Windows Defender - Sufficient?

Luke227

Luke227

Luke227

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Joined
30 Dec 2012
Posts
32
Location
United Kingdom
Hello,

I have been using Avast previously but have been having issues of random lock ups.

I am running Windows 8.1, and am currently using Windows Defender, Windows Firewall and Malware Bytes for the odd scan here and there.

Is Windows Defender sufficient enough anti virus on it's own or would you recommend Avast, Norton etc..?

Thanks
Luke
 
If you have come common sense in what you open or browse, don't disable in built security like UAC and don't run as an administrator you've nothing to really worry about and what your using will be fine.
 
Luke227 said:
Hello,

I have been using Avast previously but have been having issues of random lock ups.

I am running Windows 8.1, and am currently using Windows Defender, Windows Firewall and Malware Bytes for the odd scan here and there.

Is Windows Defender sufficient enough anti virus on it's own or would you recommend Avast, Norton etc..?

Thanks
Luke
Click to expand...

I use this exact combo and never have any problems...

My theory is always is something looks dodgy it probably is so dont click on it..
 
Install Adblock+ and Noscript, and you've probably a far more effective tool right there than an average antivirus package IMO.
 
Windows Defender is designed to protect most computers from most malware. For some, that's not sufficient, but it really does depend on your use case.

The trick is not to rely on antivirus software at all. Keeping your software patched etc. is a lot more important.
 
I've been on MSE/Defender & Chrome for years now and never had a problem.

Also fairly recently started using Secunia (as above), really good bit of software.
 
I recommend using something other than MSE; microsoft themselves recently suggested using third party software over security essentials.
As suggested avast, bit defender are all fine, check independant reviews on websites like www.av-comparatives.org.
As also mentioned adblock+ and noScript (does noScript block java, i forget?)
Why cant i get Secunia to work for me? It just wont load up.
Also try the WOT addon for Firefox if your unsure of certain sites.
 
I've solely run Windows defender/microsoft MSE for the last 5 years or more I think. It does the job I need it to do. Never been bothered by a virus or other nastiness at least! I keep trying to free myself from Java, then find I need it for something urgently. Need to get a VM up or something, so I can run it sandboxed and safely!
 
even with mse/defender you still can get some crap slipping through.

adwcleaner and junkware removal tool will deal with those though, usually it's just browser plugins and crap like that which manage to install them self somehow. (no I am not accidental installing them with other programs)
 
even with mse/defender you still can get some crap slipping through.
Click to expand...
Exactly, MSE has consistently scored low in results, its just better to avoid.
Prevetion is much beter than removal, when those 'extras' get installed i often think well how far does this go? Is it just an extra toolbar or is this running unwated scripts thats going to either download malware or expose you to more, that AM software will ignore. Does this then affect external devices, routers, standard files?
For many its enough just to have some random AM software running and thats that, we're secure. What are people thoughts on this? ie, when connecting their brand new, how ever many thousand £ pieces of equipment to the internet and exposing it like this? Personally it makes me fair on edge.
 
I can't find a direct quote from Microsoft recommending customers use other AV software.

It says it in the headline and the body of a couple of those article, but there is no direct quote that explicitly states that. Unfortunately I can't find the source interview either.
 
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