Any Recommended Changes to the Security Programs I Use?

[BRANDONN2008]

I know having multiple layers of security is good, but I feel like I have too many programs right now. I need to know if any are redundant, or if you recommend any programs that consolidate some of the layers into one program. Also, running Win 7 Pro 64bit

Resident AV - Avast! 5 Free
On-Demand AV/AM - Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
On-Demand AS - SUPERAntiSpyware
Firewall - PC Tools Firewall PLUS
HOSTS Manager - HOSTSMan (am looking for an alternative)
HIPS - None (will have GeSWall when v3 comes out), offer an alternative HIPS if you want
Zero-Day Protection - PC Tools Threatfire
Miscellaneous - NoScript with Firefox
Miscellaneous - WinPatrol to monitor startup programs

I've seen how good Comodo Firewall with Def+ is at blocking malware, maybe it as a firewall and HIPS? Idk.

Please make suggestions. Thank you!

[Chris Thomas]

What more to add?

OpenDNS

[sg09]

What more to add?

OpenDNS

Sure.. a must have...
and obviously Spyware Blaster.

[BRANDONN2008]

lol, more to add? 

[sg09]

lol, more to add? 

Hope you have disabled your autoruns....
You can use this app to stop usb related infections
http://download.cnet.com/USB-FireWall/3000-2239_4-10817831.html
Alternative:
http://research.pandasecurity.com/panda-usb-and-autorun-vaccine/   

[sg09]

Moreover you can use any Virtualization software like Returnil Virtual Systam, Sanboxie etc

[Shiw Liang]

Hm..avast as antivirus already good!
Demand scanner can use only malwarebytes if you want!
Firewall is okay
Adding another monitoring like threatfire and winpatrol
I can say too much!

[Asyn]

Please make suggestions. Thank you!

looks like a rather good config...!
i, won't tell u, what 2 drop, since i'm shure u allready thought bout it.
but maybe u want 2 add adblock plus, better privacy (4 lso cookies) and some kind of cookiemanager (eg. cs lite) 2 ur firefox.
asyn

[BRANDONN2008]

How about adding Immunet Protect so I will have Avast!, Threatfire, and Immunet Protect as my frontline of defense?

Also, has anyone tried Panda Cloud Antivirus? I noticed it did very well on AV-Comparatives other than the false positive rate. I know computing is making a move to the cloud, and a cloud-based antivirus seems good. Please give a response not influenced by the fact this is an Avast! forum. In a couple years I will be removing malware from computers, and the users will be looking to me as to what security programs they should use.

Lastly, is there a browser add-on that performs the same as a HOSTS file? Some of my friends have had problems with HostsMan.

[Tarq57]

brandon, Are you finding that SAS works OK with Threatfire installed?
I had some problems with the combo. At the SAS forums they said it was a conflict caused by TF.

[YoKenny]

@ brandonn2008

What are the problems your friends are having with HostsMan

[Shiw Liang]

Well for a light protection:
avast! Free antivirus
Malwarebytes demand scanner
Any other firewall(except ZoneAlarm I guess)
Spywareblaster

For Mozilla is scriptblocker

[BRANDONN2008]

@Tarq57 - I don't actually use SAS anymore since Malwarebytes seems enough for now.

@YoKenny - HostsMan isn't too bad but I was just wondering if there was some URL blocker already built in to something to make it easier for friends and family to deal with.

@Shiw Liang - I'm not sure about changing my firewall, it seems to work well and is recommended on this forum quite a bit. Also, I had SpywareBlaster and it seemed only necessary if you use IE which I don't.

[YoKenny]

SpywareBlaster works with IE and Firefox:
Secure Your Browser
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html#Browsers

HostsMan can be set to work automatically and I installed it on a neighbor's system yesterday that I had to work on her system that got hit by one of those rogue "Anti Virus" applications prevalent on today's malware infested Internet and I am going to buy a MBAM licence for her as well.

Stick with the firewall you like.

Clean the system before powering off with CCleaner.
http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/download <== make sure you do not install the Yahoo Toolbar.

[BRANDONN2008]

I've got CCleaner, and love it. I'm still wondering if you think Immunet Protect would be good?