Go the paid route with realtime protection, or run a free program like Malwarebytes daily along with the scanner in windows and avoid the yearly cost?
For Windows 8.1 and up, I would just use the built-in MS Defender, hardened with Configure Defender according to your risk profile. I haven't had great experiences with 3rd-party AV on Windows 10, but YMMV.
I agree with SouthPark, on Windows 10-11 Windows Security is as reliable as the best paid AVs. I would try to get an imaging program that works as soon as possible if you don't have one, IMO it is the only real recovery solution under any negative circumstances...
An imaging program can restore a computer that has been infected, however it cannot prevent malware, if you get infected with something like a data stealer in 30 seconds its over, its got all your data, a restore does nothing for that.
The point is whether to pay or not for real time protection, I’ve never suggested not to use an anti-malware program, however you are right an image won’t protect against data stealers. No anti-malware program will guarantee 100% protection against data stealers either. The only sensible thing to do proactively is to avoid storing sensitive data in your computer. Furthermore, hackers usually go for the money or celebrity status, average users are not worth the energy and risk involved…
malwarebytes score is lower than windows defender. mbam is specialized on adware. i always suggest to stick with the defender to get familiar with it, and if it bothers after testing period you can change anytime to another product. with all of its consequences. anyhow i consider relying on an antivirus solely is no good choice.
I would also but if you want to save the money look into the free options as they should all be good enough unless you do risky stuff. In that case some kind of virtualization would probably be a better option.
Kaspersky Plus or even free Kaspersky. The free version has no firewall, so add hard configurator and use it to toughen up window's built in firewall, and yoiu're covered.
Just throwing it out there but my software has realtime, web shield, and a firewall. Though why bother if I already have Windows firewall built in, eh? Seems I should just go back to a free antivirus that doesn't conflict with sandboxie. Also, what's mbam?
any free antivirus is grabbing its telemetriy which means: personal data you throw in, and thats more personal than windows do. visited pages, downloads, and more. the windows firewall is fine, its ok for basic protection. like defender it could be more user pleasant. anyhow, each additional security software need to be learned - a set and forget was never good as default values after installation. in your case, forget about other solutions, stick with the windows options and get happy.
anyone who has the interest to visit Wilderssecurity is no average joe type of web surfer. they may tend to visit more dangerous sites. The only paid antivirus software worth its salt is Kaspersky, even the free version would smoke any other competitors. The key, though, is to use a standard Windows user account rather than an admin account (unfortunately most ppl are using admin account. e.g., the Windows account you set up when you first got your new computer). almost equally important is to install ublock origin with Edge or Chrome and install all the ad block lists. This way, you have at least 3 layers of protection: AV, limited Windows account and browser addon to directly block most of the dangerous websites.
wilders is an average forum, why should only join experienced users? any reliable tests present? are you sure that kaspersky will meet his needs perfectly? do you know more than us about his/her/its machine, OS, or skill? you should let us know. BTW from here https://www.bsi.bund.de/DE/Themen/U...nach-Par-7/Archiv/FAQ-Kaspersky/faq_node.html
I can say with full confidence and gratitude that Third Party specialized security over the years and currently, has saved my pocketbook from dishing out for AV Subscriptions AND sanity from having to jump from one to another AV, so on and so forth, resubscribing etc. And been malware-free ever since. In fact when i did use AV's, paid or free, they seemed to draw crap to my machine.
@Brummelchen : The German BSI has withdrawn it's recommendation and stated, that they where political influenced. They said, that there is no evidence, that Kaspersky is spying on users. Kaspersky has offered code review and audit to several nations.
https://www.kaspersky.co.uk/plus This one? Does it have any pop ups pushing other features. I want to replace avast free. Sick of their notifications when notifications are turned off
I'd try the free one first. If you want the extra features of a paid version you can upgrade at any time. It's pretty quiet on the PC I have it installed one. Maybe an ad every once in a while. Weeks to months in between.
After a year (and forgetting to cancel my subscription) I'm finally off paid anti-virus. Sandboxie and the Windows security features already installed is about all I need.
