Computer related question. Not sure where to ask.

[OCtoolguy]

Since we don't have a forum for computer questions, I'm asking here. What do most all of you folks use for a anti-virus and firewall program. I've been running the Avast free program for many years but just did a "duck duck go" and it came up with Kaspersky and I've never heard of it. Anybody here know about it? What other free programs are you using to protect your computer?

 

[kmmcrafts]

Few years ago my son suggested "360 Total Security".. other day he was messing with my computer and said the free security that comes with windows was probably better than the 360 now.. BUT, he is also a computer nerd and built a rasberry pie computer that ALL internet has to pass through that rasberry pie before it gets to our computers on the network.. he basically made our computers ghost I believe.. in other words that main $80 rasberry pie computer will take any hit from a hacker and our main PC's won't be seen by the said hacker, LOL.. Don't ask me.. he's the one that works for a company that basically hacks computers and checks security of company websites etc..    

[WayneMahler]

Ray

I used Kaspersky a while ago. Had an issue and called customer support. Their support was lacking to say the least. Deleted it and went with Norton for a while. I'm using the windows stuff right no with no issues so far.

[Puzzleguy]

Avast has its problems - its not worth the fact its free -thou some people

like it -me its a headache.

Two that i kind of like are CCleaner and Spybot - Malwarebytes tries to upgrade theirs

to premium for trials all the time which drive me nuts ( its decent but it has given me problems from time to time )

Ive paid for virus protection in the past - like Norton but when they come due for renewal they use scare tactics .

My best defense to to use Microsoft defender security -its free and comes with your computer ( mine did )

Edited November 22, 2021 by Puzzleguy

[don watson]

I have used CCleaner for countless years and it has never let me down. I also let Windows Defender do its job and it seems to do so quite happily. I have always used the FREE version of CCleaner but have recently considered buying the full version as it has never let me down and simply updates when needed and gives me a chance then to buy the full version. Of course that is on the Windows desktop machine, most of my mail etc. I use on this Linux powered machine.

take care and stay safe

Don W

PS I did use Avast a long time ago but I thought they were a bit aggresive in their marketing and dropped them. (In favour of CCleaner)

[JimErn]

I use Zone Alarm for a firewall, and avast as the antivirus, the free versions of both.  I have no idea how many years I have used them but never a problem with the computer.  

I dislike norton and macafee, in my experience they bloat the hard drive and are a real pain to uninstall.  Kapersky has always had high marks but I can't see paying for it.

[new2woodwrk]

Kapersky is russian made software - not that that is a bad thing, but take it for what it is worth.

Now, without getting on too high of a soap box, let me state - Virus protection is NOT a requirement for ANY computer if you follow several easy to follow rules.

That being said, I use only the free Defender that comes with Windows and have NEVER experienced a single problem with a virus

Just so we;re clear - the Virus software creators are often the creators of the virus! How else do you think they come up with a cleaner so quickly?

Rules to live by...

• Be safe
• Don't open emails you are not expecting
• If you hover over a link in an email, you can tell if it's a reputable link from the company it claims to be from
• Use a local email client such as Thunderbird not an online client like gmail
• Never, ever, ever store your private information on the web that includes the so called "CLOUD"!!!!!
• The prince of the Congo is NOT going to give  you a million dollars if you send him your bank account information
• The IRS does NOT send emails
• The little old lady at the church does NOT need just a few hundred dollars and will gladly pay you back a thousand once she gets settled
• Stay off the Porm sites - go back scroll something!

Off my soap box

[jerry1939]

Our oldest son has been a computer programmer for decades.  Told us to pay for McAfee, as he does.  He said that with anti-virus,(as most things in life), you get what you pay for.

jerry

[OCtoolguy]

Thanks all. I think I get the picture. I'll give Windows a try. Zone Alarm is a great firewall program. I'll get it too. 

[John B]

I use Avast, but pay for the programme.
i also use Firefox as a browser and it has a lot of anti virus etc features. Malware bites (Free version) and CCleaner (Free version)

 

[crupiea]

I just use windows defender like microsoft advises.  never have an issue. 

The main way to get viruses is opening email pics from freinds.  You know those things with a bunch of political cartoons or funny stuff we all get.  They have been sent to a million other people and we are just the next inline to get it forwarded to. 

Dont open those emails or the pics and you should be fine. 

Of course going to sketchy websites as well and doenloading suspicious pdfs and the like also will get you. 

[OCtoolguy]

Thanks to all. I have decided to try just using the Windows Defender and see how it goes. It sure is nice to not have all the pop-ups from Avast. They get tiring after a while.

 

[Puzzleguy]

Ray ive had two computer ( so called experts ) tell me to get rid of Avast and just use the windows defender 

( think thats its name ) Also CCleaner is good and Malwares is decent as well -

i use the free versions -im cheap.  but my computer is getting old and has its problems

im looking at replacing it soon - my one concern is keeping my photoshop version 6

I had a hard time getting it on the computer - dont want to rent the new version by the month