Anti Virus software

[Andrew CrowParticipant @andrewcrow91475]

Not sure this is a topic for this forum but here goes.

Switched on my pc today and got a message from Microsoft that it had automatically switched on some anti virus software because my Norton system had expired. The question is do you really need additional anti virus if Microsoft already provide it?

If the answer to the above is yes, what would you recommend as I don’t want to use Norton as I find it far too controlling. I used to use a system called Bullguard but it was absorbed by Norton.

Andy.

[Tony Pratt 1Participant @tonypratt1]

Sorry I can’t answer your question as I use Norton, seems ok to me and comes consistently recommended in independent reviews. What do you mean by controlling?

Tony

[Thor 🇳🇴Participant @thor]

Hi Andy,

I only use the Microsoft anti virus software on my Windows 10 computer, never had any problems. On Linux I use Clam and never had any problems. Might be a different situation if you regularly visit “dodgy” web sites.

Thor

[BazyleParticipant @bazyle]

Just look out for the fake fake reports of infection pretending to load Norton or Mcafee for you. Look at the URLs they are trying to guide you to.

[DiogenesParticipant @diogenes]

After years of paying subscriptions, I decided a couple of years ago not to bother renewing – I must stress that my browsing ‘landscape’ is small, mundane, and familiar, and I don’t spend hours traversing it..

Norton really did try very hard to fill me with fear, but as things have turned out, without much apparent basis – I do use the Windows set-up and it appears to be working for me.

[FulmenParticipant @fulmen]

I haven’t used anything other than the MS software for years now without any problems whatsoever.

[stew 1Participant @stew]

I didn’t know that viruses were still a thing! Not used any form of anti-virus software for years, and to be honest I don’t know anyone who does.

[Tony Pratt 1]

Thanks for your replies and thoughts, as I don’t visit dodgy sights I think I’ll give it a try just using Micrsoft’s own system for  a while and see how it goes.

On Tony Pratt 1 Said:

Sorry I can’t answer your question as I use Norton, seems ok to me and comes consistently recommended in independent reviews. What do you mean by controlling?

Tony

Hi Tony, what I mean by controlling is that in the past on a previous pc I changed from Norton to another system but I could never completely clear Norton from the hard drive. Also, and probably a bigger problem, when using a programme that  I know to be safe Norton continually tries to prevent installation of updates eg a programme called Templot for designing bespoke model railway track.

Andy

[old martParticipant @oldmart]

Over the years, I have used MacAffee, Norton, AVG, Kasperski and others I cannot recall, but now only use the Microsoft one and the free Malwarebytes. The Malwarebytes can be a pain, always trying to sell me some, and also trying to take over, but I tolerate it. The Windows own has improved greatly in recent years and I have had very little in theway of problems. It also features an offline scan before the computer starts up.

[SillyOldDufferModerator @sillyoldduffer]

Viruses are very much still a thing, unless the platform is Apple, or Linux.   Android is in the middle; though based on Linux it’s had some incidents.  The perception that there are no viruses may be because Defender is part of the operating system and it activates automatically if nothing else is protecting Windows.

ISPs are rather better at blocking malware than they used to be, so much crud never gets to us, especially compared with the past.

These days Microsoft Defender is competent whilst some previously famous names have degraded badly, either technically, or with unfriendly sales methods,  rubbish add-ons, false positives, refusing to uninstall, or all of the above!  Unfortunately it’s hard to find truly independent reviews because many security websites are biased promotions.  One giveaway they’re biased is a long list of paid products with something nice to say about all of them and no mention of Defender or ClamWin!

I only use MS-Defender, but never use Windows for money or personal data.  One reason is that Microsoft upgrades often undo my security lockdowns, creating loopholes, and it’s a pain having to put them back.  Another is that Microsoft systems are enthusiastically targetted by criminals.

The need for anti-malware products is reduced by maintaining a high-level of internet hygiene. Avoid dodgy websites and freebie downloads!  And take strong precautions if you enjoy walking on the wild side!

Running two anti-virus products at the same time wallops performance and stops legitimate stuff, so don’t do that.

Dave

[Mark EasingwoodParticipant @markeasingwood33578]

Not my area of expertise, but the computer repair guru who writes a column in our local paper, advises to only use the built in Microsoft Defender software, as it is designed to integrate with the OS, and not to install any third party anti-virus software, as they will slow down your computer, and cost you money. His view is that you only need extra protection if you are using parts of the web you probably shouldn’t be!!

The only exception, he suggests, is the free Malwarebytes programme, but don’t install any “bloatware” that may be bundled with it.

If you are using an out of date OS to surf the web, then it may be a different story.

I can’t get rid of all the trial version of Macafee files off my computer either, (it was pre-installed).

Mark.

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

If anyone needs a good uninstaller … I can recommend Revo

https://www.revouninstaller.com/

.. even the free version is very effective.

MichaelG.

[Chris GunnParticipant @chrisgunn36534]

Another satisfied user of MS Defender, no problems for 15 years at least, I reckon MS know best how to defend their own system, plus it is FOC.

Chris Gunn

[Bernard WrightParticipant @bernardwright25932]

Another very satisfied user of Microsoft Defender, I found the others intrusive and a non-valid expense, cannot recall first usage date, but a considerably long time ago.

Also another useful tool is Reg Organizer, not really expensive but remarkably good, used it for years too, it keeps your operating system very clean…

[gerry maddenParticipant @gerrymadden53711]

I’ve not used any antivirus (other than Microsofts built in stuff) for nearly 20 years and not had a problem. It’s pretty seamless it seems to me, although I’m probably not the worlds greatest or deepest surfer.

[Andrew CrowParticipant @andrewcrow91475]

Once again, thank you all for your advice, I think I will definitely stay with Microsoft Defender and save on unnecessary expense.

Andy

[old martParticipant @oldmart]

I regularly do a manual scan with Defender, plus occasional offline scans in addition to letting it do automatic scans.

[Nigel Graham 2Participant @nigelgraham2]

Useful thread!

I’d not know of Microsoft ‘Defender’ and had been using Bullguard for years until its take over (for destruction?) by Norton.

Norton is a pain by forever running scans (at least I take it that it is) and telling me my computer is full of clutter it will remove if I simply cross its greasy digital palm with plastic.

It is enormous, too, at nearly 600Mb. None of the Microsoft “applications” are anywhere near that size. What on Earth is in it?

[Paul LousickParticipant @paullousick59116]

Be aware that if you are only using Win 10 anti virus that it will cease to update after October 14, 2025

[Nicholas FarrParticipant @nicholasfarr14254]

Hi, yes Paul is correct, so if you want to keep Defender, you’ll have to get Window’s 11, and if your machine won’t upgrade to W11, you’ll have to get a new one. and it’s quite likely that Norton will stop supporting anything less than W11 in the not too distant future as well.

Regards Nick.

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