Is MSSE alone enough protection?

My Kaspersky internet security 2010 subscription is about to run out in 4 days. I will be not able to renew due to financial reasons. So I need a good free anti-virus. I have my mind set on MSSE I have read nothing but good reviews. Will it offer me total protection like Kaspersky did. Will it be enough alone. Sorry if this is been asked but this is my first time using free anti-virus software as I only get paid antivirus program. Thanks for the help!!!!

 

I use MSSE plus Malware Bytes and (as far as I know) have never had any issues.

 

Answer:
Yes.

Kaspersky does do more - but you don't necessarily need it - on the other hand - detection rates are what counts and MSE is quite high too.

 

MSE is more than enough and will protect you just as good.
Kapersky indeed does more, but the detection rates are more or less on par with each other (pretty high, and I think MSE was rated to have the lowest false positives rates).

I use MSE's real time protection, and MBAM free as an on-demand scanner (only if I suspect something went through MSE, which is practically never) ... no issues.

 

Recently a new beta of MSE was released that includes integration with IE, and also includes network-level protection, similar to paid Internet Security Suites.

 

I suggest u pair up the MSE with Prevx SafeOnline 3.0 Free via ( Prevx - PC and Internet Security for Home & Families, Businesses, Enterprises, Banks, Financial, eCommerce, and their customers.) read the description to know its functions

 

Isn't Avira Antivir a much better and safer choice for FREE AVs?

 

I would pair MSE with a good browser and some good add-ons, like AdBlock and NoScript.

 

Just make sure you have some firewall -- Windows' built-in one or another program -- and also that you regularly get updates for your OS and your programs.

 

^ This. Having a good anti-virus will only get you so far. Knowing what not to click and recognizing scams as they occur is far more important. Using a combination of NoScript, AdBlockPlus and LastPass (or KeePass) will prevent a great deal of auto-run exploits and ensure that your accounts have the strongest possible passwords.

 

Agreed, and to add a bit - even the best AVs can not guarantee zero-day protection against threats. It's ultimately up to the user to practice safe computing to prevent the majority of issues. AV is a backup to foolishness, not a front line defense.

 

I agree with what is said here. MSSE is fine. The best piece of security for your computer is your own common sense.

 

I got goosebumps reading that line

Or maybe that was because it finally started raining here and broke some of the crazy heat we've been having...

The world will never know!

 

Also use software restriction policies

 

Alright guys tell me if this will be ok

I plan on using

MSE(Microsoft Security Essentials) (Real Time Protection)

MalewareBytes- On demand scanner (free version)

Fully Updated Fire Fox with these add-ons

Web of Trust
Better Privacy
Ad Block plus

Om very careful what I do on the internet will this be enough.

Thanks for all the help!!!!

 

MSE and Firefox with Ad Block Plus and No Script would be perfect. And Windows 7 firewall

 

I have windows vista 32bit is that firewall ok? I don't understand No Script . Otherwise everything else is ok?

 

It would suffice. No Script isnt that hard to understand. You whitelist the sites you trust and then everything else gets blocked and if you need the site temporarily just set "temp allow this page".

But yes that would be ok.

 

The firewalls in Vista and 7 are virtually the same (with 7 holding a minor edge over Vista due to being newer).
Anyway, the firewall you have will be enough.

As for No Script ... to be honest I never used it myself because it blocks virtually all relevant content necessary to display the website properly.
I simply use AdBlock (in Chromium) and it's been more than enough with MSE.

 

That's sort of the point, though I agree that it can be quite annoying on some sites. I generally suggest that those who have an aversion to NoScript at least use FlashBlock and disable the advanced. You get some of the benefits of NoScript, but without the annoyance of having to whitelist every site.

 

Its a pain for the first couple of weeks; by then you know what are the srcipts required to be allowed and they have been added to the whitelist.

 

But that's the point of NoScript: no scripting is allowed by default until you say otherwise which means you have to put in some effort and allow content on a site-by-site basis. It's either that or continue on the path you're on...

AdBlock Plus blocks ads, and not much else. Scripting is where the big problems lie when they happen, and ABP isn't going to do Jack Squat for you when that time comes, if it ever does.

And the old suggestion of "Dump Windows and go to Linux/etc" won't help forever either as nothing is ever that secure, not even UNIX is invulnerable.

You can't assume you're going to be safe anymore; it requires effort on the part of each person to "protect" themselves in the best way they can which means using all the tools at their disposal.

Anyone that disagrees with this or fails to heed the advice will suffer the consequences when something hits that proverbial fan...

 

Is this out yet? I would like to know more.

 

Yes, you can download it after registering in Microsoft Connect.

 

I just installed it and it doesn't look or feel any different. I guess I have to use it some more.

EDIT: My boot time is 20 sec longer now!

 

Let's see ... I use Windows 7 x64 (have 0 aspirations to switch to Linux).
I run it with admin privileges, use Adblock with Chromium and MSE for real time protection.
Number of infections or problems: 0 (which was the case years even before Win 7).

I find NoScript and FF in general to be a nuisance for the most part (because it's behaving slow and chokes down every time I use it), and while I do practice relatively safe browsing, I know where most problems come from and I don't go around clicking on absolutely everything.
My own security measures are more than enough for me and majority of other people on whom I maintain OS-es.

NoScript is not the 'golden mine' here and it never was (and it won't be enough to protect you from certain rare cases either way).

 

bbz_Ghost, I wanted to ask you something regarding another forum. I lost my login information which is why I couldn't contact you through there. If you could reply to this my email is on my profile and I can ask you there..

 

Wholeheartedly agree. It's simply a tool that some, such as myself, find useful; but it's definitely not the end-all solution.

 

I'm very impressed with MSE its fast does not slow down my computer like kaspersky and MSE caught a virus that both malewarbytes and kaspersky missed! So far very happy!