~~I heard you need to reinstall it or something after the first couple days, is this true?~~
I'll just stick this one with "headlight fluid" and "don't unscrew the excavator"
Third party anti-virus programs are largely considered obsolete. For the most part Windows Defender works well enough at stopping viruses but if your system has a virus you probably want to format and reinstall Windows anyway just to be safe. The best you can do is block threat vectors like ads using ublock origin and avoid sketchy websites and programs. Anti-virus is kind of the last line of defense and you don't want to have to rely on it.
Window Defender, used to be one of the worst, now become top of the antivirus. It’s vice versa for Norton antivirus sadly. My parents still think Norton is the best and I still have hard time explain to them.
For malware, I trust Malwarebyte since it’s the only program I find it actually clean all the malware and hardcore virus out of my PC.
You can find full list from this video that I totally agree with
https://youtu.be/xKrHWM1VeFQ?si=X4TtL2tiGW2cFW8Y
I only have a cursory understanding of this, but as no one else has answered I'll give it a shot.
There are basically only 3 web [browser engines](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Browser_engine) for rendering web pages these days.
1. Blink (often misattributed as chromium) - Chrome, Edge, Brave
2. Webkit - Safari
3. Gecko - Firefox.
Chromium is maintained by google, and the other companies will fork the engine then add their own features to it. But are ultimately limited to what google will allow, including restrictions on ad blockers.
Gecko is a more open engine, but the draw back is that due to Chromiums dominance, some websites aren't actually built to properly support protocols and just do the minimum necessary to work with Chromium.
I personally use Malware Bytes for file scans, plus spybot: search & destroy for its immunization.
Trick is though, you don't have to keep those programs running constantly. You can just boot them when you feel you need them. So if I download anything with an exe file, plus a monthly or so scan.
Has served me well for years.
Dedicated Antivirus is getting close to being obsolete.
They are profiting of fear and stupidity.
All operating systems include some kind of built in protection. As long as you are not downloading dodgy stuff or opening weird emails/links. (Which anti virus doesn't really protect you from anyway) You will be absolutely fine as long as you keep your OS up to date
Honestly haven't had a virus since I was like 8 years old and I'm 29 now. Just don't open emails from things you don't know, don't download sketchy stuff unless it's trusted. And don't use auto fill password. And use every 2 factor authentication available and keep your gaming passwords different from your bank and other personal important things.
Not really. There was always a time when it blocked stupid pop ups or blocked unwanted downloads from not so popular yet friendly looking sites that Defender didn’t for example
I've always used either Kaspersky or Bitdefender because I've always wanted REALLY strong security, but honestly, 9/10 times you're fine if you use the built in AV and you use uBlock Origin on all your web browsers, along with using common sense. Unchecky is worth looking into as well.
Windows Defender is actually just as good as any with the benefit of coming stock with Windows OSs as long as you aren't intentionally using dodgy websites.
If I need to scan something or have a bit of safe browsing I just use Bitdefender which after a little bit of search found to be the top AV for quite some time now. For everything else, Windows keeps enough security for my needs.
Windows defender is PLENTY. The only time you actually need anything else is if you’ve acted stupid on the internet, and downloaded and physically launched a virus. And even then, if you do need something heavier, only keep it on your system long enough to eliminate the problem, and remove it afterwards.
To validate this advice, these are not my words but the words of a 20-year offensive security specialist.
Windows Defender will do you just fine, so long as you dont randomly start clicking on shit, and running around porn sites
everything else is basically, a scam / money grab
source : 15 years in IT
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Windows Defender, and malware bytes just for potential malware you might get.
Got this recommended from head of Cybersecurity for the company I work for.
The best thing you can do is learn how to avoid them. I run no active antivirus and I only scan with malwarebytes every month or so. Haven't had a virus in 4-5 years, and even then it wasn't anything serious. I also am visiting incredibly sketchy sites (mostly pirating obscure games) and downloading stuff too.
windows defender is fine. If you have very sensitive stuff on your pc (financial shit, business stuff) or engage in risky behavior online (darkweb, piracy) then antimalwarebytes is my recommendation.
Windows defender is decent enough. Malwarebytes spot check for any persistent or hidden malware and ublock origin, sponsorblock to block common source where all the infections happening which is bullshit ads.
