[Technology] Antivirus programmes

[Cheshire Cat]

My initial free MacAfee trail period which was preinstalled on my new Windows 10 laptop has just expired, and it has been nagging me to pay for a subscription. Being generally mean, I have declined, uninstalled MacAfee, and installed the free Avast antivirus which I used on my previous Windows 7 notepad (and which never found a problem).

What antivirus do others use? Do you use a freebie, or do you pay for the whole deal? Which is the most effective free and paid products these day? Does anyone take a chance and not bother with anything? How paranoid do I need to get? Are they out to get me? Do I need to reinforce my tinfoil hat?

 

[Weststander]

I used ESET for years, as recommended by a computer consultant.

I’ve just bought a desktop with Windows 10 and installed AVG Avast free. It’s highly rated by Which? and by the computer people now advising. They rate it partly because it doesn’t slow a pc down. The advice was not to upgrade to the premium version.

Also installing Malwarebytes which picks up different threats.

 

[Swansman]

The built-in Windows Defender is excellent.

 

[Weststander]

The built-in Windows Defender is excellent.

Welcome back

 

[Billy the Fish]

The built-in Windows Defender is excellent.

I was talking to one of the network security guys at work and he said the same, just turn it on, no need to install anything else.

 

[Weststander]

The built-in Windows Defender is excellent.

 

[spence]

Most free antivirus will do the job perfectly. It's your activity on the internet that causes issues. Never download stuff you are not certain about and careful with attachments including from unknown emails. I've never had a problem in years. Never paid for antivirus either.

 

[Weststander]

Most free antivirus will do the job perfectly. It's your activity on the internet that causes issues. Never download stuff you are not certain about and careful with attachments including from unknown emails. I've never had a problem in years. Never paid for antivirus either.

The dangerous and phising emails are get ever more clever, looking legit, purporting to be from entities such as HMRC, TV Licensing, banks, with the correct text type and logos.

 

[spence]

The dangerous and phising emails are get ever more clever, looking legit, purporting to be from entities such as HMRC, TV Licensing, banks, with the correct text type and logos.

Had them all. Paypal was another

 

[Coldeanseagull]

I don't pay to get viruses, I don't pay to get rid of them.
As others have said, watch what you download/open. However, I've never been infected on my linux machines, only on microshaft windoze

 

[Joey Jo Jo Jr. Shabadoo]

Avast is pretty much the best free one out there and certainly better than a majority of the paid products. Combine it with Malwarebytes and sensible browsing etc and it will be more than enough to protect you.

 

[Albion Dan]

Have always used the free version of AVG.

 

[Weststander]

Had them all. Paypal was another

PayPal texts now, claiming my linked bank details need updating .... simply follow the link in the text.

Although we’ve been savvy/lucky, you can bet old folk for example have been victims.

 

[thedonkeycentrehalf]

Bitdefender - £18 for five devices for a year on Amazon at the moment

 

[beorhthelm]

used to go with AVG, they got rather aggressive in the nagging. so switched to Avast. commercial ones can be as bad as malware for impacting performance.

any good antivirus needs to be accompanied by sensible user, not looking for dodgy streams or cracks for software.

 

[Shropshire Seagull]

Used AVG for years back i the XP days - now, my server, desktop and surface pro all run MS Defender - only my dedicated porn-box PC has AVG now.

You can pick up a 2nd hand PC for about £60 - don't install any email or use it for accessing online banking or any other sensible website use.
If you do cop a virus you can't shake off, reinstall and start again - nothing to lose or steal ...

 

[Robot Chicken]

Another shout for Bitdefender here. No complaints.

 

[Easy 10]

The simple answer is - buy a Chromebook.

And never bother with an anti-virus subscription ever again.

 

[schmunk]

- only my dedicated porn-box PC has AVG now.

You have a PC dedicated to porn...?

 

[Madafwo]

You have a PC dedicated to porn...?

You don't have a PC dedicated to porn?