Avira Antivir Free - Turn off Win7 Windows Defender?

[Muse]

I'm setting up my newly acquired Lenovo T61 refurb to which I've installed Windows 7 64bit Ultimate, done some Windows Updates and run Lenovo System Update and am now installing Avira Antivir Free, and the program warns me at the start to turn off Windows Defender automatic scanning and then to turn off Windows Defender entirely, saying there might be conflicts. Is this really a good idea? Does Antivir do a decent job of screening out spyware, etc.?

Edit: In the installation process, Antivir informs me that I am "manually scanning files and folders for viruses and malware." This seems less rigorous and more risky than using Windows Defender (which features "automatic" protection), does it not? What to do? 😕

Is the thing to do to leave Windows Defender active but turn it off when doing "manual" protection scans with Avira Antivir Free?

 

[balloonshark]

I found this. http://www.avira.com/en/support-for-free-knowledgebase-detail/kbid/587

 

[mvbighead]

Why not run Microsoft Security Essentials?

I used to run AntiVir, but MS's product is so much easier to use. As far as I know, it's effective too... but I never really get into virus trouble.

 

[Muse]

Why not run Microsoft Security Essentials?

I used to run AntiVir, but MS's product is so much easier to use. As far as I know, it's effective too... but I never really get into virus trouble.

Do you run MSE in addition to Defender or disable Defender?

 

[lxskllr]

MSE is a replacement for Defender, and I think it may automatically disable it, but I don't remember. FWIW, I run Avira and Defender on Vista64 without issue.

 

[BW86]

I run both and haven't had an issue yet

 

[Chiefcrowe]

yes you are correct, MSE disables defender automatically.

as for the OP - i would disable it with antivir, you shouldn't have any issues if you do that.

MSE is a replacement for Defender, and I think it may automatically disable it, but I don't remember. FWIW, I run Avira and Defender on Vista64 without issue.

 

[mvbighead]

Do you run MSE in addition to Defender or disable Defender?

Yeah, what they said. All I know is, with MSE, it is very quiet, stays out of my way, and does its job. Runs scans automatically. Once installed, I never really touch it. I like AntiVir, but MSE just feels better to me.

 

[thescreensavers]

Antivir has the best detection rate. I would not use anything else.

 

[adn258]

Don't just rely on Anti Virus crap though it's more of a problem fixer whilst it's better to stop the problems to begin with. If you want a real solution to your problem try sandboxie I'm just telling you this to help you out. It stops the viruses from ever even writing onto your drives.

As far as avira goes I think the defender will also remain on as well