed machine.

All Around Malware Scanner and Remover

DrWeb CureIt! Dr.Web detects and removes Malware of all types, including viruses, trojans, rootkits and adware/spyware. It’s a very small and easy-to-run tool.

(Disclaimer: I still find AVG the easiest to get along with. I’m never sure of what Avira is doing and Avast talks too much. Also, Adware and Spybot are good second tier lines of defence. They found things in some cases that Super and MBAM did not.)