New computer secruity help!

I've already unistalled that expensive program that is Norton but now my computer is defenseless. What are some of the best and kept up to date anti virus/spyware, etc. programs?

Also UAC (User Account Control) is pissing me off but I'm unsure if I should turn it off. I haven't installed any programs so turning it off wouldn't cause any application problems but it is some added protection at the cost of a minor annoyance...

Thanks guys!

 

me = Windows Firewall + Defenders + Avast + Spyware Blaster.

cheers ...

 

You might just want to look at the first sticky at the top of this forum.

 

Personally I'm a fan of Kaspersky Internet Security - 2010 is the most recent iteration.

UAC - keep it on, it adds a layer of security.
It should only appear when you instal/unistal programmes, or open things like the device manager.
It should not pop up in normal use.
(CCleaner is one exception to that)

 

Because UAC will prompt you when something try to move in your system.
The downside is UAC do not know the "something" is good or bad. So, it can be annoying while you're doing something harmless and UAC warn you about it.
Well, if you want a higher protection enable UAC will be a good choice.
Windows 7 UAC is slight clever than Windows Vista UAC.

@trekker1,
I heard plenty of people told me about AVG free edition is the BEST free AV many times.
However, they all regret after testing the almightly Avira Antivir Personal 9(FREE too), because Avira Antivir Personal 9 is the BEST.
Try it and feel the different. Avira Antivir Personal 9 is the very LIGHT resources and freaking high detection rate. Maybe you will detect some viruses that your AVG free edition didn't catch. I am not fanatic but this is the truth.

 

Not really - its not so easy.

UAC pops up when system files are affected.

It can pop up if you want to just move files, if:
The files are on a drive that originated from another user and you thus do not own the files.
This can happen on external devices.

Another aspect of system files is software that actively modifies, changes, cleans or optimizes system files.
(Defragmentation, DiscCleaners etc.)

UAC in Win7 is the same as Vista, only you have different security settings instead of just "on/off".

This means however, that a "lower protection state" may not warn you of a malicious code trying to afect system files or settings.

 

Agreed. I know it helps a lot.
Yet, I have UAC disabled on all my machines. XD!

 

That's actually another way you can run into toruble - having it switched off and then switching it on.

I would recommend you turn it on though.

 

No. I hate UAC. LOL.
Not hate, is actually I used CCleaner and many tweaking stuffs. So, I can't have UAC turned on.
Moreover, I don't like the "nagging" screen.

 

Well, tweaking adn Vista.. this tend to go wrong...

Vista ist best left as it is. - Do some searchin here on NBR; there are countless threads to that extent.

 

Well, I am not a "super newbie" on tweaking Vista.
Familiar on what should be disable and tweak. Conducted plenty of experiments too. Now, I have tweaked everything fine and the system is very stable.
I got WEI 4.6 naturally, after tweaking, I got WEI 4.9.
Lastly, thanks for the advice.