Is Windows Defender As Good As Norton?

[David H]

My 2 month free Norton subscription has run out, and now have the option of using the built in Windows 8 Defender, or the Virgin Media Security from the ISP. I don't intend to get involved using a paid service which needs annual renewal as I've never needed one, so should I use Defender or Virgin to replace it?

[Answerprancer]

Windows' own security software is every bit as good as anything made by some third party company and probably better. It's also far less invasive, interfering, system clogging and downright bloody annoying!

[Noth43]

Virgin Media's security package used to be based on a Kaspersky product but I think I remember its now powered by Trend Micro. They are behind 'Highjack this' and 'Housecall' and are well respected. I think Microsoft Security Essentials is still the best of the free one's though but there are plenty to choose from.
Comodo security suite:
http://www.comodo.com/home/internet-security/free-internet-security.php
Avast:
http://www.avast.com/en-us/index
Avira:
http://www.avira.com/en/avira-free-antivirus
AVG:
http://free.avg.com/gb-en/homepage
Any of these would be better than Windows defender but personally I'd go with Microsofts offering.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows/security-essentials-download
As methyl mentioned Norton will need uninstalling first using their tool:
https://support.norton.com/sp/en/uk/home/current/solutions/kb20080710133834EN_EndUserProfile_en_us

[VHG]

>>>Afaik Window Defender is not a "built-in", it is a downloadable package from Microsoft which is currently free

Windows Defender IS built in to Windows 8.

It also now includes Microsoft Security Essentials.

[Noth43]

Talking about Malware... whichever option above you go with its also a good idea to supplement that choice with MalwareBytes and run a scan about once a month or so:
http://www.malwarebytes.org/

[pdq1]

I installed Windows Defender today. However soon after my computer slowed considerably and some tasks were not completed and sometimes froze. I have just deleted that Windows Defender using Add/Remove programs via Control Panel and my computer is now back to normal.

[Noth43]

MSE is now the former Windows Defender and is called Windows Defender and included with Windows 8?
Wow, I must keep up!
I thought Microsoft had incurred legal issues with including a full anti-virus package with their OS? Something about monopolising the market?
That was a while ago though. Oh well, learn something new everyday.

[Bazile]

//Windows Defender IS built in to Windows 8.

It also now includes Microsoft Security Essentials. //

VHG - I'm a tiny bit confused here - so what is also in Windows defender additional to MSE ?

[David H]

I think as Windows Defender is so recommended and already on board I'll stick with it, I had Virgin Security for 10 years, and while it does its job it doesn't cover spyware so had Spybot in tandem, and the scans take all night to complete. It also slows down the system at times so although it's part of my package so is Defender so will give it a shot.