Microsoft Anti Virus

[malagabob]

I have been paying a subscription for McAfee antivirus which is due for renewal. I was thinking of letting it lapse and downloading Microsofts free one.
Anyone have it and has anyone had any issues TIA

[chardon713]

I used to use Norton (SYMANTEC) ... switched to McAfee and was jerked about when renewal time came , so switched back to Norton... which I like.

Microsoft product is free ... but is not as comprehensive/good/accurate as that provided by a supplier whose sole business is security

[chelle7272]

I use Microsoft essentials together with the free version of malwarebytes as advised on here. I've never had any problems.

[Old_Geezer]

If you read past threads here you will see the consensus is that MS Essentials are ok but better free ones are out there. Have a read of others' opinions on past threads.

[TonyV]

Think AVG antivirus is free to download for single user

[Bathsheba]

I know less than nowt about techy stuff,....but I'm like a dog with bone on researching, + I took on board some excellent + helpful advice from here and now use Avast, and Malwarebytes...(free versions of both).

x x

[SlackAlice]

The main free ones are Avast, Kaspersky, AVG and Comodo. Microsoft have admitted their own freebie MSE isn't up to scratch.

However, please check with your bankers. Many offer free packages to customers.

[HansUrbancka]

Irrespective of the fact that I am happy with MSE (Microsoft Security Essentials ) there are lots of other free ones. There is certainly No need to pay for an Anti Virus programme.

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/shopping/free-anti-virus-software

Hans.

[VHG]

Note that PC security is MORE than JUST anti-virus.

While a free anti-virus product may be good at looking for viruses it may not be good at looking for other security problems, malware for example.

A full Internet Security package is best, which most security providers supply (at a cost).

Having said that I run Microsoft Security Essentials and Malwarebytes and it has been fine for me.

My son has the same security software on his PC and he visits all sorts of dodgy sites and these two products have managed to keep his PC clean (though you do have to run Malwarebytes manually unless you pay for it).

[HansUrbancka]

MSE and the free edition of Malwarebytes should be sufficient for all home PCs. It's sometimes a matter of being careful about the sites one visits, and this is where I find that WOT (Web of Trust ) is a useful Browser Add-on. It advises one, with an 'on-screen' notification, if a site is deemed to be unsafe/untrustworthy.

Just Search for WOT and, dependent upon what Browser is in use, you will be offered an appropriate download.

Hans.

[janbee]

I had Norton for 6 years then changed it to Kaspersky, which I HATED !! Had that for a year and now have a freebie ,AVG which I like

[Khandro]

I use Microsoft Essentials and have no problems. I wonder how anyone who says that other systems are better know that for a fact, I mean 'no problems' means just that.

[HansUrbancka]

@methyl....Your posting at 15.08 is the first time that I have heard of MSE being an automatic part of Windows 7. I know it is so far as W8 is concerned.

Hans.

[Bazile]

I have Microsoft Security Essentials .

Does it come in versions - if so , what is the latest version i should be using ?

[HansUrbancka]

@Bazile........MSE should be automatically up-dating itself.

Click open MSE > Update and it should give you today's date of having up-dated to 1.187.4230.

Hans.

[Old_Geezer]

I didn't realise that Kaspersky did a free one.

[HansUrbancka]

@Old_Geezer.....You can get a free 30day Trial of Kaspersky. However, if you want a permanent free programme, it will be necessary to have 'on-line' Banking with Barclays.

I quote from the earlier link which I gave ^^^^

//"Barclays' online banking customers can grab a free 12-month Kaspersky Internet Security antivirus subscription (RRP £50).

It comes very highly-rated by various tech publications, so it's a must-have if you bank with Barclays. You can renew it free after the first year, but you'll need to reactivate it again."//

Hans