Computer Geeks - - Home Computer Anti-virus, security, etc.

[RCW]

I feel like my buddy skeets - he and I are of similar Tech savvy.

What do you guys use for AV, etc.? How much does it cost?

Been using paid AVG subscription for a while. Seems to work well but has some aspects I'm getting tired of.

For example, won't allow access to computer unless you up-sell to VPN, etc., which my "young people" say I don't need.

I have to use Task Manager to "End Task" to shut it off.

I think it costs me ~$40/year without VPN.

Used Norton for several years, but was pricey and really slowed computer down.

For a while also used the protections supplied by the ISP, at the recommendation of our IT guy at work. Was free through the ISP, but for some reason migrated to the AVG.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

Using the free version of AVAST on this Windows10 desktop for years now. No problems......
It's the ONLY program I allow to 'auto update'.

Had free AVG for the Win7 machines didn't need to use TM to shut it down though.
Got rid of Norton decades ago when their 'uninstall' DIDN'T....3 clicks it was up and running again. I 'scrubbed' the HD to get rid of it.

 

[Speed25]

Same- using free AVAST for many years on all the home computers and work computers with no issues.

They're a little tricky during updates, trying to get you to install Chrome or the paid versions, so just read what the screens say before getting all clicky-clicky.

 

[mikester]

If you want to prevent your computer from malware stop surfing porn, don't open emails, and stop using ALL google products. Remove ALL social media products from your device. Never install apps. Don't use wifi, only a hard wired cable connection that you physically disconnect when your device is not in use. Always power your device off when not in use.

VPN does NOTHING to prevent computer malware. Hanging your house keys in the garage doesn't make your house more secure.

 

[RCW]

If you want to prevent your computer from malware stop surfing porn, don't open emails, and stop using ALL google products. Remove ALL social media products from your device. Never install apps. Don't use wifi, only a hard wired cable connection that you physically disconnect when your device is not in use. Always power your device off when not in use.

VPN does NOTHING to prevent computer malware. Hanging your house keys in the garage doesn't make your house more secure.

I'm pretty low risk and careful as far as content, emails, links, etc.

 

[dlsmith]

I quit using aftermarket anti-virus products years ago, and now use Microsoft Security Essentials, it's free, and have never had a problem. It updates itself automatically, and doesn't slow the system down like some do, especially at boot-up, when many do a complete system scan and slow the system to a crawl.
Never used Avast or Norton, but did used AVG when I was running WIN XP.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

Not too sure why anyone would configure their AV to do a complete scan at bootup. providing files are scanned as they're downloaded at marked 'OK', no need to scan them again.Since I have just shy of 147,000 files on this desktop it'd take a coon's age to scan them !