Machine replacement & associated questions

[Broadback]

I have decided to bite the bullet and replace my computer which runs Windows 7. The new one will run Windows 8 so:
Can I move the programs I have, seamlessly, from the old to new machine? I'm sure I remember the option the last time I replaced my hardware.
Would I be advised to load some spyware or other programs to make my machine safer, if so which are reliable ones? Either free or purchased.
I think a lot of the problems I have had have been due to "nasties" getting onto my system. 

[Gary]

What did you use on the other machine? I think Windows 8 comes with Microsoft security essentials built in which is pretty good tbh. I would consider why you got 'nasties' its rare to get many so maybe sites you use? of download sources? Its good to have back up scanners, not sure what is the flavour of the times is now, it used to be malwarebytes as and on demand scanner, keep patched, only download from the program makers pages, don't install rubbish that's not needed like registry editors etc they are not really needed, and can do more harm. Use an adblocker if you can that helps as some ads are malicious, Chrome has one. Dont install the Java Runtime its not needed by most, if your computer or browser ever ask for it fair enough but that can lead to lots of 'nasties' as it has become a security problem over recent years.

[Simon]

I still use Malwarebytes as an on demand backup scanner.  If you want a full security suite, you can find genuine licences for Kaspersky and Bitdefender quite cheaply on Amazon or eBay. 

As far a transferring programs, I think that was answered in the other thread, but you can export your bookmarks from Firefox to transfer to the new machine. 

[Glenn]

Take a look at http://www.microsoft.com/en-GB/security/pc-security/windows8.aspx MSE has been replaced by an improved version of Defender for Win 8.

[Gary]

I still use Malwarebytes as an on demand backup scanner.  If you want a full security suite, you can find genuine licences for Kaspersky and Bitdefender quite cheaply on Amazon or eBay. 

As far a transferring programs, I think that was answered in the other thread, but you can export your bookmarks from Firefox to transfer to the new machine. 

For most People MS security essentials is enough its simple and does not ask to many questions, but as Simon said easy to pick up genuine lisenses, Think about how much interaction you want with your AV, Kaspersky will give you more and might get confusing compared with others possibly. It is very comprehensive, but does slow machines down and cause glitches. Tbh all AV's do in some way or another. Never use programs from p2p sources either. Considering the issues you had with the last machine maybe easier to start a fresh and just import your bookmarks and forget all your old programs. Tbh a clean install of windows seven should have been good enough, and cheaper than a new computer, windows 8 is a very different beast.

[Gary]

Take a look at http://www.microsoft.com/en-GB/security/pc-security/windows8.aspx MSE has been replaced by an improved version of Defender for Win 8.

I did wonder if it had changed,Glenn. I think that's probably more than enough for most people the old essentials worked well on Justina's laptop. I personally cant see the point in security suits they add bloat and more issues than are needed with some av's but each to their own, its what you feel safe with.   

[Simon]

I agree about Kaspersky slowing down the machine.  Bitdefender is very low on resources, and has an Auto Pilot mode, so you hardly ever have to interact with it, but, of course, you need to trust it to make correct decisions.  Further, the Bitdefender forums have a lot of complaints about popup ads from within the program.  Not something you want from a security suite, but I don't know how widespread or exaggerated the complaints are.  I used BD for a while and never had any popups.  The only problem I had with it, and this was on XP, was that it caused the machine to reboot as soon as it had started whenever there was a program update to be applied, which was a little irritating.  I'm currently using F-Secure, but I'm a Beta tester so I get it free.