Security needed for new laptop

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lazza58

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# 215558 3-Jul-2017 07:36

I bought a new laptop a month ago. An Asus UX305UA, which has been a fantastic upgrade from my old Toshiba if you're interested in a recommendation.

The pre-installed McAfee is about to run out and I am confused by the vast array of security options. A lot of "expert reviews" on line but how do you tell which are fake and which are marketing etc?

Any recommendations on what works and doesn't slow down the machine would be much appreciated. Thanks

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# 1810658 3-Jul-2017 07:38

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The built in Windows Defender security suite in Windows 10 is pretty good, free and very light weight. You need to uninstall McAfee to activate the Windows Defender. Paid option recommendation would be Sophos, F-Secure, Nod32

Do whatever you want to do man.

michaelmurfy

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# 1810660 3-Jul-2017 07:55

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Windows Defender is your best bet if you're on Windows 10.

freitasm

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Geekzone

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# 1811009 3-Jul-2017 15:32

Built-in Windows 10 Windows Defender is a good free alternative. Personally I use Norton Internet Security on my laptops and mobile devices (tablets and smarrphones) and ESET NOD32 on servers.

lazza58

20 posts

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# 1812723 4-Jul-2017 17:03

Thanks folks. I appreciate the feedback.

1101

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# 1813640 6-Jul-2017 10:44

If you are with Spark for internet, you can get McAfee for free
Its available via the Spark website. Just another option, but most just use Defender

Tradition AV/security programs are becoming less usefull as time goes on. New/zero day virus/malware will usually get passed
any AV (for the first day or so).
Some malware/hackers even use legit programs so may not be detected at all, as they arnt really malware.

Jessenikol

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# 1874997 30-Sep-2017 02:41

Hello,

I would suggest you stick with the Windows Defender Application if you are using Windows 8.1 or Windows 10. Personally, I don't think Anti-Virus software's are worth it and the new Windows Defender is good enough. Also, some Anti-Virus software’s have been accused of intentionally bugging your OS once you decide to discontinue its service.

I hope this answer will help you.

lazza58

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# 1875009 30-Sep-2017 08:36

That's exactly what I've decided to do . Thanks for the reply.

kiwifidget

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# 1875013 30-Sep-2017 09:01

Sophos have a free version for home users.

Its called Sophos Home. :)

You can have it on up to 10 computers per account, and has a web management console.

I installed it on my PC's here , and on the oldies computers.

You cant schedule scans though, but I have setup Defender to do periodic scanning, so double the protection!

Its worth a look at least.

https://home.sophos.com/

Life is too short to remove USB safely.

lazza58

20 posts

Geek

# 1875051 30-Sep-2017 12:04

Thanks for this. I went with Witopia a few weeks ago so all good. Got Sophos on my phone - seems to do a good job.

Batman

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# 1875070 30-Sep-2017 13:26

FWIW i use Avast free and only install file shield and behaviour shield

Involuntary autocorrect in operation on mobile device. Apologies in advance.

freitasm

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# 1875181 30-Sep-2017 17:07

Avast you say? The company hosting a compromised copy of CCleaner that infected more than two million users and could identify the malware on their own servers?

You are either brave or naive.

ANglEAUT

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# 1875257 30-Sep-2017 19:55

Batman: FWIW i use Avast free and only install file shield and behaviour shield

freitasm: Avast you say? The company hosting a compromised copy of CCleaner that infected more than two million users and could identify the malware on their own servers?
You are either brave or naive.

Ouch! That feels harsh! Firstly CClearner is not Avast, the AV software. Nor are they the first or last security company that will be hacked.

Please keep this GZ community vibrant by contributing in a constructive & respectful manner.

ANglEAUT

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# 1875258 30-Sep-2017 19:59

lazza58:

I bought a new laptop a month ago. ... Any recommendations on what works and doesn't slow down the machine would be much appreciated. Thanks

AV software should only be one part or your security solution. You should also consider a firewall, preferably one that blocks outgoing traffic as well as incoming traffic. Especially if you will be taking the laptop to different locations.

Please keep this GZ community vibrant by contributing in a constructive & respectful manner.

Batman

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# 1875270 30-Sep-2017 20:17

freitasm: Avast you say? The company hosting a compromised copy of CCleaner that infected more than two million users and could identify the malware on their own servers?

You are either brave or naive.

oh dear, didn't know ccleaner had anything to do with avast ...

Involuntary autocorrect in operation on mobile device. Apologies in advance.

JayADee

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# 1875338 1-Oct-2017 08:35

Batman:
freitasm: Avast you say? The company hosting a compromised copy of CCleaner that infected more than two million users and could identify the malware on their own servers?

You are either brave or naive.

oh dear, didn't know ccleaner had anything to do with avast ...

They only acquired it in, I think, July. Wonder how much they paid.

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