Do you use any sort of antivirus software?

syks · 15 Nov 2021 at 15:42

My bro swears by avast free antivirus, i used to use it but now just use the built in windows defender, i havent had a virus for years anyway (touch wood) so dont really think i need a antivirus clogging up my system.

Do you use any sort of antivirus software? in this day and age is the windows defender good enough?

Whats your thoughts?

Holst1981 · 15 Nov 2021 at 15:44

Same here.

Used to use AVG but I've stuck with defender on W10.

b0rn2sk8 · 15 Nov 2021 at 15:48

No, not used any in years.

Columbo · 15 Nov 2021 at 16:29

No, since Windows 7 I've just used whatever the windows default settings are which is fine for my use case as I dont download and install dodgy software or surf 'dodgy' websites.

Glanza · 15 Nov 2021 at 16:31

Windows Defender is more than enough

Semple · 15 Nov 2021 at 16:38

Another for windows defender, Avast is pretty much bloatware these days.

Orcvader · 15 Nov 2021 at 16:55

Used to love Avast back in the XP/7 days but then they went in a bad direction. Moved to Microsoft Security Essentials and then stuck with the built in Defender for 10 and onwards.

brendy · 15 Nov 2021 at 18:07

Windows defender for me and Palo Alto for my work machines.

syks · 15 Nov 2021 at 19:01

Phew, makes me a bit happier knowing my choice not to use antivirus lol i never go on dodgy sites and always buy my games, used to get the odd jolly roger a couple of years ago lol but not anymore.

mrk · 15 Nov 2021 at 21:15

You still use AV software, Defender is exactly that lol. I use Defender too.

Rannoch · 15 Nov 2021 at 21:24

Good old Defender

Drizmod · 16 Nov 2021 at 11:59

I use Defender for realtime and Malwarebytes for occasional scans. Not had any viruses for a long long time as I don't visit dodgy websites or download torrents

Syore · 16 Nov 2021 at 13:06

I also use Windows defender and adblocking scripts.

OverDrive · 16 Nov 2021 at 19:26

I just use Windows defender. I don't want to install any unnecessary bloatware. I don't think there is any need for anything else for home use.

I imagine most AV companies make most of their sales through OEMs - New Dell computers always come pre-installed with McAfee for example - which then nags you to subscribe! Also, when I was in John Lewis the other day I overheard a sales rep advising a customer to buy third party AV software too.

Lmg80 · 16 Nov 2021 at 19:53

Kaspersky total internet security.
I concur Defender should be sufficient for most users. I have kaspersky for the additional features it has, and ultimately is better than defender for any site I inadvertently may get directed too that may contain / install spyware.

Cheetah Designs · 20 Nov 2021 at 09:22

Perhaps off topic, but how do virus' transfer these days?
Can you get a virus by simply browsing the internet (via the latest version of Chrome)...not "downloading" or executing anything else...if so, how?

bobuk · 20 Nov 2021 at 13:57

I use Windows defender and Malware Bytes

Duke · 27 Nov 2021 at 20:55

Cheetah Designs said:
Perhaps off topic, but how do virus' transfer these days?
Can you get a virus by simply browsing the internet (via the latest version of Chrome)...not "downloading" or executing anything else...if so, how?

Yes you can via infected adverts on legitimate websites, which is another reason to have an adblocker as well as AV.

Cheetah Designs · 28 Nov 2021 at 15:36

Duke said:
Yes you can via infected adverts on legitimate websites, which is another reason to have an adblocker as well as AV.

How? What's the delivery mechanism and how does the malicious code get executed?

Moley · 28 Nov 2021 at 15:44

Windows Defender is all you need nowadays for a home computer. I say this as someone who regularly plays with malware as a part of my job and Defender catches stuff well in advance of other AV tools.