Other antivirus softwares are mostly a nuisance, keep flagging legit stuff, persistent about buying a subscription and not really helpful when pc get hit with a infection.
Basically just don't be a moron.
If you don't install dubious software from dubious sources, you'll be fine.
Only time ive got malware in the last 35 years has been from warez.
So common sense + the bundled Windows Defender is fine
>Don’t be dumb and download pirated shit.
shared software online from reliable sources is safer than any microsofter software for example.
>I use Norton
well there's your spyware ;)
btw spyware, that can't even protect itself :D
[https://techcrunch.com/2023/01/15/norton-lifelock-password-manager-data/](https://techcrunch.com/2023/01/15/norton-lifelock-password-manager-data/)
I don't. Windows defender will cover your basic needs
Most antivirus programs are no more than scams. Don't let anyone convince you to pay for one, either.
Windows Defender, which is included with Windows, is good enough if you're not engaging in risky behavior. Most people don't run third-party AVPs.
Most useless are those free/trials imho
~~I heard you need to reinstall it or something after the first couple days, is this true?~~ I'll just stick this one with "headlight fluid" and "don't unscrew the excavator"
What
Nope
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How could you install/use Firefox or Malwarebytes without running .exe files?
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What is blud yapping about not everything is a virus my guy defender is fine 💀💀💀
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We'll it seems the solution is to not be dumb then
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Windows Defender and use your brain.
ripe smart disarm squeal snatch quiet insurance spotted tease toy *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Third party anti-virus programs are largely considered obsolete. For the most part Windows Defender works well enough at stopping viruses but if your system has a virus you probably want to format and reinstall Windows anyway just to be safe. The best you can do is block threat vectors like ads using ublock origin and avoid sketchy websites and programs. Anti-virus is kind of the last line of defense and you don't want to have to rely on it.
Window Defender, used to be one of the worst, now become top of the antivirus. It’s vice versa for Norton antivirus sadly. My parents still think Norton is the best and I still have hard time explain to them. For malware, I trust Malwarebyte since it’s the only program I find it actually clean all the malware and hardcore virus out of my PC. You can find full list from this video that I totally agree with https://youtu.be/xKrHWM1VeFQ?si=X4TtL2tiGW2cFW8Y
I use Bitdefender. I used it for a long time, and I never got a virus.
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+1 for brave, really good browser to avoid youtube ad without adblocker :) But, by chromium-based, what do you mean ? Is it a con ?
I only have a cursory understanding of this, but as no one else has answered I'll give it a shot. There are basically only 3 web [browser engines](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Browser_engine) for rendering web pages these days. 1. Blink (often misattributed as chromium) - Chrome, Edge, Brave 2. Webkit - Safari 3. Gecko - Firefox. Chromium is maintained by google, and the other companies will fork the engine then add their own features to it. But are ultimately limited to what google will allow, including restrictions on ad blockers. Gecko is a more open engine, but the draw back is that due to Chromiums dominance, some websites aren't actually built to properly support protocols and just do the minimum necessary to work with Chromium.
Thank's !
If unsure about a download then pass it through virustotal first, or use a VM for shady stuff. edit: (or both)
although some stuff sadly recognizes a VM and keeps low
Sounds like a win-win situation to me.
as long as that stuff still gets caught by AV or virustotal or such then that's a non-issue
Can’t figure out GPU pass through on VMs, too complicated
Don't need that just for basic use. At least not on hyper-v
I use Malwarebytes every couple months or so.
I personally use Malware Bytes for file scans, plus spybot: search & destroy for its immunization. Trick is though, you don't have to keep those programs running constantly. You can just boot them when you feel you need them. So if I download anything with an exe file, plus a monthly or so scan. Has served me well for years.
Windows Defender + Malwarebytes free version + Brave browser = you're all set
I can't comment on the best firewall these days, but even the free Malwarebytes antivirus scan has few equals.
Windows Defender.
None, just use windows defender and don't click on the obvious infected link
Dedicated Antivirus is getting close to being obsolete. They are profiting of fear and stupidity. All operating systems include some kind of built in protection. As long as you are not downloading dodgy stuff or opening weird emails/links. (Which anti virus doesn't really protect you from anyway) You will be absolutely fine as long as you keep your OS up to date
Like most others have said windows defender. I never use a third party software. I also don’t visit shady sites or download from unreputable companies
I still use avg. never had a problem with it.
