Windows Defender - good option?

johnb35

Administrator
Staff member
Windows defender is garbage, always has been. Use the free version of Avast and do a custom install and only have these options checked.

avast2.jpg
 

aldan

Active Member
spybot isnt what it once was,but malwarebytes is a good solid program.my theory on security is to run a layered approach.i run avast,malwarebytes antiexploit,and malwarebytes paid version.
 

johnb35

Administrator
Staff member
Defender is a lot better than it used to be. Paid AV will be better but calling it garbage is pretty far off IMO.
You are allowed your opinion but I'm pretty sure the rest of the world doesn't agree with you.
 

_Pete_

Active Member
Not really helpful to the OP but I agree with Darren. None of the available antivirus programs available to us mere mortals are particularly good. Defender is as good as any of the free ones and, much more importantly IMO, is that it doesn't nag you to buy the full version or pop up silly childish reminders with a pretty tune telling me to do this or that. It doesn't take over your computer like Avast or AVG or Eset or Norton or Mcfee etc. It just works in the background occasionally saying that a scan is required and it's already in Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. I have only ever used Microsoft Security Essentials, now called Windows Defender in Windows 10. I will agree that the old Windows Defender was rubbish but that was only an anti-malware program. The new, Windows 10 Defender is a whole different beast. To keep malware nasties away I use Malwarebytes. Again the free version and I have been using this combination for years on at least 3 home computers and so far I haven't had any problems.
 

johnb35

Administrator
Staff member
spybot isnt what it once was
I totally agree on this. I used to use it back in the day until malwarebytes came along.
i run avast,malwarebytes antiexploit,and malwarebytes paid version.
If you run paid malwarebytes then you shouldn't have to run avast. Just my thoughts.
It doesn't take over your computer like Avast
Thats why you need to do a custom install of Avast to get rid of the popups and stuff. I don't get nagged to upgrade to full version at all.
 

aldan

Active Member
Not really helpful to the OP but I agree with Darren. None of the available antivirus programs available to us mere mortals are particularly good. Defender is as good as any of the free ones and, much more importantly IMO, is that it doesn't nag you to buy the full version or pop up silly childish reminders with a pretty tune telling me to do this or that. It doesn't take over your computer like Avast or AVG or Eset or Norton or Mcfee etc. It just works in the background occasionally saying that a scan is required and it's already in Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. I have only ever used Microsoft Security Essentials, now called Windows Defender in Windows 10. I will agree that the old Windows Defender was rubbish but that was only an anti-malware program. The new, Windows 10 Defender is a whole different beast. To keep malware nasties away I use Malwarebytes. Again the free version and I have been using this combination for years on at least 3 home computers and so far I haven't had any problems.
so,what evidence do you back up your statement that defender is as good as any of the free ones?you might want to quantify that statement.check these sites out.
https://www.av-test.org/en/antivirus/home-windows/
https://www.av-comparatives.org/
and i totally agree with john,defender is crap.even ms doesnt recommend it as your primary protection.
 

Agent Smith

Well-Known Member
I just use Bitdefender Free and Cryptoprevent which will help stop ransomware. You might want to consider running your browser in Sandboxie.
 

Jiniix

Well-Known Member
I like to live life dangerously, I don't use an anti virus.
But I do use a completely different computer with Linux/barebone W7 for sketchy software / links :)
 

Calin

Well-Known Member
I usually don't use an AV either, unless I go full retard and do something stupid, in which case I install Malwarebytes. That's my favorite one because I really like the UI and heard good things about it.
 

Delt4ninj4

Member
Microsoft Security Essentials -- also known as Windows Defender in Windows 8 and up -- is solid for the average user. However, if you want to pay for a better antivirus I would highly recommend Webroot. It is super light on resources and is wonderful against ransomware / cryptoware. Also, Malwarebytes is a wonderful program to use on your system, run a system scan every once in awhile. You can also buy Malwarebytes premium, which gives you real-time protection.

-Delt4ninj4
 
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