Are these free security software is a good choice? are they compatible

on my computer at the moment i have:

http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

i have windows defender, but i've switched it off due to advice i got on yahoo answers.

i have microsoft spynet - advanced level.

i also have mcafee site advisor.
http://www.siteadvisor.com/

i've asked for advice on yahoo answers about what free security software would people advise me to get.

i need an anti-virus.
people mentioned avast, avg, avira, norton, kapersky, comodo.
alot of people recommended avast.

i need a firewall.
people mentioned comodo, zonealarm, pc tools firewall plus 6.
most people recommended comodo.

i need spyware protection.
people mentioned malwarebytes, adaware, superantispyware.
most people recommended malwarebytes.

i need malware protection.
people mentioned malwarebytes, adaware.
most people recommended malwarebytes.

so according to people on yahoo answers i should choose avast anti-virus, comodo firewall, malwarebytes anti-malware/anti-spyware.
what do you think?
are they compatible?

If you ask 10 different people - you will get 10 different opinions


Microsoft security Essentials IS an antivirus - a very good one.

You should only have ONE antivirus. Having more than one causes system slowdowns, conflicts and crashes.

How do you connect to the internet? Are you behind a secure router? If you are then you don't necessarily need a firewall.

A very good free one is Outpost Firewall Free

Only use ONE firewall, for the same reasons you only need one AntiVirus.


Malwarebytes is an excellent stand alone scanner. Update it and run a scan every now and then.

I personally like Web of Trust:

WOT, Web of Trust, warns you about risky websites that try to scam visitors, deliver malware or send spam. Protect your computer against online threats by using WOT as your front-line layer of protection when browsing or searching in unfamiliar territory. WOT's color-coded icons show you ratings for 21 million websites, helping you avoid the dangerous sites:

• Green to go
• Yellow for caution
• Red to stop

WOT has an addon available for both Firefox, IE and chrome.



so that's all you need:


Microsoft Security Essentials
Outpost Firewall (if you are not behind a secure router)
Malwarebytes Antimalware
Web of Trust.

Most of all - what you need is Common Sense,

No matter how good the programs on your computer, if the user doesn't practice safe surfing habits your computer WILL get infected:

Avoid torrents and peer 2 peer file sharing, don't open or answer emails from anyone you don't know, especially those with attachments.

Don't venture into known dodgy sites that Web of Trust Warn against.

Don't download anything without verifying the source.


I'm sure others will have opinions on other programs, but the basic rules stay the same.

good luck and stay safe