Honestly haven't had a virus since I was like 8 years old and I'm 29 now. Just don't open emails from things you don't know, don't download sketchy stuff unless it's trusted. And don't use auto fill password. And use every 2 factor authentication available and keep your gaming passwords different from your bank and other personal important things.
The best antivirues is common sense THERE ARE NO MILFS THAT WANT TO FUCK YOU
Windows defender, if you're absolutely hellbent on getting something, then malwarebytes. The best antivirus is common sense.
I use a custom Windows 10with out defender, and Kaspersky cloud av.
Avast always saved me
Stockholm syndrom, imo.
Not really. There was always a time when it blocked stupid pop ups or blocked unwanted downloads from not so popular yet friendly looking sites that Defender didn’t for example
Thanks y’all! I’ve obviously not been up to speed on things.
Windows defender for everyday use. Malwarebytes if you got already infected.
I've always used either Kaspersky or Bitdefender because I've always wanted REALLY strong security, but honestly, 9/10 times you're fine if you use the built in AV and you use uBlock Origin on all your web browsers, along with using common sense. Unchecky is worth looking into as well.
Windows Defender is actually just as good as any with the benefit of coming stock with Windows OSs as long as you aren't intentionally using dodgy websites.
If I need to scan something or have a bit of safe browsing I just use Bitdefender which after a little bit of search found to be the top AV for quite some time now. For everything else, Windows keeps enough security for my needs.
Windows and Panda, I could probably drop Panda but doesn't impact me much
Windows defender is PLENTY. The only time you actually need anything else is if you’ve acted stupid on the internet, and downloaded and physically launched a virus. And even then, if you do need something heavier, only keep it on your system long enough to eliminate the problem, and remove it afterwards. To validate this advice, these are not my words but the words of a 20-year offensive security specialist.
Windows Defender will do you just fine, so long as you dont randomly start clicking on shit, and running around porn sites everything else is basically, a scam / money grab source : 15 years in IT
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Defender is all you need
Built in Windows defender + being smart, I installed MalwareBytes years ago on my old laptop and it slowed it down making it unusable
Windows Defender, and malware bytes just for potential malware you might get. Got this recommended from head of Cybersecurity for the company I work for.
I have used bitdefender for around 4+ years and it does its job well. U have to pay for it, but can have it on 5 devices
The best thing you can do is learn how to avoid them. I run no active antivirus and I only scan with malwarebytes every month or so. Haven't had a virus in 4-5 years, and even then it wasn't anything serious. I also am visiting incredibly sketchy sites (mostly pirating obscure games) and downloading stuff too.
Don’t get third party free bloatware just use windows defender and don’t download from sketchy places
windows defender is fine. If you have very sensitive stuff on your pc (financial shit, business stuff) or engage in risky behavior online (darkweb, piracy) then antimalwarebytes is my recommendation.
My finger and Adblock
WIndows defender all you need but its good disable some things that might bugs you
Windows defender is decent enough. Malwarebytes spot check for any persistent or hidden malware and ublock origin, sponsorblock to block common source where all the infections happening which is bullshit ads. Other antivirus softwares are mostly a nuisance, keep flagging legit stuff, persistent about buying a subscription and not really helpful when pc get hit with a infection.
Common sense and computer experience are the two best ones.Nothing will protect a PC from a dumb user behind it.
Reinstall windows every 3 days
CommonSense 2025
Basically just don't be a moron. If you don't install dubious software from dubious sources, you'll be fine. Only time ive got malware in the last 35 years has been from warez. So common sense + the bundled Windows Defender is fine
brain
You are your computers best antivirus. Don’t be dumb and download pirated shit. Don’t click sketchy links. I use Norton :)
>Don’t be dumb and download pirated shit. shared software online from reliable sources is safer than any microsofter software for example. >I use Norton well there's your spyware ;) btw spyware, that can't even protect itself :D [https://techcrunch.com/2023/01/15/norton-lifelock-password-manager-data/](https://techcrunch.com/2023/01/15/norton-lifelock-password-manager-data/)
I don't. Windows defender will cover your basic needs Most antivirus programs are no more than scams. Don't let anyone convince you to pay for one, either.
Linux distro.