Virus Programs

[#1]

In Windows7, I run the 'Avast' anti-virus program. Some time ago, I read that even if one used another virus program, one should also run Microsoft's 'Windows Defender' program as a "second line of anti-virus defence".
Although I briefly tried it for a few weeks, I have not been at all keen on this idea, as I always understood that more than one anti-virus program would both slow the computer down and they would conflict with each other.
Please, what do the Windows Experts think?
If only one program, which is the better of the two to run?
I use Linux a lot, but do want my Windows7 installation to be as safe as possible.
Many thanks for any advice.
Keith

[#2]

Win 7 , you cant go wrong with MSE http://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/security/pc-security/mse.aspx ,,,its free 
in addition i run Malwarebytes free & Ccleaner  and have never been compromised , Best combination you can use 

[#3]

+1 with the addition of SpyBot S&D v1.62.
All work well together but with Malwarebytes, CCleaner & SpyBot you must do manual updates and ran the scans yourself, too.
I have MSE to scan once a week on a Wednesday afternoon and then manually do the other three once that's complete.

[#4]

There is an Antivirus Megatest in the current edition of Computer Active.
Microsoft Security Essentials comes out last and is labelled being by doing more harm than good by letting you believe that you're protected when you're not!
Kaspersky comes out top and Avast is 5th!

[#5]

Sorry Nedlud but i care to differ , despite  what  so called independent test say , MSE works 100% fine and like i say have never !!! been compromised at all in the last 3 years i have used  it 

[#6]

Quote from: NedLudd

There is an Antivirus Megatest in the current edition of Computer Active. Microsoft Security Essentials comes out last and is labelled being by doing more harm than good by letting you believe that you're protected when you're not! Kaspersky comes out top and Avast is 5th!

Out of interest who came 2nd 3rd and 4th?
Regards
Mike

[#7]

Quote from: rongtw

Sorry Nedlud but i care to differ , despite  what  so called independent test say , MSE works 100% fine and like i say have never !!! been compromised at all in the last 3 years i have used  it

That is your opinion based upon your usage. CA have produced their results for people to make their own judgements.
MSE missed 40 out of 100 threats.
1) Kaspersky missed zero
2) Norton Internet Security missed one
3) ESET Smart Security missed five
4) McAfee Internet Security missed one (but expensive)
5) Avast (Best Free) missed 9

[#8]

Thanks for the info NedLudd
Regards
Mike

[#9]

Many thanks for all the replies. They are very useful and I appreciate them.
I'll have to do a bit of thinking about the suggestions!
Cheers.
Keith

[#10]

If you're going to follow Mav's suggestion, make sure you use Spybot v1.62 (if still available). Avoid Spybot v2 like the proverbial, for verily it is a bloated crock of poo. 
I use Avast! Free with Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes. No problems. 

[#11]

I see more virused computers running McAfee than all other security software put together.  If it was rated number 4 in a test then that test cannot be of any real-world scenario.
I never use Spybot any more because it went into a decline and has been superseded by other software that runs much faster.  These days what you need is software that can find and remove programs that have a veneer of legitimacy and thereby escape the notice of conventional security software.  Malwarebytes classifies these as PUPs, Potentially Unwanted Programs 
Most security software running on Windows 7 will disable Windows Defender.  That includes Microsoft Security Essentials.  To check you can look at your Windows Update History to see if Windows Defender definition updates are being installed.

[#12]

Quote from: ReedRichards

I see more virused computers running McAfee than all other security software put together.  If it was rated number 4 in a test then that test cannot be of any real-world scenario.

According to CA MacAfee have released a new version with vast improvements!
But, you should also bear in mind, that all the tests performed are exactly the same on all checkers.
Why so called professionals baulk at independent tests beats me!

[#13]

@ReedRichards
You are right, McAfee is the worst out there, so much so that the guy that made it, was glad to have his name removed from it, after INTEL yes INTEL purchased & re-branded it,

Quote from: TORPC

<snip> Even Intel which has taken over Mcafee are or have dropped the Mcafee brand name (will see if I can find the link) The recommendations would be either Avast free or Microsoft Security Essentials (MSSE) not both for the main resident AV <snip> Edit: [quote= http://upstart.bizjournals.com/entrepreneurs/hot-shots/2014/01/07/intel-drops-mcafee-name-from-software.html]John McAfee is finally glad to be rid of his embarrassing association with McAfee antivirus software.

[quote= http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-25631183]His response to Intel’s rebranding was pure McAfee: “I am now everlastingly grateful to Intel for freeing me from this terrible association with the worst software on the planet,” he told the BBC. “These are not my words, but the words of millions of irate users. My elation at Intel’s decision is beyond words.”

I know people still refer to it as McAfee & that is right for prior to INTEL's re-branding
Therefore in the test that was mentioned above  / below (depending on your settings)
McAfee or INTEL's re-branded version ?

[#14]

Well, buy a copy of CA and read the article for yourself! 

[#15]

Quote from: NedLudd

Why so called professionals baulk at independent tests beats me!

I baulk at test results that contradict my own experience.  If

Quote from: NedLudd

... MacAfee have released a new version with vast improvements...

that's because it needed to be vastly improved.  I have not encountered this wonderful new version yet.  Is it incorporated into Plusnet Protect, I wonder?