Windows Defender in Windows 7 and antivirus software

Windows Defender

Although Windows 7 doesn't come bundled with anti-virus software, it will include Windows Defender, an anti-spyware and anti-malware product. Windows Defender will protect your computer against some malware, but it’s insufficient by itself to protect your PC. I suggest installing another anti-malware package, for example MalwareBytes’ Anti-Malware or Spyware Terminator.

Windows Defender must be updated regularly, like several anti-virus and anti-malware products, and you can do that through Windows Update. Accordingly, you need to make sure that Windows Update is placed to download updates automatically.

Some anti-malware products incorporated with anti-virus packages switch off the Windows Defender service. You shouldn't worry too much relating to this; it’s only anti-virus software that can perform this, not malware. You can turn Windows Defender back on, but doing this might lead to a conflict with your other anti-malware package.

Windows 7 and Anti-Virus Software

Windows 7 doesn't include anti-virus software, which means you need to include a completely independent anti-virus package whenever you install the operating system on your computer. Unfortunately, many users don't know this and don't notice the Action Center notification that indicates anti-virus software is missing. Thus, many people unknowingly operate PCs without any anti-virus protection whatsoever.

For users that do notice and click the Action Center notification when Windows is first installed, the operating system helpfully lists anti-virus packages to download and install.

These packages range in price and vary in quality. Some have the freedom yet others are very expensive (although a lot of permit you to install the software on several PCs and can include additional features, for example firewall protection and backup utilities). My recommendation for anti-virus software includes the next.

Microsoft Security Essentials A light-weight anti-virus and anti-malware package that won’t consume your computer’s resources and includes a great scanning engine (Free)
Norton Internet Security/Norton 360 Another really good scanning engine filled with firewall, malware protection, along with other services (Paid-for suite)

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