Is it worth paying for Antivirus?

[Fabiopaim]

Just been quoted £122 for two years cover. Seems excessive for a desktop computer I barely use nowadays.

 

[Peppery_John]

Just get Avast, had it for years and does a great job.

 

[Fabiopaim]

How much is that a year?

 

[Steer]

Free

 

[DCI_Gene_Hunt]

Just use Windows Defender (free) - as long as you are just web surfing normally you'll be fine.

 

[Priv]

You can get a norton code online for a tenner a year

 

[Muttley]

Just use Windows Defender (free) - as long as you are just web surfing normally you'll be fine.

Yep, agree with that, Windows Defender is actually pretty good nowadays.

 

[futureboy]

Bitdefender seems to be doing a good job on my laptop (cue somebody with IT knowledge coming along and telling me all the reasons why I'm wrong )

 

[Fabiopaim]

Free sounds good! What's the catch though? What do they gain from giving you it for free?

 

[Comforts_comforter]

Free sounds good! What's the catch though? What do they gain from giving you it for free?

It'll keep offering (periodically) the paid version as the free one only offers basic protection. It will also scan your PC and suggest registry and firmware fixes but only if you upgrade to the paid version. All kosher and nothing wrong with a bit of upselling. They have to make money somehow. Just resist and keep selecting basic protection. Antivirus, regardless of subscription or free, will always be one step behind the viruses anyway. Just be diligent and you'll be fine.

 

[italianjob]

Just use the built in Windows Security, it's more than adequate.

 

[Redwurzel]

If you are a male MP I would invest in some strong anti-virus stuff.

 

[asredastheycome]

It'll keep offering (periodically) the paid version as the free one only offers basic protection. It will also scan your PC and suggest registry and firmware fixes but only if you upgrade to the paid version. All kosher and nothing wrong with a bit of upselling. They have to make money somehow. Just resist and keep selecting basic protection. Antivirus, regardless of subscription or free, will always be one step behind the viruses anyway. Just be diligent and you'll be fine.

That's what I use. Fine so far.

 

[Same_as_before]

If you are a male MP I would invest in some strong anti-virus stuff.

Brilliant

 

[ThatFragranceGuy]

Free sounds good! What's the catch though? What do they gain from giving you it for free?

ad supported sometimes, bundled apps, pro feature upgrades etc

In terms of windows, it's around product perception. Windows defender is pretty god and doesn't mess with your system like some AV stuff does

 

[GazBoro]

Just use the built in Windows Security, it's more than adequate.

This ^^

I've never installed or used a commercial anti virus product for over 5 years now, never had a problem.

 

[grumpyoldgit]

Another vote here for Avast. AVG is still installed on an old laptop and seems to work OK.

 

[Nano]

Every antivirus I've ever tried had slowed my computer down more than the viruses they are supposed to be protecting be from. They are not needed.

Every time a family member had asked for help because their computer was slow it was the antivirus or some sort of security that was the problem. That Rappaport that Santander always tries to get you to install is the worst offender.

 

[RedAsABeetroot]

That Rappaport that Santander always tries to get you to install is the worst offender.

I agree about Raport, it's terrible.