Windows 10 Defender

[mikey4444]

I am now trying to set up some anti-virus software on my now PC. Someone told me yesterday, that I should already be covered by Windows 10 Defender.

If that is so, how can I tell if its on or not, and if I haven't turned it on, how do I do that ? And is it free ?

[Togo]

If your computer is running Windows 8 or 10, you can use the built-in Windows Defender  to help you get rid of viruses, spyware, or other malware. If your computer is running Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP, Windows Defender only removes spyware. To get rid of viruses and other malware, including spyware, on Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP, you need to use Microsoft Security Essentials.
If you’re following common sense and other good security practices, Windows Defender is fine, depending on your risk tolerance. However, if you’re regularly downloading pirated applications or engaging in other high-risk behavior pay for a top end product. One thing with defender it is not going to blitz you with pop up ads and offers or track you to pass on info for profit. I would also consider top end third party security if you are running a business from home on a system that has confidential information or controls accounts containing large amounts of money. Illegal streaming sites, porn sites, etc are the main source of malware, and even with good paid for security you are still at risk if say adobe or youtube are compromised and you use them. Include paypal and amazon to those examples.

[Togo]

Mikey it may be worth you reading this info on w10. It is pretty succinct and not biased. Do not though run the options like clean up your w10 files, scan for malware, speed up w10. etc. Just read the advice mikey. It is a safe site.

[Bazile]

(sorry mikey )

Togo

I use the free edition of Microsoft Security Essentials ( i assume there is a paid for version ? )

For the avoidance of doubt - if you use paypal and sites like amazon/ ebay or do internet banking ; does the free Microsoft Security Essentials , provide adequate protection ?

[Togo]

MSE is free Baz from Microsoft. as is Defender. No amount of protection can help you if amazon or paypal get hacked. If you, like me, are online banking I have to presume that at some stage your bank has asked you if you are willing, and also recommended that you do, run Trusteer rapport as it was but is now calling itself trusteer end point protection. As far as I know all our High St banks all use this system from IBM. Whenever you log into your account a little pop up usually appears to say blah blah bank is protecting you via trusteer end point . If you would like to send me your bank details I will check it for you(^_*). Coutts I do not know about. I have never used any of the security systems advertised that did not themselves become the problem" Norton being the worst of the lot, for slowing down and taking control of your machine.

[Togo]

One of the issues you may eventually encounter Baz is Microsoft gradually withdrawing support for old operating systems and the security systems they provide for them. Probably with less upgrading for systems they no longer intend developing.

[Togo]

Just to clarify Trusteer Endpoint /Rapport is the banks secuity sytem but you have to allow it to peer into your gubbins for any threats. It does not switch off defender or MSE like other third party systems do.

[Bazile]

thanks for the info Togo

[Togo]

Pleasure Baz. But again anyone online banking or using paypal, amazon, ebay, etc is advised not to tuck the website away in bookmarks/favourites with any of the log in details embedded in the url. Rather just save the site and log in afresh every time you use the facility. A pain I know but belt and braces and all that.

[mikey4444]

Update !

I now have my Norton anti-virus on new PC. I contacted Norton and theysent a fix by mail.

When I bought my new Lenovo on Tuesday, it came with a free 1 month trial of McCafee. When I enacted the email fix from Norton, it couldn't proceed until this had been removed, so it went ahead and removed it.... pronto !

The whole procedure took about 10 mins and the Norton is now working away quite happily in the background.

It seems that you can't have 2 anti-virus programs on a PC at the same time.

I have to give credit to Norton......they couldn't have been more helpful if they had tried !

[Old_Geezer]

No indeed. They look at each other's activity with suspicion, and interfere.

[mikey4444]

OG....Up until just over a year ago, I used Mcafee, and I had no complaint.

But in March 2015, they charged me twice on my automatic renewal, and it took nearly three months to get the money back. So I signed up with Norton instead.

I know what people have said about defender and other free programs but its very satisfying to know that Norton is plodding away n the background !

[Togo]

Mikey see last line at 16:38 Wed.

[mikey4444]

Togo...over the last year, I haven't encountered any problems with Norton, but I shall be watching carefully in the future !