Confirmation On Anti Virus

[-SharonA-]

On a previous thread it was stated that Windows 10 comes with anti virus.
So if purchasing a new laptop with Windows 10 and the sales assistant with her spiel persuades you to buy an anti virus they sell, have I been conned????

[Bertrum]

Not necessarily it depends on what level of protection you require. Windows 10 Defender while far superior to its predecessor only provides basic protection which may or may not be enough

[TheChair]

Let's put it this way. I have around 300 clients. About 85% of them use Windows Defender. The rest use various paid-for solutions. Neither group has ever suffered a virus. 5 of them have suffered ransomware attacks, 3 (1%) from the Defender group, and 2 (13.3%) from the other group. Ransomware attacks generally rely on social engineering as the attack vector.

[Buenchico]

Windows come with its own anti-virus software but some independent tests (and even statements from Microsoft executives) have suggested that it might not be quite as good as t he better third-party products. (However those test are in the lab; I'm unaware of any evidence to show that Windows Defender is actually deficient 'in the real world').

Windows also comes with its own built-in firewall but it only filters traffic passing in one direction. Some 'experts' suggest that using a 'two-way' firewall is better. Third-party security suites include that type of firewall. (Again, I'm unaware of any evidence to show that the Windows firewall isn't good enough 'in real life').

Windows doesn't come with an anti-malware program. All third-party security suites include one.

So using a third-party security suite MIGHT give you a better anti-virus program and/or firewall and WILL improve your computer's resistance to malware attacks. So the spiel in PC World (etc) isn't a total con.

However there are free 'two-way' firewalls available (such as that offered by Comodo) and there are free anti-malware programs, such as AdwCleaner and the free version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. (You should note though that such programs only 'run on demand', whereas the anti-malware software that you pay for, either as part of a commercial security suite or on its own, will 'run in the back

[Buenchico]

I didn't click 'Answer Now'!!!

To continue . . .

(You should note though that such programs only 'run on demand'whereas the anti-malware software that you pay for, either as part of a commercial security suite or on its own, will 'run in the background', meaning that you're constantly protected against malware).

There might also be a few other 'bells and whistles' with third-party security suites (although I'd question whether most of them are actually of any great value to most people).

So you MIGHT get some benefit by buying a commercial security suite (from McAfee, Norton, Kaspersky, etc) but most people can probably get by with:
(a) EITHER Windows Defender OR a free anti-virus program, such as Avast ; AND
(b) EITHER the Windows Firewall OR a 'two-way' freebie, like Comodo Free Firewall ; AND
(c) EITHER a free anti-malware solution (such as AdwCleaner) OR, if they want 'run in the background' functionality, paying for the Pro version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.

I'm happy enough myself to use:
(a) Avast as my anti-virus program ;
(b) the built-in Windows Firewall ; and
(c) AdwCleaner for protection against malware.

[Guilbert53]

>>>the sales assistant with her spiel persuades you to buy an anti virus

Sadly places like PC World encourage their staff to sell expensive add ons.

I was in PC World a couple of years ago when they had a special offer on a printer, for about £25 I think.

An old couple came in to buy one and I was behind them when they got to the till.

The sales assistant said "you will need a cable, that is another £9.99"

"Oh and the printer only comes with half filled ink containers so suggest you buy some extra ink, that is £50"

"Also how would you like to take out insurance on this product for another £15?" (on a product costing £25 !!!)

When he added it all up it came to over £100.

The old couple stood there and wondered how their £25 printer was going to cost them over £100.

I suggested that maybe they did not need insurance on a product costing £25.

This got a glare from the sales assistant and I was quickly moved to another till.

PC World will do all they can to get people to purchase more expensive add-ons, they don't care if the person needs it or not.

And to answer your question, yes you were conned.

We now have 6 PCs in our house amongst all my family and for the last 15 years have NEVER paid for security software and NEVER been hit by a virus or malware.

As long as you backup your files regularly then you are fine with the security built in to Windows 10.

[Guilbert53]

Following on from my update above, can I say one more thing.

IF you did buy Anti Virus from the shop (PC World?) you almost certainly paid more for it than you needed to.

All these anti virus / security companies offer special deals for new users / customers, to encourage you to buy the product for the first year at a low price.

You can find these deals online at various web sites.

They make their money by charging you top price for the second and following years. In fact they often set up "auto renew" so you are charged for the second and following years automatically so watch out for that.

[-SharonA-]

Thanks everyone. Lesson learnt for next time.
Will be downloading Adw and Avast.