[Keyboardclick]

Hello,

 

I have two Windows 10 computers. I was always of the impression that I was supposed to just use the Windows firewall that is preinstalled. However, I recently realized that one of the computers is using Avast firewall, like I clicked something by mistake. I tried to do some research on which is best, and am not having any luck.

 

Do you experts out there think it is better to use Windows firewall, or something different like Avast? Can you explain your reasoning for me?

 

Is it possible to use both for double protection, or will it mess up the computer?

 

Thanks!

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Windows built in defenses are all you should need.

After all they wrote the program for the os that they also write.

 

Using more than 1 firewall/anti-virus will cause you problems with conflicts and can also slow the machine down.

I would remove the avast.

Avast Removal Tool | Download Avast Clear | Avast

[peterm]

Windows built in defenses are all you should need.

After all they wrote the program for the os that they also write.

 

Using more than 1 firewall/anti-virus will cause you problems with conflicts and can also slow the machine down.

I would remove the avast.

Avast Removal Tool | Download Avast Clear | Avast

[Keyboardclick]

Thanks peterm. So you think Windows antivirus is better than Avast as well as the firewall? I always worried that scammers/hackers would expect people to use Windows antivirus software and firewall, and thus be better able to target it. Something different might catch them by surprise. You don't think so?

 

I noticed I'd somehow turned on Avast firewall on the one computer while I was struggling with a different issue after setting up my wifi. Can I ask you wifi/router/network questions while I've got you, or should I post somewhere else?

Edited by Keyboardclick, 06 August 2024 - 10:06 AM.

[peterm]

I work on a couple of other forums and all the malware experts recommend to just use the built in windows defenses.

I always worried that scammers

No product can protect against scams.

Something different might catch them by surprise. You don't think so?

No 

Today products like Avast and Nortons etc are full of bloatware.

  Can I ask you wifi/router/network questions while I've got you, or should I post somewhere else?

Let's give it a shot. I can always ask for it to be moved if need be.

[Keyboardclick]

Okay, thanks. How do I make this hair pulling out story short?

 

I had to reset my wifi password, so everything was disconnected. I tried to reconnect my 2 windows 10 laptops at the same time, and that's where the confusion started (I shouldn't have tried to multitask!)

 

On the one laptop I had the windows firewall, and just was using avast for antivirus. When I reconnected, avast popped up and asked if this network was untrusted/home/etc and I selected home, and that was it.

 

On the other laptop I had Avast firewall (unbeknownst to me) and avast antivirus. When I reconnected, avast popped up and asked if this network was untrusted/home/etc and I clicked home, then something else popped up (I'm not sure what) that asked if the network was trusted or untrusted again, and said that if it is trusted my device would be visible to the public or something like that. I didn't think that sounded good, so I clicked untrusted. Then when I thought it all through and wanted to go back and see the settings, I wasn't sure where all I'd been. I remember some Avast firewall thing coming up, and I didn't think I had Avast firewall, so I opened the Windows security settings on both laptops, discovered one has windows firewall and the other has avast, one calls my network public and the other private, and I am all confused.

 

I want my network to be safe from weirdos driving by who might want to try to connect, and I don't want my information to be any more visible than it needs to be to other people. But, I obviously need my network to work, need my computer to be able to find my printer, etc.

 

I'm so confused at this point I'm not sure what to ask. I'll try this:

Is it better for my computers to think my network is private or public? Trusted or untrusted?

When I put in the IP address in a search window to see my router settings, I see that remote access is off. Is this all that is needed to stop strangers from getting on my wifi?

[peterm]

Step 1 

If the computer that has avast is not working. 

Remove avast completely. Reboot.

Reconnect to the network and pick private network trusted

[peterm]

 I obviously need my network to work, need my computer to be able to find my printer

I always connect my printers with a fixed ip address.

That way if you ever have a powerout when power comes back you still have the printer connected.

[peterm]

 I see that remote access is off. Is this all that is needed to stop strangers from getting on my wifi?

Remote access is normally something the modem manufacture or your isp will use to try and troubleshoot problems.

It should be off.

 

I want my network to be safe from weirdos driving by who might want to try to connect,

They can only connect if you give them your password.

 

I don't want my information to be any more visible than it needs to be to other people

On some modem routers you can hide the SSID but that really is not needed today. 

 

[peterm]

Hi

Did removing avast allow you to connect to wifi?