Windows 10: Is Windows defender and Malwarebytes pro enough? (Win10)

Hi, @Double:

MBAM is an anti-malware product -- like your AV, it protects against the "what" of malware.
MBAE is an anti-exploit product -- it works differently, against the "how" of malware. The Free version protects browsers and plug-ins. The Premium version can be configured with custom shields to protect any internet facing application. More information here. And the FAQs are here.
MBARW-BETA is a new, BETA product specifically targeting ransomware; the technology will be eventually rolled into MBAM.
Junkware Removal Tool (JRT) is currently a standalone anti-junkware tool.
MBAR-BETA is the standalone anti-rootkit product -- much of its technology is already incorporated into MBAM.

I do not work for the company and am not a software developer. The different tools have been developed to stay abreast of the changing malware landscape. However, it's my understanding that there are valid technical and other reasons for keeping some of these tools as separate, standalone products, rather than trying to roll all of them into a "suite".
But I'm sure the that developers and product team members would be happy to elaborate on that better than I can, to the extent possible in a public forum, over at the Malwarebytes forums.

Cheers,

MM (unaffiliated in any way with Malwarebytes and just a home user)

 

I'm not TonyB but I'm in his situation. I like the overall coverage I get from Comcast/Norton. Can I use Malware Pro but just turn off the AV?

 

[/quote] Thanks. Great info here. I'm new to this forum and I'm really loving it. High signal to noise ratio. *Smile

 

Malwarebytes is an excellent program but it is not an AV, it is an anti Malware program. I use it myself, but I also use an AV. While Malwarebytes is a good program, you still need an anti virus program with it.

 

+1
It's very important to remember that MBAM is NOT an AV. Even with MBAM Premium, one needs a robust AV.

Cheers,
MM

 

I'm using MBAM and Win Defender.

What AV do people recommend? McAfee was installed on the machine when it was delivered but I would never give them any money (I detest their fear mongering marketing and I've heard it's not much good).

How about EmsiSoft? Is that a comprehensive AV?

Also, after uninstalling McAfee, I note that there are two folders left (but now I can only see one "McAfee" in Program Files (x86). Can I just delete this folder? The folder within that is Temp, and within that there are a whole bunch qxz folders.

 

Hi:

I haven't used McAfee for many years, but, yes, generally it's OK to delete leftovers like that folder (although it's probably not causing any harm).
If you want to properly and cleanly remove McAfee leftovers, however, then you might want to run the removal tool.
Such removal tools are often published by software vendors to help with complete removal of their software.
This article explains how to obtain and how to use the tool:
Knowledge Base

Occasionally, one needs to run the tool more than once, rebooting in between. Rarely, it must be run from Windows Safe Mode for complete removal.

As far as the "best" AV, there is no one right answer that suits all computers, users and budgets.
If there were, there would be only one AV product on the market.
There are many fine options, and each has its fans and its detractors.
And no software application or collection thereof can protect 100% of computers from 100% of malware 100% of the time.
The most critical security component is the part between the chair and the keyboard, through the practice of "safe hex".*Wink

Cheers,
MM

 

You might also research/consider Glasswire, a software firewall that works with Windows firewall, that will identify assorted outbound/inbound connections/attempts, and, allow easy blocking of anything that looks suspicious. Quite useful!