Windows security

So i left the windows for a while and went on to os X, now im going to be returning to windows but a long time has passed and i realize i have no idea what are good antiviruses or how i should set up to be protected. i saw in one of the inbox videos logan saying you needed antivirus and anti rootkit and that they all suck.

previously i used to have

avg free

spybot s&d

and comodo firewall

are any of these options still valid? or what should i do once my new rig gets here?

Personally my computer is set up like this: Avast antivirus, seems light on resources. Honestly havent seen a virus since XP. I use the build in Firewall. I have in the past use firewalls from other companys but mostly find them annoying and debate on whether they are any better than what windows has already. System maintenance tool is Advanced System Care. Good program that has alot of tools build into it. It is becoming rather bloatware like but still does what it is suppose to do. Win Patrol: A handy little tool that greatest use is to help protect you from browser jackings and such. It does more things buts thats it greatest so far. Of course Malawarebytes, ccleaner, a super antispyware. Use what programs you like. Security should approached in layers while not relying on any one program to protect it all. I prefer using two different types of malware scanners ,spyware scanners and such. Because the truth of it all is that nothing out there will protect you from everything and there is no such thing as perfect protection or security. One of the best things you can do is get gadgets that real time monitor aspects of your pc. Knowing how much resources your programs use at any given time is a really good way of detecting problems. Cpu usage, ram usage, temps, a network meter all good tools to have. With building my own pcs for so long, I can tell there is a problem with my computer just by how it boots and loads into windows without even having to use anything. So knowing your pc is the best free stuff out there. :)~

I use Avast free, and usually don't have to worry about scanning with spybot S&D/malewarebytes. Both are must haves for when something sneaks by; on a rushed install of some freeware for example

I almost forgot a good uninstaller is a must have. I use the Iobit version but anything thats does that samething would be fine. Since i download programs from all over the place. A uninstaller is a must have tool for any windows platform. Having a good download spot for programs is another necessity. Ninite and File Hippo are my favs at the moment.

Oh, yeah. Almost forgot CCleaner. Excellent for uninstalls, cleaning temp/cookie/history files, & cleaning registry. LOVE this program

Common sense I haven't had an antivirus on any computer I've ever owned and have never got a virus

sometimes common sense just doesnt cut it, i got once my system almost wiped out by some malware thanks to an infected pen drive from a friend.

anyway had forgotten about the need to clean the registry -.-'

off the top of my head now

antivirus, malware protection, and an unistaller/registry cleaner

the registry cleaner back if my memory serves me right used to be delicate stuff like you needed a good one or things could get fucked up, so whats a good one? or have things changed?

I've been wondering about this approach to "security". Do you still use a program like spybot or malewarebytes?

I fully understand how knowing what is and what isn't legit can be fairly obvious and can provide a great deal of protection. Have I been scared into using an AV?

CCleaner has a registry cleaner and also forgot to mention has full access to all start up folders to fix pesky issues after some uninstalls

I've been without any 3rd party security anything for 3 years now without issues, and that's without even thinking about it, really. I didn't change how I used my computer or what I do, I just.... don't run any antivirus.

Unless your hobbies include downloading shady shit from shady places, there really isn't anything else to it.

Not having AV running in the background is definitely an improvement. Even if one or two viruses do sneak by, Norton, McAfee, and HP printer "drivers" (now with Facebook) have done far more damage to my computing experience than viruses ever will.

I disagree with Freaksmacker. Iobit's software is notorious for creating problems (Advanced SystemCare in particular is a joke). I would steer clear from any software by them.

Interesting my pc runs 24/7 stable and well. While nothing is perfect, still my system is always stable and runs well. I expect it to all day everyday till i build another.

Will give it a try once i get my pc

i got once my system almost wiped out by some malware thanks to an infected pen drive from a friend.

This is solved by disabling autorun, not relying on antiviruses.

Try http://chocolatey.org/

I havent had one in about 7 years. Just dont click anything that says "click me". 

Just be careful about what software you install, and keep windows updated, I haven't used antivirus in years and haven't had any problems. Also software firewalls are more annoying than useful, you have a firewall in your router so unless you don't trust your local network then you really don't need one.

ya, dont do man!