Antivirus?

[Grant Lamontagne]

I didn't bother running antivirus software on the small, underpowered machine that I have been using, and previously I used AVG, but then it got to the point where I couldn't turn my computer on without getting spammed by messages suggesting I upgrade to a paid version of AVG.   

Previously I used Norton, but this computer came preloaded with McAfee and I am wondering what folks who know better than I do suggest for antivirus software?

Def

[eamo]

I use both avast or avg. Get the odd message about upgrading but I wouldn't consider it spamming

[Syncop8r]

I used to use AVG on my old computer (XP ) then something started annoying me about it so changed to Avast which I was happier with.
Now I just use the Windows Defender that came with Windows 10.

[Grant Lamontagne]

Is Defender good enough?

I don't download things from the Bay of Pirates or anything like that, and I'd love to avoid installing more software if I can avoid it.

Def

[Don Pablo]

Is Defender good enough?

I don't download things from the Bay of Pirates or anything like that, and I'd love to avoid installing more software if I can avoid it.

Def

Land rovers are not what they used to be.
And ever since the defender stopped receiving updates....   

Lol, on topic, I would say that windows defender is not as good as dedicated anti virus software goes, and that is the extent of my knowledge.

[AimlessWanderer]

Is Defender good enough?

Low self-esteem Grant?

[kingofswords]

try linux

[Grant Lamontagne]

Is Defender good enough?

Low self-esteem Grant?

Is it obvious? 

try linux

I did.  Now I'm back to Windows because I'm no smart enough for Linux or cool enough for a Mac.

Def

[Syncop8r]

I would say that windows defender is not as good as dedicated anti virus software goes, and that is the extent of my knowledge.

I'm wondering if that is true for paid antivirus programs but it's as good as the free antivirus I would otherwise use. 

I remember an IT person telling us years ago to avoid popular ones like Nortons because there are viruses that have been made to specifically target them.

[powernoodle]

https://www.cnet.com/how-to/i-dont-use-anti-virus-software-am-i-nuts/

[Grant Lamontagne]

https://www.cnet.com/how-to/i-dont-use-anti-virus-software-am-i-nuts/

That largely mirrors what I have been doing with the small machine I had.  I really don't visit any bad sites and I know enough not to click on suspicious links in emails, even if they look like they come from friends.

I am seriously considering not installing antivirus software, but I am also a little paranoid to run without it.

Def

[Millhouse]

I use Kaspersky Internet Security.

[jzmtl]

I use windows defender for all my computers, so far so good.

[dks]

Avg. Maybe you had some option enabled that had you receiving upgrade messages all the time. Also, use chaturbate for entertainment, so you do not have to click on other spam/viirus sites

[Mechanickal]

I use Panda Antivirus.
It syncs it's virus database with Panda's server so there is no need to download database updates every 2 days.

They do display messages about buying the full package, but those can be turned off in the settings.

[Whoey]

I tend to just go with Windows Defender. It works well enough, and as you say I try to stay away from undesirable places. Also it seems it's in Microsoft's best interest for it to work well enough or likely irritate (further) their customers.

None are perfect.

[Grant Lamontagne]

I use Kaspersky Internet Security.

I just installed Kaspersy on my phone last week.  I don't know if it is doing any good or not, but it seems to be on the ball for updates if nothing else.

Def

[powernoodle]

https://www.cnet.com/how-to/i-dont-use-anti-virus-software-am-i-nuts/

My son is at university majoring in programming and math.  His views mirror those of the cnet article.  I am currently not using any antivirus, though I may add something for giggles.  It can't hurt, other than eating up computer resources.  I too am diligent about not clicking on untasty links in order to avoid malware, and from time to time run a malware program just to check for any dirties. 

[Syncop8r]

Whilst not antivirus, some things I do for privacy and to try to avoid tracking and spamming are:
- Use Firefox browser
- Search using DuckDuckGo instead of Google https://duckduckgo.com/?atb=v32-6b_
- Have Disconnect running on browser https://disconnect.me/

I used to only open Facebook in a private window... seemed to have stopped bothering with that lately.
Unfortunately my phone is Android so Google 

(And no I'm not looking at dodgy stuff!)

[Syncop8r]

Unfortunately my phone is Android so Google 

... and unless you have turned it off on your device, Google knows where you have been....

[Grant Lamontagne]

I'm not that worried about Google or FB tracking me.  I just don't want spyware, malware, viruses etc.

Def

[WoodsDuck]

You can get by with Defender. I've yet to have a viral issue since moving to Windows 8 and now 10, which was two years ago for the record. But I also recommend getting a script blocking extension for your browser of choice. This gives you the option to allow only scripts you need/trust and avoid blanket acceptance of possible malicious scripts even on trusted pages. Legit sites are often compromised in this way.

[Kev D]

I use AVG pro on my android phone and tablet, and mcafee on my laptop because I get it free through work. Mcafee interferes more than it used to so come June 1st next year when I can't get it for free any more I'll be using something else.

[dks]

Dettol, just wash your computer components with Dettol daily - soaking your computer in it removes 99% of all viruses AND 99.9% of all malware

[AimlessWanderer]

 

[Smashie]

ESET NOD32, just because I can't get out of the habit of using AV. A script blocker in the browser is far more important nowadays.

[Grant Lamontagne]

My 30 day McAfee trial ends tomorrow, and I think I may risk it and go without and see what happens.  Worst comes to worst I reformat the machine.

Def

[dks]

all that will happen is that someone will lock your computer and ask you to pay 300 Dollars to unlock it - definitely worth the risk..

[ironraven]

I wouldn't put a computer online without securiy, and Windows Defender isn't good security.

I would go with Avast. Then McAfee. I find Norton does not play well with others, and Kaspersky has a very special relationship with certain governments.

[Grant Lamontagne]

I wouldn't put a computer online without securiy, and Windows Defender isn't good security.

I would go with Avast. Then McAfee. I find Norton does not play well with others, and Kaspersky has a very special relationship with certain governments.

Yeah, I am thinking I am too paranoid not to do it after all.

I'll probably renew McAfee today since it's already installed on my computer.

Def