📎 AI Summary:
The thread discusses concerns about Windows Defender's effectiveness on Windows 8.1, with the original poster seeking opinions on reliable free antivirus and firewall options. A responder recommends using Microsoft Defender along with MB Pro and suggests that free solutions can be sufficient, based on personal experience. The overall sentiment is that existing setups seem adequate for users, with some consideration that Windows 10 may offer different security protections.

Peterr

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Mar 31, 2011
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Thread Author #1
I have Win 8.1 and don't like what I have been reading about Defender.

Could I get a time tested opinion about a free a/v and firewall combo?

I have MBAM with SpywareBlaster and Defender. if you think that is good enough please comment.
 

Solution
Ah....the great AV debate...yet again. You have people swear by one and others will say it's crap...it's just a matter of personal preference and what the latest AV test reports say. My motto is; free is always better.

Personally I use MS Defender coupled with MB Pro, MS firewall, and a few other malware/spyware cleaners....and I've yet to have a problem.

Jimbo22

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Joined
Aug 27, 2008
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5,036
Ah....the great AV debate...yet again. You have people swear by one and others will say it's crap...it's just a matter of personal preference and what the latest AV test reports say. My motto is; free is always better.

Personally I use MS Defender coupled with MB Pro, MS firewall, and a few other malware/spyware cleaners....and I've yet to have a problem.
 

Last edited:
Solution

Peterr

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Joined
Mar 31, 2011
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1,173
Thread Author #3
It seems we are about on the same page except for your pro version of MBAM.
I have not had issues either so will stay with what I have.
Win 10 May have different protection.