Windows 7 in-built security

[iamhobo]

Got a new laptop recently and want to get some free software to protect it. I've downloaded and installed AVG Anti-Virus but is it recommended to download a firewall as well, such as Comodo or ZoneAlarm, or is W7 in-built security enough to protect my laptop from outside threats?

[dave m]

2 firewalls running is crazy,stick with 7 security,as for avg its constantley scanning wich will slow pc down try avast freeby http://www.filehippo.com/

[iamhobo]

2 firewalls? Does W7 have an in-built firewall? And you suggest that I don't really need AVG; W7 does a good enough job of scanning for crap on my comp?

[MarkRae]

AVG Free Edition isn't a firewall - it's basically just anti-virus software. That, plus the built-in Windows 7 firewall, will be more than sufficient...

[iamhobo]

Yeah, I know AVG isn't a firewall. For some reason I thought I needed both a third party firewall and AV software to protect my comps. Cool, thanks for your answers tiddly peeps.

[galeck1947]

Download and use Avast Antivirus it is a very good program which I use myself. You dont need another firewall as the one in Windows 7 is about the best you can get .If you have your internet running through a router then it too has its own two way firewall. Some of the new modem /routers like the CISCO also have a very good programable firewall installed. Windows 7 also has an advanced firewall as well but is off by default and is really only for network administraters to use. You also have Windows Defender as running in the background as a backup to your installed Antivirus program

[zhumi]

I have the same problem.