Is this protection enough?

[tjones9163]

Hello, I currently have Windows 10 Creators edition with the installed windows defender and CC cleaner as well me cleaner. Any thoughts on if this is enough or and suggestions on free antivirus software but the last one i tried was SPYBOT, but when i downloaded it it turned off windows Defender which is expected but everytime it disengages Defender my computer starts super laging. Thanks

 

[LowlySkeleton]

You should always try to have an antivirus and a scanner that looks for the latest malware that your antivirus might miss. One of the most trusted and well known malware detection software is Malwarebytes. It is free and they also give a free trial of their pro edition: https/www.malwarebytes.com/

I've heard that some people like how light Windows defender is and that it is fairly good already. Here are some links that have reviews of other alternatives to antivirus if you want to try them out:
http/www.tomsguide.com/us/best-antivirus,review-2588-5.html
http/www.techradar.com/news/the-best-free-antivirus
http/www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2388652,00.asp
http/www.pcadvisor.co.uk/test-centre/software/best-free-antivirus-software-2017-3649231/

 

[rhysiam]

Honestly, by far and away the biggest security risk on a computer is the person using it. A user with a bit of basic knowledge and common sense on an unprotected computer is actually far less likely to get compromised than someone who doesn't know what they're doing with expensive paid AV software and firewalls running.

It comes back to the basics: don't download/open stuff that hasn't come from a legitimate and trustworthy source. Don't go to websites that have a dubious reputation. Don't follow links or open attachments in emails unless you're extremely confident about the source, etc. etc.

If some of these things are new to you, then there are loads of helpful guides to staying safe online that a Internet Search will provide to you. Taking those simple steps is much better than ignoring them and paying for AV software.

If you're looking for a free solution, most AV providers have a free online scan that will run. Obviously it's not actively protecting you, it's only looking for the existence of dodgy files or security vulnerabilities, but running those periodically is not a bad option.

 

[Phillip Corcoran]

Take a look at Comodo - - AV or Firewall are both free, paid versions just add instant live support but the AV & Firewall are the same:

https/www.comodo.com/

 

[Avast-Team]

I'd take a look at AV-comparatives, so you can see how different antivirus/antimalware software stacks up against Defender in independent tests -- it's a great place to start while you're deciding which one to go with.

https/www.av-comparatives.org/

Here's a link that tells you more about the awesome new updates and features in Avast 2017 (hint: much better than "basic" protection) if you're interested:

https/blog.avast.com/the-core-security-components-of-avast-2017

Also, Avast does have a "passive mode," which you can use if you have another AV suite for active scanning, but still want to take advantage of our features and on-demand scans -- or if you would like to have a second scanning program available as LowlySkeleton mentioned.

 

[aquielisunari]

Hello, I currently have Windows 10 Creators edition with the installed windows defender and CC cleaner as well me cleaner. Any thoughts on if this is enough or and suggestions on free antivirus software but the last one i tried was SPYBOT, but when i downloaded it it turned off windows Defender which is expected but everytime it disengages Defender my computer starts super laging. Thanks

In addition to all of these suggestions and the common sense rule it's also a good idea to see what kind of telemetry is gathered. Windows is the first place you should check but it certainly isn't the last.

Do you know that MS is almost broke? They can't afford bandwidth. The proof is the fact that you, yes YOU the user is sending out updates for Microsoft. Yep, you're working for M$ and not getting paid for it. Other users are also sending you updates. Find out if this is the case with your PC. http/www.pcworld.com/article/2955491/windows/how-to-stop-windows-10-from-using-your-pcs-bandwidth-to-update-strangers-systems.html


Yes, scripts, viruses, malware and other malicious data needs to be filtered out. You also need to be aware what your "trusted" software is doing behind the scenes.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Full Suite from Avira
https/www.avira.com/en/free-security-suite