hi folks:
first time poster here, apologies in advance if this is really basic.

i have used both Spybot SD and MalwareBytes products to eliminate virus and malware periodically. i had a recent episode, but after my successful clearing of the problem with the help of those two apps, it appears that the Windows Firewall and/or Defender is/are disabled and cannot be turned back on. i do see Spyboth SD resident in my system tray, but i have understood that [perhaps incorrectly] not to be a true firewall.

should i turn back on the Windows Firewall, and if so how? if there is something else other than Spybot interfering, how do i find out what it is? if i try to get an alternative firewall [i have seen references to Agnitum?], will i have the same interference problem?

thanks in advance for any guidance.

eric.