|
|
Post by ritage on Dec 6, 2015 3:31:26 GMT
What Security Software do you use with WIN10?
My old Laptop has suddenly died on me and I ordered a new one with WIN 10. I had hoped to delay this for at least another 6 months.
I'm reading David Pogue's Missing Manual in preparation, and he fervently advocates in favor of Windows Defender and against using third party security software. Googling, I can't find any other reputable site that recommends this. In fact, nobody seems to have anything good to say about it.
Those of you, who have already made the switch, would you be so kind as to share your experiences on this subject?
Rita
|
|
|
|
Post by Sepiana on Dec 6, 2015 3:54:36 GMT
Rita,
I haven't made the move to Windows 10 yet but I have been using Windows Defender for many years now. I think it does a pretty good job but, to be honest, I would not use it alone to protect my computer. I have always used it along with Norton Internet Security for double protection. Whenever I upgrade to Windows 10, I will continue to use both of them.
Here is some interesting reading -- What’s the Best Antivirus for Windows 10? (Is Windows Defender Good Enough?).
|
|
|
|
Post by ritage on Dec 6, 2015 4:17:16 GMT
Sepiana, I had looked briefly at that article, but read it again now.
It does say " Defender will automatically disable itself when you install a third Party antivirus".
I read somewhere else that one can run parts of it and shut off other parts. I will look into that in detail.
Thanks for your opinion. It agrees with my own. Of course, I'm an old Norton fan like you, never had a computer that didn't use it.
Rita
|
|
|
|
Post by Sepiana on Dec 6, 2015 4:34:34 GMT
Rita, I had not noticed the fine print. If that is the case, then . . . Windows Defender will go; NIS will stay.  |
|
|
|
Post by ritage on Dec 6, 2015 4:56:43 GMT
 Hurrah!
|
|
Squirrel2014
Established Forum Member
Where's that cup of tea ... ???
Posts: 685 
Open to constructive criticism of photos: Yes
|
Post by Squirrel2014 on Dec 6, 2015 13:46:59 GMT
Thanks for the article, Sepiana. Unfortunately, it didn't encourage me enough to rely on Defender. I do have it installed, as part of Win 10, but it's disabled. As you will already know, you shouldn't run two anti-virus programs at the same time. It usually causes the machine to run very slowly. What you could do is have a third party running, ie Nortons, but when you want a further check, like a second opinion, you can temporarily disable your main on and run another to scan. Personally, I use Avast (free) and, for the free ones, it is one of the best. Unless Windows Defender has improved dramatically I, personally, wouldn't bother with it. This is a very useful and interesting topic. I also have MalwareBytes installed and regularly run a scan, and SpyBot too! |
|
|
|
Post by Andy on Dec 6, 2015 18:28:43 GMT
Malware comes in a lot of forms, and it is important to recognize that not all solutions will cover all scenarios. Windows Defender (or Security Essentials on the pre-Win10 systems) is a good anti-virus program. I've used it for years with no issues. I have found it is not as strong at finding threats such as browser hijackers and spyware. For this, I use a licensed version of Malwarebytes. I've run both in parallel and not suffered any performance impact that I can see. I used Norton products in the past but found they caused more trouble than they were worth. Neither of these programs will completely prevent you from causing yourself harm. For example, if you go to a site you think is legitimate (but isn't) and download software and ignore warnings, your machine can get infected regardless of what software you have installed. If this is a concern for you, you should consider a web filter that will prevent you from going to sites like this. I believe NIS may offer that as part of their suite. I've heard K9 is a good product for this (I don't use a web filter). |
|
|
|
Post by Sepiana on Dec 6, 2015 18:36:51 GMT
As you will already know, you shouldn't run two anti-virus programs at the same time. It usually causes the machine to run very slowly. What you could do is have a third party running, ie Nortons, but when you want a further check, like a second opinion, you can temporarily disable your main on and run another to scan. Julie,
I believe the key variable here is "run two anti-virus programs at the same time". I have used both Windows Defender and Norton Internet Security (yearly automatic renewal) for quite a few years, on desktops, laptops, and now even on my tablet. There has never been any conflict. When you install NIS, this program will be your default protection (including the Firewall protection). This also means that NIS will be the one which will be "live", i.e., constantly checking your computer and running background tasks. If you also have Windows Defender installed on the same computer, this program just sits there, waiting to be called to action. (Mine is pinned to the taskbar waiting for my orders.) There is no need to temporarily disable Windows Defender to allow NIS to run. Whenever you want to run a scan, you just use whichever program you want. As a rule of thumb, I run scans on a weekly basis. I first use NIS and then follow up with Windows Defender.
|
|
Squirrel2014
Established Forum Member
Where's that cup of tea ... ???
Posts: 685
Open to constructive criticism of photos: Yes
|
Post by Squirrel2014 on Dec 6, 2015 20:15:13 GMT
Yes, I agree with all you say. Windows Defender may be improved on these days. Sepiana, I understood what you meant re having Defender installed and NIS running. That's not the same as running two AVs at the same time, which some people do, not appreciating the usual consequences. As mentioned before, Defender is automatically disabled if another AV is installed but obviously can be enabled at times when required. There is so much choice nowadays and, certainly, it would seem the three better, bought, ones are NIS, Kapersky and MacAfee. As long as they keep the machine/device clean and running well, then they're doing the required job, in my opinion |
|
|
|
Post by ritage on Dec 6, 2015 20:32:29 GMT
Yes, I agree with all you say. Windows Defender may be improved on these days. That seems to be the point that Microsoft and David Pogue are making, that Win Defender is now so good it can compete with anything else. I just have trouble believing it and tests conducted by outfits like PC Magazine don't bear it out. Although such results I could find were all done at the very first appearance of WIN 10. Rita |
|
|
|
Post by Sepiana on Dec 6, 2015 20:41:45 GMT
As mentioned before, Defender is automatically disabled if another AV is installed but obviously can be enabled at times when required. Just a little clarification . . .
The above applies to Windows 8/8.1 and Windows 10 only. This was a change Microsoft introduced with Windows 8; now Windows Defender is built-in. In Windows 7 it was left to your discretion -- to download and use it or not. Furthermore, there was never the need to disable/enable Windows Defender.
What is Windows Defender?
|
|
Squirrel2014
Established Forum Member
Where's that cup of tea ... ???
Posts: 685
Open to constructive criticism of photos: Yes
|
Post by Squirrel2014 on Dec 6, 2015 21:06:29 GMT
Thanks for the clarification, Sepiana
I forget the different Windows versions have different in-built stuff, such as this
|
|
Hurrah!
